Diabetic Toenails: Top Tips for Proper Trimming

Good Nail care is essential to maintain foothealth. Diabetics have a higher risk of developing infections and may face extra risks if their diabetic toenails are cut incorrectly. Regular trimming can prevent the following:

• ingrown nails
• infections
• discomfort
• wounds

The safest ways to trim to avoid any accidental harm to your skin or nails.
Here’s a guide to help you or a loved one safely manage nail care at home.

Top Things That Diabetics Must Know

1. Why Proper Toenail Care Matters for Diabetics?

Nails can sometimes grow unevenly due to footwear pressure, onychauxis (thickening of nail plates) and onychomycosis (fungal nail infections). This can lead to many issues like ingrown nails and ulcerations that form under the nail plate. For diabetics, skipping salon pedicures would be advisable. Nails must be filed down on a weekly basis with a clean nail file, diabetics must avoid cutting nails themselves if vision is impaired and when the nails must be cut they should be cut with a clean sterile clipper and cut to a ‘safe’ level. Our Podiatrist’s define the ‘safe level’ by leaving the free edge of the nail (white oart of the nail plate) and not cutting below this as cutting nails too low can cause the nail to ingrow, increase sensitivity and create a wound which is a portal of entry for bacteria.
Taking the right steps for toenail trimming can help you avoid complications. This way you good foot health is easily maintained.

2. How Often Should Toenails Be Trimmed?

Toenails grow slower than fingernails. They may only need filing every two weeks. Trimming nails too frequently can place unnecessary stress on your nail beds and equally waiting too long can lead to overgrown nails and subungal
ulceration (wounds that form under the nail plate).

3. Choosing the Right Nail Nippers

Using the right tools is essential for safe diabetic toenails trimming. Toenail clippers are usually larger and stronger than fingernail clippers. They are designed to handle thicker toenails.
Always use proper toenail clippers. This is because using the wrong type will make trimming more difficult. It will also increase the risk of damaging the nails.

4. Clean and Sanitize Clippers

Diabetics are at a higher risk of infection. So, it is essential to use clean tools.
• Sanitize your toenail clippers before and after trimming.
• For sanitization of clippers, you can use rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab.This step helps remove any bacteria or fungi that could otherwise transfer to the nail bed or small cuts. This will reduce the infection risk.

5. Dry Toenails Are Easier to Cut

It might seem easier to cut toenails after a bath. But moist nails are softer and may tear or fray. Instead, clean the feet with warm water and a natural liquid soap after you have cut them.Be cautious of water temperature, especially if there’s nerve damage (neuropathy) affecting the feet. This is because some diabetics may not feel the temperature increase die to damaged nerve endings. It is advisable that when bathing the feet, testing the water temperature with the hands before washing the feet is safer.

6. Handling Thickened Toenails

Sometimes diabetic toenails are thick due to a fungal infection, psoriasis or eczema. In such cases, filing the top of the nail plates and filing the length down may reduce the thickness. After filing, soaking the feet on a regular basis may soften them as well as applying our best selling Cleansing & Hydrating Nail Drops on a daily basis will improve the appearance as well as keeping thickened nails healthy as https://footlift.co.uk/product/cleansing-hydrating-nail-drops/

The advice the our Podiatrist’s offer when thickened nails must be trimmed is to
make small cuts instead of trying to remove a large section of the nail at once. This will help to prevent splintering.

7. Cut Toenails in Sections

Trying to cut a toenail in one big clip can lead to rough edges. It can even result in tearing. This is more in the case of thicker nails.
Instead, trim larger nails in two sections. Start by cutting from one side to the middle. Then cut from the other side to meet the first cut.
This approach reduces pressure on the nail. It helps ensure a smooth trim without pulling or causing injury to the nail bed.

8. Avoid Cutting Nails Too Short or at an Angle

Cutting nails straight across instead of avoid cutting into the corners could prevent the risk of developing an ingrown nail.
Ingrown nails can easily become infected. The possibility is higher if there is an accidental cut around the nail.

9. Smooth the Edges with a Nail File

Filing your toenails after trimming ensures they are smooth and prevents the nails catching on anything. A jagged edge could accidentally scratch your skin and catch on the nail lkate, in extreme cases causing the nail plate to lift off. This can lead to small cuts that are slow to heal and the potential for nail detachment.
Gently file each nail to remove any sharp or uneven edges. This is for added safety and comfort.

10. Check Your Feet Regularly

Frequent foot checks by a Podiatrist foot doctor are essential for diabetics. This is to monitor for any:
• Cuts
• bruising
• Signs of infection

And to check:

– Circulation and blood flow
– Nerves
Small cuts or ulcers can worsen if left untreated. So it’s good to make a habit of inspecting your feet daily. You must do this often if you have neuropathy or other conditions that affect sensation in your feet.
Look for the following things:
• any redness
• swelling
• foreign bodies that are caught in the skin

11. When to Seek Professional Help from a Podiatrist

You may be uncertain about trimming your toenails. Or you may notice issues like:
• Discoloration
• Thickening
• Ingrown nails
In all such cases consult a podiatrist. A professional can trim your nails safely. They can check for other foot-related concerns.

12. Foot Care: Scheduling Regular Appointments

Routine check-ups can help you maintain foot health. It becomes possible to address any issues before they become severe.
Consider scheduling regular appointments for nail trimming and foot examinations in order to ensure that tge feet are healthy. It also helps to detect any potential problems and early diagnosis.
Final Thoughts
Nailcare is an essential part of foot care and maintaining foothealth.
Regular check-ups and Foot Treatments involving The Medical Pedicure and The Footlift with our Podiatry team keep the feet healthy and provide your feet with comfort.
For the best foot care in the London, schedule a Biomechanical Assesment or Foot treatment here at The Footlift London.