Top Toenail Care Tips for Healthier Feet

Caring for your toes may not be high on your list of priorities. But when your toenails don't receive the right attention, they may encounter damage that results in an unbearably painful condition. Toenail care is especially important when you have diabetes, as any infection you get could grow out of control. Fortunately, great toe care doesn't require too much effort and your actions will pay dividends when it comes to your health.

Cut Your Nails Weekly

Depending on how fast your toenails grow, you should cut them weekly or every other week. Keeping them clean and short prevents them from cutting into the areas around them. In turn, this reduces your risk of infection.

If you rely on a nail technician to give you pedicures, make sure they're gentle and avoid abrasions. Ask them to be particularly kind to your cuticles, as pushing them back too far increases your risk of infection too.

Aim for a Rounded Shape

If you cut your toenails yourself or if someone else helps you, make sure you aim for a rounded shape. You can achieve this by using a curved clipper. If there are any jagged edges, make sure you file them so that they're round and unlikely to cut into you.

Combat Fungus

Make sure you wash your feet on a daily basis to keep fungus at bay. You can do this as a part of your normal hygiene routine to make life easier. To bolster your efforts, add an anti-fungal powder or cream to the mix.

Make sure you change your socks at least once per day or more often if your feet become wet. Wet feet are prone to fungal growth, which can result in your toenails thickening and becoming difficult to manage.

Moisturise Your Nails

If you enjoy painting your toenails, there's no need to stop. However, you do need to make the switch to using products that are free from formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate and toluene, as they're all incredibly drying. 

In addition to using toenail-friendly products, mositurise them using vitamin E oil. Make sure you rub the oil right back to the cuticle for the best results. Moisturizing your toenails prevents them from becoming brittle and an infection risk.

Should you feel as though you need help with your toenail care, it's worth looking for a podiatrist. If you're living with a disability, you can try looking for an NDIS podiatry provider instead. With their advice and treatments, you can create an excellent toenail care routine together.