Thursday, July 9, 2009

How to Take Care of Your Toenails

Many people take great care of their hands and fingernails, but forget all about their toenails. Your feet are what carry you around from place to place, so it’s important to take care of them. And if you’re planning on wearing sandals and open-toe shoes during the summer, you’ll want great-looking feet and toenails.


Instructions

Things You'll Need:
Epsom salts
Anti-bacterial cream
Nail clippers or scissors
Cuticle moisturizer

Step 1
Wash and dry your feet and nails every day. Make sure to dry your feet thoroughly to prevent Athlete’s foot.

Step 2
Soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salts once a week to soften rough skin. Again, be sure to dry your feet thoroughly afterwards.

Step 3
Trim your toenails at least every couple of weeks. Use straight scissors or nail clippers to cut straight across the nail—never cut down the sides of the nail. This will help prevent ingrown toenails.

Step 4
Always trim the nail so that it is flush with your toe. If you trim the nail too short, the end may push into your skin.

Step 5
After trimming nails, gently push back the cuticles on your toes and use a cuticle moisturizer.


Tips & Warnings

If your nails are hard and difficult to cut, trim them after showering or soaking your feet. Nails are much softer after being immersed in water for several minutes.

You can treat ingrown toenails at home by bathing in warm water and Epsom salts twice a day to help relieve pain. Apply an antibacterial cream after each water bath.

Never treat an ingrown toenail at home if you have diabetes or another circulatory problem. See your doctor or podiatrist for any and all foot-related medical problems.

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