Cutting your toenails properly is an important step in preventing painful ingrown toenails a condition when nails curve and grow into the skin, which often leads to pain and sometimes to infection.There are six main components or steps to cutting your toenails properly.The first step is to use the proper nail-cutting tool. Nail clippers or manicure scissors are appropriate.
Avoid tools such as regular scissors or knives that aren’t specifically designed for cutting nails.You should have two nail clippers — one for your fingers and one for your toes.
Since your toenails are broader and thicker, they require a larger clipper. Also, by having separate clippers, you reduce the chance of transferring bacteria or fungus between your feet and hands.
Make sure to clean your clippers thoroughly between each use.The second step is the frequency of cutting. Most people’s toenails grow about 2 millimeters (0.08 inches) a month,
so it’s appropriate to cut them every six to eight weeks. That being said, if you are a very active person or an athlete — especially a runner — you will probably be more comfortable if you trim them more often.
