Cleaning and care of toenails is a very important factor in the health and hygiene of the lower extremities. This part of the body is far from the eyes and is often forgotten and neglected; as a result, dust and dirt accumulate under the nails. You should develop the habit of caring for your toenails as an integral part of your overall personal hygiene which also allows you to prevent localized diseases and increase your comfort level.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Clean Your Toenails
Step 1. Wash your feet
Before cleaning your nails, you need to clean your feet. These must be washed every day, to avoid the risk of infections and fungi.
- Put your feet in a tub of hot water. If you wish, you can also use the bathtub.
- Rub them as you would any other part of the body. Use a body cleanser or regular soap. If your feet are dry and cracked, you should scrub them with a pumice stone to treat those particularly hard and rough parts.
- After cleaning, dry them thoroughly. If they are particularly dry, you should moisturize them every day. You can apply a regular moisturizer or buy a special foot scrub, which you can find in supermarkets.
Step 2. Dip your fingers in warm water
Once you have washed your feet, soak your nails. By doing this, you can get rid of dead skin and any residue of dirt, as well as making them softer and easier to cut. To keep them soaking, simply immerse them in warm water. You can add essential oils or a pinch of sea salt. Leave them in the water for about 15 minutes.
Step 3. Exfoliate the skin around the nails
After keeping them in the water for a while, proceed with some exfoliation work around the nails. This treatment consists of eliminating dead cells from a specific area of the body. It allows you to get rid of dead skin, as well as cleanse and revitalize the area surrounding the nails.
- You can use a regular foot scrub to exfoliate your nails as well, but pumice stone or other devices specifically designed for this purpose are also fine.
- Some people use Epsom salts, baking soda, or other grainy substances to facilitate the exfoliation process. In perfumery you can find different products that are composed of microgranules, but this type of substance does not always meet the favorable opinion of experts, because it is considered harmful to the environment, not to mention that it does not guarantee a satisfactory result as much as natural products.
- Gently massage your nails and feet with the product of your choice. It may be necessary to work quite vigorously to peel off dead skin. When finished, rinse your feet in cold water and dry them thoroughly.
Step 4. Trim your nails
Be sure to keep them short to prevent the risk of yeast infections or other types of damage. Cut them with a straight edge, you can only file them later, to give them a rounded shape. Do not try to shape them with the nail clipper, as this could promote the development of ingrown toenails.
Step 5. Remove any dirt and dust with a soft toothbrush
After you have trimmed your nails, you can proceed with this deep cleansing treatment. To do this, use a soft-bristled toothbrush that you can find at most cosmetic stores. Some use the tooth one. Gently move around your nails until you have wiped away any residual dirt or dust.
Step 6. Remove any stains
If you see stains on your nails, you need to clean them; use a normal household cleaning product.
- You can use hydrogen peroxide for this. Mix one part with three of water. Then soak the stained nail in the mixture for 10 minutes and finally rinse.
- Lemon juice is also equally effective for this treatment. Dab a few drops of lemon on each nail, let them act for a few minutes and at the end rub them with a cloth.
- If you want to apply nail polish, first apply a coat of primer and only then apply the nail polish, to avoid staining your nails in the bud.
Part 2 of 2: Get Rid of Toenail Fungi
Step 1. Cut and file your nails
If you have a fungal infection, you must first try to cut the nail and then try to remove the fungus. Try to cut it as short as possible, giving it a straight edge; keep it as short as you can, but don't get to feel pain. Afterwards, file it to give it the rounded shape you want, but remember not to round it on the edges with the clipper, otherwise it may grow back ingrown.
Step 2. Wash and scrub your nail
After you have cut and filed it, you need to proceed with this treatment. Soak the infected area in the water for about 10 minutes, then lather it until it forms a foam; scrub vigorously until you have wiped away any residue of dirt, dust and sweat. Scratch the nail vigorously by applying some pressure. Try to soften the skin in the area affected by mycosis as much as possible. When finished, rinse.
Step 3. Dry thoroughly
After the treatment, the nails and fingers must be completely dry. If your feet stay wet and especially if you put them in your shoes or socks, you create the favorable environment for the development of mycosis. Then use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any moisture. When finished, leave them in the air for a few minutes before putting on your socks or shoes.
Step 4. Consider applying topical ointments
Fungal infections cannot always be treated with simple washing. If you have recurring episodes of mycosis, contact your doctor to prescribe topical medications.
- Sometimes, he may prescribe stronger antifungal ointments. However, if the infection is not particularly severe, your doctor may recommend some over-the-counter medications. However, do not take any ointments without consulting them first, as you need to be sure that the medicine is safe for your specific needs.
- Typically, these ointments need to be applied somewhat like nail polish, with the applicator that comes in the package or that is provided to you by your doctor or pharmacist. Spread the product following the directions; if you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
