To ensure that you continue to receive Looking Good e-mails, please add michele@gophercentral.com to your e-mail address book.

FOLLOW ME on Twitter.... Follow Me

Are you on Facebook? If you are, check out the Deal of the Day fan page. You get exclusive offers and a new deal every day. It is easy to become a fan, just click here and hit the like button... Become A Fan


Tips for Cutting Your Toenails

Cut toenails straight across, don't cut them too short, and
make sure your tool of choice is a large toenail clipper.

Trimming your toenails may seem simple enough, but it isn't something to be done carelessly. While most people don't need to visit a professional to take care of their toes �
people with diabetes are an exception � they need to be sure they're clipping their nails properly to reduce the risk of future foot problems.

You depend on your feet, so make sure you give them the care they deserve.

Trimming Toenails: Technique Is Important

Before you break out the nail clippers, you should understand why it's so important that toenails be cut the right way. The proper technique is necessary to avoid an ingrown toenail or infection.

Ingrown toenails are nails that become lodged in the skin
instead of growing normally. They are a primary reason for
foot pain, and they can lead to serious infection.

Some nails just naturally grow in, and no matter what you do conservatively, it's not going to address the problem. It needs to be addressed surgically.

But if you learn how to cut your toenails properly in the
first place, you may be able to protect your feet from
ingrown toenails.

Trimming Toenails: The Basics

Cut straight across: The nails shouldn't dig down on the
sides. Guide the clippers straight across the nail of each
toe and avoid cutting nails into a curved shape.

Use appropriate toenail clippers. These larger clippers are
meant for larger nails, and will be easier to cut toenails
with than fingernail clippers. Keep clippers and any other
tools you use on your toes disinfected (cleaning them with
rubbing alcohol before and after using them will do the
trick).

Leave nails a little long. Don't cut nails too short, as
it's another reason ingrown toenails occur. It can also
leave your toenail susceptible to infection � plus, it
hurts!

Cut nails when they're dry, not wet. Wet nails may be likely to tear, bend, or not cut smoothly because they're softer when wet. Cutting dry nails will give you a cleaner, smoother cut.

Make a few small cuts. Don't try to clip each toenail in one
shot. Make a few small cuts across your nail.

Try filing. If you prefer to file your toenails (or just to
smooth them out after you clip them), don't drag the file or
emery board back and forth. Gently move the nail file in one direction across the top of your toenail until smooth and the appropriate length.

Don't cut cuticles. If you want to tame cuticles on your
toenails, use a cuticle stick (an orange stick, which you
can buy at a beauty supply store, drugstore, or similar
store) to push them back. Cutting them can cause bleeding or infection, but pushing them out of the way gives feet a neat look without unnecessary damage.

Trimming Toenails: A Timeline

Everyone's nails grow at different speeds, so there's no set time frame for how often you should trim your toenails. Just keep an eye on how long your nails are and give them a trim before they start rubbing against your shoes and causing pain. Clean, well-cared for, and neatly trimmed toenails mean comfortable, healthy feet. Your feet take a beating during the day, so keep toes in tip-top shape with proper, regular trims to prevent foot problems.