Trimming toenails for a diabetic patient may seem simple but it is one of the most common causes of injuries we see at BEIT TARIQ Center. Incorrect trimming can start a chain of complications ending in serious infection.
Golden Rules for Nail Trimming:
- Straight cut: Cut the nail completely straight — do not cut corners or make an arc shape. Cut corners cause ingrown toenails.
- Right tool: Use dedicated nail clippers with a straight edge, not regular scissors. Professional quality is better.
- Appropriate length: Do not cut too short — leave a 1-2mm white edge. Very short nails expose sensitive skin.
- After bathing: Nails are softer and easier to cut. But don't cut when too wet.
- Lighting: Cut under very good lighting. Use reading glasses if needed.
- File instead of cut: If the nail is thick or difficult to cut — use an electric file instead of clippers.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we offer nail care as part of the foot examination session. If you have thick or fungal nails — do not try to handle them yourself and leave them to our specialized team.