Remove Toenail Polish
This will allow you to inspect your toenails and look for any problems. It is best to use a non-acetone polish remover. Polish removers that contain acetone are very harsh on your toenails. You should give your toenails a break from polish every now and then. Keeping your toenails constantly painted may cause your toenails to become discolored.
Soak Your Feet
A relaxing foot soak for 15-20 minutes will do wonders. You may add aromatherapy salts or oils to the water. Do not use water that is too hot. This will cause your skin to dry out more. Use a toenail brush to gently scrub your toenails at the end of your soak. If you have an open sore on your foot, check with your podiatrist before soaking.
Trim Callouses and Corns
Use a pumice stone, emery board or callous file. It may take a few trimmings before you are able to remove all of the hard skin. Removing callouses will help prevent cracks from forming in your skin. You should trim your corns and after soaking because they will be softer and easier to trim.
Trim Toenails
Use a stainless steel nail nipper. You should try and cut your toenails straight across and then gently round the corners with an emery board. You can push your cuticles back, but you should not cut them. You should trim your toenails after soaking because they will be softer and easier to trim.
