Treatment FAQ

should i clip my nails short when getting laser treatment?

by Prof. Lorna Boyle Jr. Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Cut your toenails straight across or in a shallow (sideways) oval shape. Do not cut your nails too short — the top white part should still show. Do not over-round or angle the edges of your toenails into a V-shape. File your toenails down instead of clipping to avoid cutting them too short.

Full Answer

How do you use a laser nail removal treatment?

Simply place the laser on the affected nail, push the button and off it goes. The 905nm laser therapy device works on its own accord and will switch off automatically once the treatment is complete. A standard treatment lasts 7 minutes per nail. One of the easiest at home laser treatments to use

What to do if you cut your Nail too short?

When I cut a nail too short or pull off a hangnail, I always put an antibacterial ointment like Neosporin or spray like Bactine on the area and cover it with a bandage or two until the pain goes away. Bandages help prevent infection and they provide a cushion that reduces pressure on the painful, sensitive skin.

Is it better to cut your nails short or long?

Not only do short, well-manicured nails look great, they are also less likely to harbor dirt and bacteria, which can lead to an infection. In addition, the right nail clipping technique can help prevent common issues like hangnails and ingrown toenails.

What are the best tips for nail clipping?

Although nail clipping seems pretty straightforward, there are some important steps you should follow to ensure a healthy cut. To properly trim your nails, dermatologists recommend the following tips: Soften the nails. The best time to trim your nails is immediately after taking a bath or shower.

Does laser treatment on toenails hurt?

The treatment is almost always painless, though you may feel warmth or tingling on the nail bed during the treatment. After toenail laser treatment, most patients display healthy new nail growth without damage to the surrounding tissue.

Why you shouldn't cut your nails too short?

When people cut their nails too short, the skin on the sides can cover the corners of the nail. This causes the nail to grow back into the skin. Nails that are ripped instead of cut or cut in a rounded shape also tend to become ingrown because they don't have clear corners.

How many laser treatments are needed for toenail fungus?

How many sessions will be needed? To achieve optimal results, we recommend a series of 3 – 4 treatment sessions, spaced 5 – 6 weeks apart. This is essential to eradicate all fungi spores that may bloom after your initial treatment. However, significant improvement is usually seen after one treatment.

What happens if you clip your nails too short?

According to the research, published in the journal Physical Biology, regular poor trimming can tip the fine balance of nail growth, causing physical stress to the nail. Over time, this can cause a change in nail shape, which can lead to serious nail conditions.

What is the best time to trim your nails that is recommended by the dermatologist?

To properly trim your nails, dermatologists recommend the following tips: Soften the nails. The best time to trim your nails is immediately after taking a bath or shower. However, if that isn't possible, soak your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes to soften them.

What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?

In medical terms this is called onychomycosis or tinea unguium,” says Batra. The fungal infection breaks down the keratin in the nail to form a white or yellow chalky substance under the nail plate. "As keratin debris spreads under the nail, the nail plate typically becomes lifted up off of the nail bed.

Does toenail fungus come back after laser treatment?

Answer: Yes. Toenail fungus can come back even after it's been completely eliminated by undergoing one or more laser treatment sessions. Podiatrists will advise their patients on how to keep their toenails free of fungus after undergoing laser treatment.

Which laser is best for toenail fungus?

Fungal infections of the nails usually require several laser treatment sessions before they completely resolve. ... For this type of treatment, CO2 lasers or yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) lasers with wavelengths of 870 nm, 930 nm, or 1320 nm are used to increase the localized temperature.More items...•

Can you scrape out toenail fungus?

Prescription Medicines If your fungus doesn't clear up at home, you should check in with a dermatologist (a skin, hair, and nail specialist) or podiatrist (a foot doctor.) They may gently scrape under your nail to get rid of some of the fungus or send it to the lab for diagnosis.

How short should I cut my nails?

There really is an optimal length to cut your fingernails. “You do want a nail to extend past your finger pad,” says dermatologist and author Dr.

How short should my nails be?

As for nail length, there's a small spectrum of acceptable lengths. You should leave at least a sliver of “white” at the top of your nails—that space where the nail starts to separate from the skin it protects. (One or two millimeters, in our book.)

Why should your fingernails be cut short?

Fingernails should be kept short, and the undersides should be cleaned frequently with soap and water. Because of their length, longer fingernails can harbor more dirt and bacteria than short nails, thus potentially contributing to the spread of infection.

What is the treatment for toenail fungus?

What do you know about laser treatment for toenail fungus? A. Two lasers using different types of laser energy have attracted attention as treatments for fungal infection of the toenails, a condition called onychomycosis (pronounced oh-nee-koh-my-KOH-sis), which can also affect the fingernails.

Can lasers remove fungus?

The theory is that a precisely directed laser can eliminate the fungus without harming the surrounding nail tissue. The underlying technologies are already in use for other conditions, including cataract surgery, dental work, and hair removal.

What to do if you cut your nails too short?

So what should you do if you cut your nails too short? After cutting your nail too short, first, ensure that the area is clean and dry. Next, use an antibiotic ointment and bandages to prevent infection and reduce pain. For further pain relief, soak the nail in warm water or take an over the counter pain medication.

How to cut your nails properly?

To cut your nails properly, don’t angle the nail clipper upwards. It should be parallel with your finger. Then cut straight across, not rounding the edges. This is especially important for toes because this prevents ingrown toenails.

How to get rid of a nail that is growing so fast?

However, if you feel like you need to do more to help with the pain, an easy home remedy is to soak the nail in warm water 3 or 4 times a day. Then dry your nails well.

How to stop your nails from biting?

If your nails are too short from biting, there are a few things you can do that may help you stop. First, make sure you take care of your nails properly. A well-manicured nail will look nice and that may be incentive enough to stop you from chewing at it since you won’t want to ruin the work you’ve done on your nails.

How to stop a short fingernail from hurting?

For further pain relief, soak the nail in warm water or take an over the counter pain medication. These are the bare minimum you can do in order to prevent infection and reduce pain. Read on for other ways you can make the experience less torturous and recover quickly from a painful short fingernail or toenail.

How to get rid of a sore nail?

Then dry your nails well. You may also want to try rubbing a nail oil, such as jojoba oil, into the sore area to help with the pain. Most people find the pain is gone within a few days, though. The main exception would be if bacteria get under the nail and causes an infection.

How to make your toenail hurt?

This will help prevent infection, which will make your nail hurt even more. Gently wash the area with hand soap under warm water for about 20 seconds. Then thoroughly rise the area and dry it well. Continue to wash the area regularly until the nail grows back.

How long does it take for laser hair removal to clear?

Don’t take antibiotics. Antibiotics make your skin photosensitive, with Accutane being the worst. Most antibiotics clear your system within 3-10 days. With Accutane it will be 6 months before you can safely have laser hair removal sessions. Make sure to let your tech know if you are or have recently been on antibiotics!

How many laser hair removal sessions are needed?

Don’t have an expectation of how many sessions you will actually need. The industry standard for effective laser hair removal is between 6-8 sessions. This is only an average, it doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed clearance after 6-8 sessions. Some people may need more than 8 sessions to get clearance. Remember, changes in medication ...

What does it mean to miss your hair appointment?

As stated earlier, missing your appointments means the likelihood of missing a hair cycle, causing the need for more sessions and more money out of your pocket.

Can laser hair removal cause burns?

A tan is laser hair removals worst enemy. Since the laser focuses its energy on darker pigments, active melanocytes in the skin caused by a tan are vulnerable to hyper /hypopigmentation (the lightening or darkening of your skin) and can cause burns.

Do you shave the day of laser hair removal?

It focuses its heat energy on the hair which transfers into the follicle and destroys it. Since its the follicle and not the hair we are actually targeting, it is important that you shave the treatment area the day of your session.

Can you miss a laser hair removal appointment?

We schedule your appointments to optimally treat those hair cycles and not miss any of them. If you miss an appointment, you may miss a hair cycle causing the need for more sessions.

Do you have to disclose medical conditions when getting laser hair removal?

Do tell us about medical conditions. No matter how irrelevant the condition may be, make sure to always disclose any medical conditions you may have. There might be a contraindication that would put you at risk when getting laser hair removal sessions done. Safety first!

How to keep toenail clippers clean?

Keep your clippers restricted to hands or feet only. A good pair of toenail clippers should also be a clean pair of toenail clippers. Wipe them down regularly with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any hitchhiking germs or fungus, and outright replace them if they’re starting to look broken down or nasty.

Why do nails have curves?

Curved edges provide more opportunity for your nails to grow into your skin instead. If you are concerned about the corners of your nails poking against you or catching on your socks, gently file them down instead of clipping them off. A very slight amount of roundness is OK there.

Can you slip your nails with clippers?

That can make it all too easy to slip with your clippers and either tear your nails or injure yourself. Instead, try working on your toenails after a shower or bath, when the nail tissue tends to be softer and potentially easier to work with.

Can you use fingernail clippers on thicker toenails?

This tends to be fine for smaller, thinner fingernails. Try to use them on thicker, larger toenails, however, and it can cause trouble.

Is it too late to trim toenails?

It may surprise you to know that, in many cases, the way people trim their toenails is one of the main reasons they eventually need to see us about their recurring ingrown toenails and other painful problems! It’s never too late to learn some new tricks for toenail trimming.

When should I trim my nails?

The best time to trim your nails is immediately after taking a bath or shower.

How to trim your nails after a shower?

The best time to trim your nails is immediately after taking a bath or shower. However, if that isn’t possible, soak your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes to soften them. Gather the proper tools. Use a nail clipper or nail scissors for your fingernails and a toenail clipper for your toenails.

How to disinfect nail clippers?

To disinfect them, soak a small scrub brush in a bowl of 70 to 90 percent isopropyl alcohol and then use the brush to scrub your nail clippers or nail scissors. Afterwards, rinse the tools in hot water and dry them completely before putting them away. To trim your fingernails, cut almost straight across the nail.

Why is nail grooming important?

Not only do short, well-manicured nails look great, they are also less likely to harbor dirt and bacteria, which can lead to an infection. In addition, the right nail clipping technique can help prevent common issues like hangnails and ingrown toenails.

How to keep your toenails from catching on furniture?

Use a nail file or emery board to slightly round the nails at the corners, as this will help keep them strong and prevent them from catching on things like clothing or furniture. To reduce your chances of getting an ingrown toenail, cut straight across when trimming your toenails.

Why do I have to trim my cuticles?

When you trim or cut your cuticles, it’ s easier for bacteria and other germs to get inside your body and cause an infection. If you get a nail infection, it can sometimes take a long time to clear. Moisturize after trimming to help keep your nails flexible.

What does it mean when your nails change color?

While some changes are harmless, others could be a sign of a disease, such as melanoma, or an infection, such as a nail fungal infection.

How to get nails to stay on longer?

Practice good nail hygiene. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers. Trim your nails straight across, then round the tips in a gentle curve. Use moisturizer. When you use hand lotion, rub the lotion into your finger nails and cuticles, too. Apply a protective layer. Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen nails.

How to prevent nail damage?

Fingernail care: Don'ts. To prevent nail damage, don't: Bite your fingernails or pick at your cuticles. These habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut alongside your fingernail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause an infection. Pull off hangnails. You might rip live tissue along with the hangnail.

Why do my nails have ridges?

Sometimes fingernails develop harmless vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Vertical ridges tend to become more prominent with age. Fingernails can also develop white lines or spots due to injury, but these eventually grow out with the nail. Not all nail conditions are normal, however.

How to keep your fingernails from splitting?

To keep your fingernails looking their best: Keep fingernails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria from growing under your fingernails. Repeated or prolonged contact with water can contribute to split fingernails. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals.

What is the protein in your fingernails?

Fingernails: What's normal, what's not. Your fingernails — composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin — grow from the area at the base of the nail under your cuticle. Healthy fingernails are smooth, without pits or grooves. They're uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or discoloration.

Can you use acetone to remove nail polish?

When using nail polish remover, opt for an acetone-free formula. Ignore problems. If you have a nail problem that doesn't seem to go away on its own or is associated with other signs and symptoms, consult your doctor or dermatologist for an evaluation.

Is it normal to have dark streaks under your nails?

Not all nail conditions are normal, however. Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you notice: Changes in nail color, such as discoloration of the entire nail or a dark streak under the nail. Changes in nail shape, such as curled nails. Thinning or thickening of the nails.

How long before laser treatment should I shave?

Shaving encourages the hair follicle to enter its active growing stage which is the ideal stage for laser targeting. Within 24 hours of your appointment, shave the area (s) to be treated. Do not wax or pluck. Shaving removes longer hairs while keeping the root intact.

How to remove hair with laser?

Make sure to follow these tips following your laser hair removal treatment session: 1 Attend any scheduled follow-up or maintenance treatments as directed by your provider in a timely manner 2 Avoid the sun (and tanning beds) and wear a high-quality sunscreen as UV exposure can irritate the treated skin and complicate the hair removal process. 3 For the first 24-hours after your appointment, avoid all types of heat. Hot showers or baths, saunas, steam rooms, and exercise can lead to discoloration or infection. After 24 hours, it’s ok to return to the gym, but continue to avoid the sun for up to 2 weeks. UV light, including that from tanning beds, can lead to scarring or permanent pigmentation. 4 “Sun-less” tanning options like spray tans or self-tanning products can be used between treatment sessions as long as their use is discontinued 2 weeks prior to your next treatment. 5 Continue to shave, instead of plucking, tweezing, or waxing, if you need to remove hair between treatments 6 Gently exfoliate the treated skin 2-3 times per week using a loofah or washcloth. This minimizes the risk of developing ingrown hairs. 7 Keep the retinoids and hydroxy acids on hold for up to one week after your treatment. Instead, use a gentle cleanser and soothing, moisturizing lotion. Wait at least two weeks before scheduling microdermabrasion, chemical peels, Botox or dermal fillers. 8 Take lukewarm showers for the first week after your treatment 9 Avoid using perfumes or deodorants for 48 hours after your treatment

Why is laser hair removal so successful?

Laser hair removal is most successful for those with light skin and dark hair because this contrast helps the laser ‘see’ your hair.

How long should I wait to wax my hair before laser treatment?

Laser treatments on tanned skin can result in long-term pigmentation issues. Avoid plucking, waxing, or bleaching your hair for 6 weeks prior to your appointment as plucking out hair by the root will decrease the effectiveness of your laser treatment. Shave the day before your treatment (as directed by your provider).

How long before tanning bed can I use self tanning?

tanning from the natural sun, tanning beds, spray tans, and self-tanning products) for 6 weeks prior to your treatment.

What to expect during laser hair removal?

During your laser hair removal appointment, your doctor or technician will review with you the area (s) to be treated. If you’re treating a bikini line or facial area, the technician may draw a line on your skin to indicate the treatment boundary.

What to avoid after laser treatment?

Avoid lotions, oils, and deodorants prior to treatment. Arrive to your appointment with clean, dry skin. Moisturizers, creams, lotions, or oils can prevent the laser from accessing the root, as can sweat or other debris.

What to expect after laser hair removal?

Let’s talk about what to expect after a laser hair removal appointment. Most experience no adverse effects after the laser hair removal procedure. However, you may have some sensitivity and there are best practices to ensure the most effective results. To care for your sensitive treated skin, we’ve compiled a list of 10 common recommendations ...

Is laser hair removal safe?

Although the procedure is tested, FDA approved, safe and effective there are possible side effects and risks post treatment.

What to do if you have too short nails?

The first is to practice good nail hygiene, because nobody wants to deal with an infection from bacteria seeping into the skin around the nail.

How to get rid of a weak cuticle?

"Since your cuticle will be weak or improperly removed, try rubbing a natural cuticle oil such as jojoba oil ," Lin says. "It's very moisturizing and a mild solution to help relieve pain without irritation. You can apply it numerous times a day.".

Can you chew on your nails?

Whether you chew on your nails til the cuticles bleed or cut them too short with clippers, the result is always instant regret. Fortunately, there's a way to deal with the pain until your nails grow back out. According to Amy Ling Lin, founder of Sundays, a nail-care brand and studio in New York City, there are two things anyone with too-short ...

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