★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Reviews · Balance Foot & Ankle Michigan
Podiatrist Recommended Toenail Care
Board-certified podiatrists in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. 4.9★ rated · Same-week appointments · Most insurance accepted · (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: April 2, 2026
Quick answer: A podiatrist-recommended toenail care kit includes precision nail clippers designed for thick nails, a keratolytic ointment like Kerasal for damaged nails, and prescription antifungal treatment when fungus is confirmed. Proper nail care tools prevent the two most common toenail problems we treat — ingrown toenails and toenail fungus — which together account for over 40 percent of podiatry office visits.
In This Guide
Why proper toenail care matters · Dr. Tom’s top product picks · Proper cutting technique · Watch: Toenail fungus treatment · Most common mistake · Warning signs · FAQ · Bottom line
Why Proper Toenail Care Prevents Serious Problems
Toenail problems are the most common reason patients visit our podiatry clinic in Howell and Bloomfield Hills. The frustrating part is that most of these problems — ingrown toenails, fungal infections, thickened nails — are preventable with the right tools and technique. Standard drug store nail clippers aren’t designed for toenails, especially thick or curved ones. They crush and splinter the nail instead of making a clean cut, creating the jagged edges that grow into surrounding skin.
Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) affects approximately 14 percent of the general population and up to 50 percent of adults over 70. A 2024 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that early treatment with topical antifungals combined with proper nail debridement resolved 65 percent of mild cases without oral medication. The key is catching it early and using the right products consistently.
Proper toenail care prevents ingrown nails, reduces fungal infection risk, and keeps feet healthy. Here are my clinic-tested picks.
Dr. Tom’s Top Picks
Products I Personally Recommend
These are products I use and recommend to my patients at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, MI.
- Harperton Nippit Nail Clipper
The best OTC nail clipper for thick, difficult toenails — sharp stainless steel, long handle for reach. - Efinaconazole (Jublia) — prescription required
Prescription topical antifungal with the best evidence for toenail fungus. Requires a podiatry visit — mention this page for a same-week appointment. - Kerasal Nail Renewal Ointment
OTC nail softener and appearance improver — won’t cure fungus but dramatically improves nail appearance while you treat.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we trust for our own patients.
Learn More
For the complete clinical guide, see: Toenail Fungus Complete Guide.
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Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM sees patients in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, MI. Most insurance plans accepted.
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Proper Toenail Cutting Technique
After 3,000 surgeries and thousands of ingrown toenail procedures, I can tell you that most ingrown nails are caused by one thing: wrong cutting technique. Here’s exactly how we teach patients to cut their toenails at Balance Foot & Ankle.
Step 1: Soften first. Cut nails after a shower or bath when they’re softer and less likely to crack. Never cut completely dry, thick nails — they’ll splinter and create sharp edges.
Step 2: Cut straight across. This is the most important rule. Never round the corners or dig into the sides — this is exactly how ingrown nails start. Use a flat, straight cut that leaves the nail slightly longer than the toe tip. The Harperton Nippit clipper is specifically designed for this straight-across technique.
Step 3: File gently. Use a nail file to smooth any rough edges after cutting. File in one direction only — back and forth filing weakens the nail and creates micro-tears that fungus can exploit.
Step 4: Don’t go too short. The nail should extend just past the toe tip. Cutting too short exposes the nail bed and creates pressure from shoes that drives the nail edge into surrounding skin during walking.
Key takeaway: Cut straight across, never round corners, and leave nails slightly longer than the toe tip. This single habit prevents most ingrown toenails.
Watch: Best Toenail Fungus Treatment
In this video, I break down the most effective toenail fungus treatments including the home remedies that actually work and the ones that waste your time and money.
Most Common Toenail Care Mistake
The biggest mistake I see is patients using Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, or vinegar soaks as their primary toenail fungus treatment and waiting months (sometimes years) before seeking professional help. While these home remedies may have mild antifungal properties, they cannot penetrate the nail plate deeply enough to reach the fungal colony growing in the nail bed. Meanwhile, the fungus spreads to adjacent nails and the nail thickens to the point where even prescription treatments struggle.
If you’ve had discolored or thickened toenails for more than 3 months, over-the-counter remedies alone are unlikely to resolve it. You need either prescription-strength topical antifungal like efinaconazole (Jublia) or oral antifungal medication combined with professional nail debridement. The earlier you start proper treatment, the faster and more completely the fungus clears.
When to See a Podiatrist for Toenail Problems
Seek podiatric care if you notice:
- Toenail turning yellow, brown, or black with thickening or crumbling
- Red, swollen, or painful skin alongside the nail edge (ingrown nail)
- Pus or drainage from around the toenail (infection)
- A dark streak or spot under the nail that wasn’t caused by injury
- Complete nail separation from the nail bed
- Any toenail changes if you have diabetes or circulation problems
At Balance Foot & Ankle, we offer laser toenail fungus treatment, in-office nail debridement, and minimally invasive ingrown toenail procedures. Most toenail problems can be resolved in a single visit when caught early. For diabetic patients, we recommend toenail care appointments every 8 to 12 weeks because neuropathy makes self-care risky.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I cut my toenails?
Every 6 to 8 weeks for most adults. Toenails grow approximately 1.5 millimeters per month — much slower than fingernails. Cutting too frequently tempts people to cut too short, which increases ingrown nail risk. If you have thickened nails from fungus or aging, a podiatrist should handle trimming to avoid splitting and injury.
Does Kerasal actually work for toenail fungus?
Kerasal is not an antifungal — it’s a keratolytic that softens and exfoliates damaged nail tissue using urea and lactic acid. It works best as a companion to antifungal treatment by thinning the nail so medication can penetrate deeper. Used alone, it improves nail appearance but doesn’t kill the underlying fungus. We recommend pairing Kerasal with a proven antifungal for best results.
Can toenail fungus spread to other people?
Yes. Toenail fungus (dermatophytes) thrives in warm, moist environments and spreads through direct contact or shared surfaces. Avoid walking barefoot in gym locker rooms, pool decks, and shared showers. Never share nail clippers, files, or foot care tools. If one family member has fungus, disinfect shower floors regularly and wear shower shoes in shared bathrooms.
The Bottom Line
Proper toenail care requires three things: quality clippers designed for thick nails, correct straight-across cutting technique, and early treatment when fungus or ingrown nails develop. The products above cover these essentials for under $40. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we help patients in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan resolve toenail problems quickly — from routine care to laser fungus treatment and ingrown nail procedures.
Toenail Problems?
Laser fungus treatment & ingrown nail procedures — Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
Sources
- Lipner SR, Scher RK. Onychomycosis: Treatment and prevention of recurrence. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;80(4):853-867.
- Gupta AK, et al. Therapies for onychomycosis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. JAMA Dermatol. 2024;160(2):178-188.
- Mayser P, et al. Ingrown toenails: pathogenesis, prevention, treatment. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2009;106(45):737-743.
Insurance Accepted
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Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Most insurance accepted · On-site X-ray · Board-certified podiatrists
Howell · (810) 206-1402 Bloomfield · (248) 335-0322Podiatrist-Recommended Toenail Care Products
Dr. Biernacki reviews the toenail care products our patients use most successfully — for nail fungus prevention, ingrown toenail management, and maintaining healthy nails between podiatry visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nail care products do podiatrists recommend for thick toenails?
For thickened nails: (1) Electric nail drill with coarse bit (safely reduces thickness). (2) Dr. Scholl’s Fungal Nail Revitalizer (light therapy). (3) Urea 40% cream (softens before trimming). (4) Straight-edge toenail clippers — never curved. (5) Nail file to smooth rough edges. Always sterilize instruments between uses.
What should diabetic patients use for home nail care?
Diabetic patients should use: long-handled, lighted nail clippers for visibility, diabetic nail file (gentle emery surface, no metal), urea cream to soften nails before trimming, and sanitizing nail brush. Diabetics with neuropathy, poor circulation, or limited vision should have a podiatrist perform all nail care — home cutting is high-risk.
How can I prevent toenail fungus from recurring?
After treatment: (1) Apply antifungal powder inside shoes daily. (2) Rotate shoes — allow 24-hour drying between wears. (3) Wear moisture-wicking socks. (4) Apply topical antifungal to nails and web spaces weekly as maintenance. (5) Use UV shoe sanitizers. (6) Replace old athletic shoes. (7) Wear shower sandals at all communal water areas.