Should You Use Nail Clippers on a Nail With a Fungal Infection?

You may still need to keep a fungal nail trimmed, but treat the clipper as potentially contaminated: do not share it, clean and disinfect it after use, and avoid using it on unaffected nails until it has been properly disinfected. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that nail fungus can spread through contaminated nail clippers and other grooming tools.

Can clipping cure nail fungus?

No. Trimming may make a thick nail easier to manage, but it does not remove the infection. Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, usually requires an accurate diagnosis and may need antifungal treatment.

AAD also notes that other conditions can resemble nail fungus, so a discoloured or thick nail should not automatically be assumed to be fungal.

How can clippers spread fungus?

Fungi can remain on grooming tools. If the same clipper is used on an infected nail and then on an unaffected nail without proper disinfection, the fungus can be transferred.

Do not share nail clippers, files, towels or footwear with another person when nail fungus is present.

How should the tool be handled?

AAD recommends removing nail debris, washing the clipper with soap and water, then disinfecting it. Its specific at-home guidance for a clipper used on a fungal nail uses a diluted bleach solution, followed by complete air-drying before storage.

Follow the disinfectant instructions carefully and avoid mixing cleaning chemicals.

When should you stop trying to trim the nail yourself?

Seek professional help if the nail is extremely thick, distorted, painful, difficult to reach or difficult to cut safely. People with diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation should have a lower threshold for professional foot care.

NIDDK advises people with diabetes to have a foot doctor trim toenails when they cannot see, feel or reach their feet, or when nails are thick, yellowed or growing into the skin.

What if only one nail looks abnormal?

Do not assume. Psoriasis, trauma and other nail disorders can mimic fungal infection. A dermatologist or other qualified clinician can confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment.

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology — Nail fungus FAQs
• American Academy of Dermatology — Nail fungus causes
• American Academy of Dermatology — Preventing nail fungus and disinfecting tools
• NIDDK — Diabetes and foot problems

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