The Hidden Dangers Of Cutting Your Toenails In Public (Why Is This A Thing?)

After you dry off from the shower, you might notice your toenails need a trim. That's actually the best time to cut them because they're already soft, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. It's important to clip your toenails every few weeks to prevent fungi and bacteria from taking up residence under your nails. Regular trims also help prevent painful ingrown or overgrown nails (by the way, here's how to treat an ingrown toenail).

If you're out in public and notice you need a trim, it might be tempting to pull out some clippers and get to work. That's exactly what actor Alison Brie did while on a picnic with her husband, Dave Franco. Brie clipped Franco's toenails, casually tossing them into the grass nearby.

While people on X (via Daily Mail) were grossed out by the public hygiene display, Dr. Jason Singh, Chief Medical Officer of One Oak Medical Group, says it's not very hygienic. "In a public, non-sterile environment, there is a slightly increased bacterial risk at the nail bed, which can potentially cause cellulitis or paronychia," he said. "Keep in mind that a public setting without adequate lighting can lead to tissue damage and bleeding, which creates entry points for infection."

Singh says cutting your toenails in public can spread germs to others. "The discarded nail clippings themselves become biohazards, since they can harbor fungal spores that survive for months and transfer to others who come into contact with them," he said. "[This is] particularly dangerous for barefoot babies and children in parks who may encounter these fragments while crawling or playing."

(Find out what the color of your toenails tells about your health.)

Ever notice how your toenail clippings can fly off somewhere in your bathroom? If you're out in public, those clippings might wind up hitting someone else. According to the Irish Times, one father decided to clip his daughter's toenails as she sat on his lap on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Suddenly, he felt a sting in his eye and instantly knew it was one of her clippings. He could feel the sharp edge cutting into his eye. It took several rinses and a few tissues to finally dislodge it. Of course, the father did this at home rather than in public, but you can imagine how this might play out if you're doing this in the boarding area of a crowded airport.

You might think it's fine to cut your toenails in public, but other people might be grossed out by your behavior. Clipping your toenails at home lowers your risk of infection and keeps things a bit more courteous. Those clippers stashed in your purse or pocket can also harbor bacteria or fungi, so it's important to use clean, sterilized tools. If it's been a while since you've cleaned your toenail clippers, scrub them with a brush soaked in rubbing alcohol, then rinse them with hot water. You also should avoid sharing nail clippers with others.

It's also best to use clippers designed specifically for toenails rather than the ones you use on your fingernails. Toenail clippers are built to handle thicker nails and usually have a shape that better matches your toenail. If you notice they're no longer clipping cleanly, it's time for a replacement. Dull clippers can tear the nail and increase the risk of injury.

To avoid ingrown toenails, clip your nails straight across. Cutting downward toward the edges can cause the nail to grow into the skin. And while it might be tempting to trim your nails super short so you don't have to do it as often, that can backfire. Your skin may press over the nail, especially when you're wearing shoes. Instead, aim to leave a small sliver of white showing at the tip.