How Can I Prevent Ingrown Toenails?

Do you cut your nails straight across with a clean, sharp nail trimmer without narrowing or rounding the corners?

Do you trim your toenails so that they are even with the tips of your toes?

Do you wear shoes and socks with enough room for your toes?

If your job puts you at risk of toe injuries, do you wear protective footwear?

If you have nerve damage to your feet, do you wear properly fitted shoes (preferably from a specialty shoe store)?

Do you keep your feet clean and dry?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you prevent ingrown toenails. You should always cut your nails straight. Do not trim them so that their shape matches the shape of your toe. In this way, the sides of the nail can curl and grow into the skin. The length of your toenails should be even with the tips of your toes. The shoes you wear put some pressure on your toes. If you cut your toenails too short, the pressure from your shoe can direct them to grow into the surrounding tissue. It is also important to always keep your feet clean and dry.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to prevent ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails are often the result of wearing shoes that don’t fit properly.