How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail is a common problem that can be difficult to ignore as it can cause pain, inflammation, swelling, and even an infection. Fortunately, there are a number of measures you can take to avoid this uncomfortable situation.
5-Minute Crafts will show you some of the most common causes of ingrown toenails and how to prevent them from happening to you.
❗Important: This article has been created for informative purposes only and does not replace medical advice. It’s advisable to see a doctor if you have diabetes or other health conditions that cause poor blood flow in your feet, if you’re experiencing serious discomfort in your toe, or if there is inflamed skin spreading out showing signs of infection.
Causes of ingrown toenails:
- Wearing shoes that press the toenails
- Trimming toenails incorrectly
- Going through a nail infection
- Having an injury to a toenail
- Having very rounded toenails
How to prevent ingrown toenails:
1. Avoid wearing tight socks and shoes.
Tight footwear can add pressure on your toes and, consequently, make your big toenail grow into the tissue along the side of the toe.
Therefore, it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes with enough space for your toes, allowing you to move your toes easily inside them.
💡 If you already have an ingrown toenail that is being treated, it’s recommended to wear sandals or open-toed shoes while you recover.
2. Trim your nails correctly.
Your toenails should be trimmed straight across, without curving the corners and using several small clips rather than a single cut. Also, avoid trimming them too short since the pressure put on your toes by your shoes could make the nails grow into the flesh.
❗Use a clipper that is specially designed for toenails. The blades in fingernail clippers may be too harsh on your big toenail due to their short radius.
✅ If you like to get pedicures regularly, make sure to see an experienced technician.
3. Give your toes a rest after intense foot activity.
If you practice sports in which your toes are in constant action, allow your toe area to rest by going barefoot for 1 or 2 hours afterward.
✅ In order to prevent ingrown toenails, experts in footcare recommend that athletes buy athletic shoes late in the day since feet are at their biggest size by that time.