How to Prevent Ingrown Toe Nails & Fingernails

Picture of In growing Nail

To help prevent ingrown toenails, there are a number of things you can do that are easy and save you from future pain and discomfort.

Prevention of ingrown toe nails primarily involves having both sides of the toenail grow beyond the end of the toe itself so that the corners do not dig into skin. For people with soft nails that break easily, this can be difficult. However, if nails are kept away from an environment that is moist and warm, they have a better chance of hardening and growing away from the skin. 

Trim the Right Way & Prevent Ingrown Toe Nails

The risk of ingrown toenails can be reduced by trimming your toenails straight across instead of rounding them off. Do not cut the corners of the toenails back or curve your nails to match the shape of the front of your toe.

The top of each nail should form a straight line across to make it level with the top of your toe. Let the nails grow outwards past the skin.  If you trim your toe nails too short, the pressure from your shoes may encourage your nails to grow into the tissue.  If you get pedicures at a salon, make sure they cut your nails the same way.

Take Good Care of Your Feet

It’s all about taking good care of your feet. Here are some other tips to avoid ingrown toenails:

• If you have circulation problems due to diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, see a podiatrist regularly and have your nails professionally trimmed. Wear shoes that accommodate these types of feet problems.
• Wear shoes and socks that fit properly and are not too tight. Do not wear closed shoes, especially athletic shoes, unless really needed. Be sure to take them off as soon as possible.
• Keep feet, toes and toenails cool, dry and clean.
• If you have a job that puts you at risk of injuring your toes, wear steel-toed shoes or other protective devices that maintain the safety of your toes.

Happy, Healthy Feet

Some people are fortunate and do not have any problems with ingrown toe nails because their feet and shape of their nails. However, many of the above tips are worth incorporating into your daily life just for the very important reason of preventing ingrown toe nails.