How to Avoid Ingrown Toenails

Although some people are naturally prone to ingrown toenails, others get them due to improper nail grooming. A few simple changes in the way you clip and manicure your toenails will help you avoid ingrown toenails altogether.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toenail clippers
• Nail file
• Moisturizing lotion

1. Clean your toenails and all of the surrounding area. Working with a clean surface ensures you get better results and prevents and fungus or infection from spreading.

2. Use the correct toenail clippers to cut straight across the nail. This prevents the corners of the nails from being cut too short, which is a leading cause of ingrown toenails.

3. File any jagged edges with a nail file. If you absolutely must file the corners, do so but very file them lightly and not too short.

4. Wear the correct size shoes. Shoes that are too tight in the front or on the side cause toenails to stop growing in the correct direction. Instead, they grow into the skin, better known as an ingrown toenail.

5. Once you are done clipping and filing, slather your feet with a moisturizing lotion. This final step keeps your feet soft, and makes your toenails softer so they won't be as hard to clip or file next time.

Tips & Warnings

• If your toenails are thick and hard to cut, rub a cuticle remover into the cuticles and nail bed. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then try to clip or file again.
• If your nails don't have a lot of growth but you want to clip them, try filing them down instead. Filing lessens your chances of ingrown toenails.
• Do not use smaller fingernail clippers to clip your toenails. The shape of the cut really does matter.
• When clipping nails always make sure not to get too close to the skin. Clipping below the nail bed causes deep cuts and injuries. Always leave a little bit of the white above the nail bed.

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[heatherjt1]

on 7/13/2008 I've had ingrown toenails most of my life (I even had to have surgery to remove one), because of ballet (point shoes), however I started having regular salon pedicures about 5 years ago and haven't had one since! It is worth the cost of the pedicure to avoid the pain of an ingrown toenail.