How to Avoid an Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail is a nail that has grown into the skin. It can become infected and is usually very painful. It is best to take measures to avoid having an ingrown toenail in the first place.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Get the proper equipment

   ~Cut your Nails Straight~
   
   Buy a pair of toenail clippers. These are different than regular fingernail clippers in that they are larger and cut nails straight rather than curved. Using these clippers, cut your toenails as straight across as possible. Curving down the corners can lead to a problem.

2. 
    
   You may say 'cute!', but your toes say 'ouch!'

   ~Wear Proper Shoes & Socks~
   
   Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or put too much pressure on your toes (ladies!). This even applies to socks- make sure they are not too tight around your toes, because it really can make a difference.

3. 
    

   ~Give Your Toes a Break~
   
   Wear open toed shoes, sandals, and flip-flops when possible to give your feet time to breath and ensure that there is not constant pressure on the nail.

4. 
    

   ~Avoid Injury~
   
   An injury to your toe can lead to an ingrown toenail. Obviously, no one stubs their toe on purpose, but try to do what you can to avoid trauma to your toe. If you play a sport like soccer, be sure that your shoes fit well.

5. ~Stop Trouble~
   
   If you feel like an ingrown toenail may be developing, take measures to stop it before it gets bad. Soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salts. Gently pry the corners of your nail up, and make sure that there are not sharp edges or 'spurs' cutting into your skin.

Tips & Warnings

• If you experience pain, pus, or blood, you may have an ingrown toenail. See a doctor if it doesn't go away within a few days.

[christye]

on 6/29/2009 Great tips!

[cgerych]

on 6/24/2009 I went through 10 weeks of military boot camp with the WORST ingrown toe nail...painful is not the word! Great article with teriffic advice!

[tamby2112]

on 6/24/2009 Great tips! Thanks! Ingrown toenails hurt so much!
5*s