How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

Nearly everyone has the unpleasant experience of an ingrown toenail at some point. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make it less likely. Here, we discuss some ways to prevent ingrown nails.

If you visit your doctor because of a problem with your feet, there’s about a 20% chance the problem is an ingrown toenail. In other words, ingrown toenails are very common!

At Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center in West Covina, California. Dr. Artin Shakhbandaryan and his staff see many patients with ingrown nails. Most of the time the problem isn’t serious, but it’s certainly uncomfortable.

We’ve put together this post to help you understand why ingrown nails happen, how we treat them, and what you can do to avoid them in the future.

How ingrown toenails happen

Your nails are made of a hard protein called keratin. Like your fingernails, your toenails grow on the surface of your skin. Sometimes, though, the sharp edge of your nail can grow into the soft skin alongside it.

Stubbing your toe or trimming your nail too short are common reasons for an ingrown toenail. It can be quite painful, and if you don’t get treatment, you’re vulnerable to infection.

Although any nail can become ingrown, it’s most common on your big toe. You may notice some redness or mild swelling on one side of your nail. Other symptoms can include:

A hard lump near your toenail
Pain
A small amount of pus
Your toe may feel warm to the touch

The most common reasons for ingrown toenails are improper trimming and tight shoes. Some people have a toenail shape or genetic tendency to sweat, which can lead to more frequent ingrown nails.

Most of the time, an ingrown nail is annoying, but if an infection develops, the situation is more serious. If you have a chronic health condition like diabetes, you can face severe complications from a simple ingrown toenail. The best thing to do is get treatment promptly when you notice the problem.

Treating an ingrown toenail

If you only have a mildly ingrown nail, it’s likely to heal with basic at-home care. Dr. Shakhbandaryan may recommend a small splint to help with healing. The splint is placed in our office and is a quick and simple treatment.

A splint encourages your skin to grow away from your nail. If Dr. Shakhbandaryan notices any indication of infection, he may apply a topical antimicrobial solution or prescribe a course of antibiotics.

If you’re experiencing repeated ingrown nails or have a painful infection, Dr. Shakhbandaryan is more likely to suggest a minimally invasive procedure to remove part or all of your toenail.

We administer a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable, and Dr. Shakhbandaryan carefully removes the ingrown part of your nail, cleans your nail bed, and treats the area to prevent future growth. This procedure limits the likelihood of continued recurring ingrown toenails.

Preventing ingrown toenails

Although it’s likely you’ll eventually have an ingrown toenail, there are a few things you can do to limit the possibility.

Trim your toenails regularly, but not too short. A moderate length helps lower your risk of ingrown nails. If you cut your toenails too short, they’re more likely to become ingrown. If they’re too long, they may break, which can also cause problems.

Always cut your nails straight across without tapering or curving at the edges. If you struggle to trim your nails properly, consider scheduling a professional nail trimming in our office.

Along with correctly trimming your toenails, foot hygiene is important to avoid ingrown nails. Wash your feet daily and thoroughly dry them before you put on socks and shoes. If your feet get sweaty, cleaning them carefully is especially crucial.

Choosing socks and shoes that fit well is another factor in lowering your risk of ingrown toenails. Tight socks and shoes squeeze your toes together and make it more likely your nails will become ingrown. Aim for roomy, comfortable socks and shoes that allow your toes to move around.

If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail or you have questions about how to best care for your feet, call Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center or book an appointment online today. Dr. Shakhbandaryan and our staff are always happy to answer your questions and provide guidance based on your situation.