An ingrown toenail can be painful and can affect people of all ages. They occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the flesh of the toe, causing irritation, swelling, and sometimes even infection. Fortunately, Dr. Han Nguyen can treat your ingrown toenails to avoid the risk of infection.
While there are several ways to treat an ingrown toenail, it is best to try to prevent one from occurring in the first place. Here are some tips on how to prevent ingrown toenails:
- Cut your toenails correctly
One of the main causes of ingrown toenails is improper nail cutting. Therefore, it is important to cut your toenails straight across and not rounded at the edges to prevent ingrown toenails. Rounded edges can cause the toenail to grow into the skin, leading to an ingrown toenail. It is also a good idea to avoid cutting your toenails too short, as this can also increase the risk of an ingrown toenail.
- Wear the right shoes
Wearing too tight or too small shoes can put pressure on your toes and cause your toenails to grow into the skin. It is important to wear shoes that fit well and have plenty of room for your toes to move around freely. Avoid wearing shoes that squeeze your toes or have a narrow toe box.
- Choose your socks wisely
Socks that are too tight or that bunch up can also contribute to the development of ingrown toenails. It is best to wear socks that fit well and do not put too much pressure on your toes. Avoid socks made of materials that do not breathe well, as they can cause your feet to sweat and increase the risk of an ingrown toenail.
- Keep your feet clean and dry
Moisture can soften your toenails and make them more prone to ingrown toenails. To prevent ingrown toenails, keeping your feet clean and dry is important. Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly before putting on socks and shoes. If your feet tend to sweat a lot, use antiperspirant on your feet to help keep them dry.
- Avoid injury to your toenails
Trauma to your toenails can also increase the risk of an ingrown toenail. To prevent injury, be careful when trimming your toenails and avoid activities that could cause trauma to your toes, such as kicking heavy objects or playing sports without proper footwear.
- See a doctor if you have diabetes
If you have diabetes, it is important to be extra careful when preventing ingrown toenails. People with diabetes are more prone to developing ingrown toenails due to nerve damage and poor circulation. If you have diabetes, it is a good idea to see a doctor or podiatrist for regular foot check-ups and to get help with nail care.
Proper nail cutting, wearing the right shoes and socks, keeping your feet clean and dry, avoiding injury to your toenails, and seeing a doctor if you have diabetes can all help reduce your risk of developing this painful condition. By following these tips, you can keep your toes healthy and comfortable.
Call Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates to book your appointment for ingrown toenails treatment.