How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail plate presses into the surrounding skin instead of growing over it. It is most common on the big toe, and it is painful long before it looks serious.

Cut straight across, every time

Rounding the corners of a toenail the way you would a fingernail leaves a spike of nail buried in the fold, and that spike is what grows into the skin. Cut straight across, leave the corners visible above the skin, then soften them with a file rather than clippers.

Do not cut too short

A toenail should sit level with the end of the toe. Cutting into the quick removes the support the nail gives the skin in front of it, and the skin can then bunch up and block the growing edge.

Footwear and activity

• Shoes should have a thumb's width of space in front of the longest toe.
• Running and hiking downhill pushes toes forward; size athletic shoes accordingly.
• Rotate shoes so each pair dries fully — soft, damp skin gives way to the nail edge more easily.
• Avoid tight pointed shoes for long days, which squeeze the sides of the nail into the fold.

Early signs to act on

1. Tenderness along one side of the toe when you press it.
2. Redness or slight swelling at the corner of the nail.
3. A hard edge you can feel under the skin.
4. Any pus, spreading redness or heat — see a doctor rather than treating it at home.

What we can and cannot do in the salon

During a pedicure we can trim the nail correctly, clear debris from the groove gently, and file the corner so it stops catching. We cannot cut into the nail fold or treat an infection — that is a podiatrist's job, and Florida rules are clear on it. If your toe is inflamed, see a doctor first and come to us afterwards for maintenance.

Maintenance pedicures

If you are prone to ingrown edges, a pedicure every four to six weeks keeps the nail at a safe length and the surrounding skin soft. Tell your technician about your history at check-in so we can adjust the trim and keep the corners clear.