The best way to prevent ingrown toenails is to trim your toenails straight across, without rounding the corners, and not too short. Soften your nails first with a bath or a soak, use a clean toenail clipper, and wear shoes that don’t squeeze your toes. If you have diabetes or your toe gets red, swollen, or starts to drain, see a doctor.
Key takeaways
- Cut toenails straight across. Rounded or very short corners can grow into the skin.
- Trim after a shower or a short soak, with a clean toenail clipper.
- Don’t tear, rip, or pick at your toenails.
- Wear shoes that fit, with room for your toes.
- People with diabetes, nerve damage, or poor circulation should see a doctor for any ingrown toenail.
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail happens when the corner or side of a toenail grows down into the skin next to it. It usually affects the big toe, but any toe can get one. According to Cleveland Clinic, it’s a common foot problem. About two out of every 10 people who see a provider for a foot issue go in for an ingrown toenail.
At first, the skin along the nail may feel hard, tender, and swollen. If bacteria get in, the area can become infected.
What causes ingrown toenails?
Cleveland Clinic lists these common causes:
- Cutting nails the wrong way. Nails cut too short or rounded at the corners can grow into the skin.
- Tearing the corner of the nail instead of clipping it.
- Toe injuries, like stubbing your toe or getting stepped on.
- Your toe shape. Some people have nails that are large for the toe, or skin that naturally grows around the nail edge.
Teens, athletes, and people with diabetes, severe nerve damage in the leg or foot, or poor circulation are at higher risk.
How to prevent ingrown toenails: trim them the right way
How you cut your nails is the biggest thing you control. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says to cut toenails straight across to lower your chances of an ingrown toenail. Follow these steps:
- Soften your nails first. The AAD says the best time to trim is right after a bath or shower. If that’s not possible, soak your feet in lukewarm water for a few minutes.
- Use the right tool. Use a toenail clipper, not a small fingernail clipper. Make sure it’s clean before you start.
- Cut straight across. Clip across the top of the nail in a straight line. Don’t follow the curve of your toe.
- Leave the corners alone. Don’t round them off or dig into them. Cleveland Clinic says rounded (tapered) corners are a common reason nails grow into the skin.
- Don’t go too short. A nail cut too short can let the skin fold over the edge, and the nail may grow into it.
- Smooth rough edges gently. If an edge feels sharp, a light pass with a file along the straight edge can help. Don’t file the corners into a curve.
Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, so you won’t need to trim them as often. The AAD also suggests disinfecting your clippers regularly and leaving your cuticles alone. For more on that, see our guide to cuticle care.
Trimming do’s and don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Cut straight across | Round or taper the corners |
| Trim after a bath, shower, or short soak | Cut dry, brittle nails |
| Use a clean toenail clipper | Tear or rip your nails |
| Leave a little length | Cut down into the skin line |
| See a doctor if a corner is red or sore | Dig out a painful corner yourself |
Wear shoes that give your toes room
Shoes that squeeze your toes put pressure on the sides of your nails. Cleveland Clinic advises wearing shoes that fit correctly, not too loose and not too tight around the toes.
- Choose shoes with a roomy toe area. Your toes shouldn’t be squeezed together.
- Wear athletic shoes that fit well for running and sports. Cleveland Clinic also says to avoid repeated trauma to the sides of your nails.
Good-fitting shoes also help with other foot problems. Our guide on how to get rid of calluses on feet explains why.
What to tell your nail tech
A pedicure can be a nice way to keep toenails neat. A few words to your nail tech can help prevent ingrown toenails, too.
- Ask for a straight-across shape. Ask them not to round the corners deeply or cut down into the sides.
- Ask them not to cut too short. A podiatrist quoted by Cleveland Clinic recommends asking the technician not to cut your toenails too short, because that can lead to an ingrown toenail or an infection.
- Speak up if it hurts. Pain is a sign to stop.
- Look for clean tools. Metal clippers and nippers should be cleaned and disinfected between clients, often stored in a sealed sterilization pouch or a covered disinfectant container. Files and buffers should be new for you. Many salons open a fresh pedicure kit for each client.
Nail techs aren’t doctors. If your toe is already red, swollen, or draining, skip the pedicure and see a healthcare provider. For more salon tips, read our guide to pedicure safety.
Extra care if you have diabetes or poor circulation
If you have diabetes, nerve damage, or poor blood flow, a small toe problem can turn serious. You may not feel pain the way others do, so an ingrown corner can go unnoticed. Cleveland Clinic says people with diabetes should follow all foot care advice from their healthcare provider and not hold back from getting medical help. People with these conditions may also need regular foot care exams.
- Look at your feet and toes every day, including the sides of each nail.
- Ask your provider whether you should trim your own toenails or have a professional do it.
- Talk with your doctor before getting a salon pedicure.
When to see a doctor
Most ingrown toenails in healthy people aren’t serious. But some situations need a professional right away. Cleveland Clinic says to see a provider as soon as possible if you develop an ingrown toenail and you have:
- Diabetes
- Severe nerve damage
- Poor blood circulation
- A nail infection
Also call your provider if you see signs of infection, such as pus or other drainage, redness or darkening, swelling, warmth, or bad pain. Call too if your toe isn’t better after a few days, or it looks worse.
Don’t try to cut out an infected or severe ingrown nail yourself. Cleveland Clinic warns this can make it worse. A provider has sterile instruments and can remove part of the nail if needed. This article is general information, not medical advice.
FAQ
Should toenails be cut straight across or rounded?
Straight across. The AAD says cutting toenails straight across lowers your chances of an ingrown toenail. Rounded corners can curve down into the skin as the nail grows. Fingernails are different, and a slight rounding is fine there.
How short should I cut my toenails?
Not too short. Cutting down into the skin line can let the nail edge grow into the skin. Leave a little length and keep the edge straight. If you’re not sure, ask your doctor or podiatrist to show you.
Can a pedicure cause an ingrown toenail?
It can if the nails are cut too short or the corners are rounded deeply. Ask your nail tech for a straight-across shape and not to cut too short. Choose a clean salon that uses fresh files and disinfected metal tools.
Do tight shoes cause ingrown toenails?
They can add to the problem. Shoes that squeeze your toes press on the sides of the nails. Cleveland Clinic recommends shoes that fit correctly around the toes, not too loose or too tight.
When is an ingrown toenail an emergency?
See a provider quickly if you have diabetes, nerve damage, poor circulation, or signs of infection like pus, redness, swelling, or warmth. Don’t wait to see if it clears up on its own in those cases.
To recap, here’s how to prevent ingrown toenails: soften nails first, cut straight across with a clean clipper, don’t go too short, and wear shoes with room for your toes. Salon owners can find single-use files in our nail files category. Questions? Call +1 (669) 696-7724 or reach us through our contact page.
