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Ingrown toenail - Prevention

Alternative Names

Onychocryptosis; Unguis incarnatus; Nail avlusion; Matrix excision

Prevention:

Wear shoes that fit properly. Shoes that you wear every day should have plenty of room around your toes. Shoes that you wear for walking briskly or for running should have plenty of room also, but not be too loose.

When trimming your toenails:

Considering briefly soaking your foot in warm water to soften the nail
Use a clean, sharp nail trimmer
Trim toenails straight across the top. Do not taper or round the corners or trim too short
Do not pick or tear at the nails

Keep the feet clean and dry. People with diabetes should have routine foot exams and nail care.

Ingrown toenail

Reviewed last on: 10/12/2009
Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee H. Management of the ingrown toenail. Am Fam Physician. 2009;79(4):303-8.

Richardson EG. Disorders of the nails and skin. In: Canale ST, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 84.

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Ingrown toenail - Prevention

Alternative Names

Prevention:

References