Ingrown Toenail (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

Ingrown Toenail Do's

  • Do wear wider toe shoes.


  • Do avoid repeated injury to toenails.


  • Do protect toes during sports.


  • Do maintain good foot hygiene.


  • Do cut toenails straight across.


  • Do keep toenails trim and clean.

Ingrown Toenail Don'ts

  • Don't cut toenails in a curved pattern.


  • Don't overcut toenails at edges.


  • Don't wear narrow or poor-fitting shoes.


  • Don't let a toenail infection go too long.


  • Don't try to do home surgery or remove an embedded nail.
  • An ingrown toenail is a common condition in the great toenail.
  • Ingrown toenails are typical in adolescent athletes.
  • Ingrown toenails are frequently associated with tight shoes and toe injuries.
  • Recurrences are common.
  • Ingrown toenails are treated with warm soaks, elevation, and foot hygiene.
  • Ingrown toenails may resolve without medical treatment.
  • Infection is treated with antibiotics.
  • Severe ingrown toenails may require minor nail-removal surgery.

Last Editorial Review: 8/5/2008


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Ingrown Toenail - Treatments Question: What home remedy treatments were effective for your ingrown toenail?
Ingrown Toenail - Causes Question: What caused your ingrown toenails?
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Ingrown Toenail - Prevention Question: If you're prone to ingrown toenails, how do you try to prevent a toenail trauma or injury?

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