Can one prevent ingrown toenails?

Yes, ingrown toenails can be prevented.

Trimming your nails should be done in a proper way. Always cut nails straight across. If you make curves and waves, chances are that the nail will start to grow unevenly and grow into soft tissues. Nails outline is not supposed to match shape of toe. Nails should be cut so that you toe is covered.

Pedicure. If you have your nails cut at spa, tell the technician to cut them straight. If you are diabetic, you should not go to any technician or a spa. Better go to a podiatrist. Even a small nick in skin can lead to a serious infection. Do not muck around with your nails at home if you have no idea what to do To help prevent Onychocryptosis, toenails should be cut straight across and not pointed or too short. Avoid making the corners round.

Keep proper nail length. Cutting nails too short or too long can lead to ingrown toenails. So keep the length just right. The nail when cut should be flush with edge of the skin. If nails are left too long, they will start to grow in your flesh once you wear shoes.

Wearing proper shoes is the keep to preventing ingrown toenails. Tight fitting shoes crowd out the toes and push nails inside the flesh. This is a common problem in women who wear high heel shoes. High heel shoes are sexy and nice but there is a price to pay for looking good. If you want to look good and still wear high heel shoes, buy comfortable shoes that fit.

Once you have developed an ingrown toes nail, wear sandals, or open slippers. Wearing tight fitting shoes in the presence of an ingrown toenail only makes the condition worse.