What are ingrown toenails?

 

Ingrown toenails are generally caused by poor nail-cutting technique, abnormal nail shape or poorly fitted footwear.

 

Ways of avoiding ingrown toenails include:

• Do not cut nails into the corners – this can leave a spike of nail that can embed itself into or irritate the flesh next to the nail. If you do have to cut your toenails into the corners, make sure that a nail spike is not left behind.

• Make sure that you and your children wear shoes that fit properly.

 

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Treatment of ingrown toenails

 

Some people have toenails that are prone to ingrowing regardless of how they cut them. In these cases, the only permanent solution is to remove the outer margins of the nail through a minor surgical procedure. Seek advice from your doctor or a Podiatrist.