MD Podiatrist Discusses the Right Way to Cut Your Toenails

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “the way you trim your toenails can be a potential cause of your ingrown nails. Specifically, trimming your toenails too short or rounding the edges can increase your risk of an ingrown nail. So, when cutting your toenails, you don’t want to cut them on a curve or cut the corners. Instead, cut them straight across the top, leaving about a millimeter or two of nail at the top. This should be long enough that the corners of each toenail sit loosely against the skin at the sides. And always make sure you’re using a sharp, clean nail trimmer when it’s time to cut your nails.”

In addition, make sure you’re addressing other possible causes of ingrown toenails. Wear shoes that fit properly and avoid high heels or pointy-toed shoes, which squeeze your toes together and can increase your chances of ingrown toenails. Look for breathable footwear and use antiperspirant or foot powder if you have extra sweaty feet. All that moisture softens the skin of your toes, which can make it easier for the nail to cause a small cut. And don’t pick or tear your toenails, which also increases your odds of developing an ingrown nail,” says Dr. Michaels.