Minimizing Risk of Ingrown Toenails

There is no single cause responsible for all cases of ingrown toenails; rather, there are a variety of different possibilities. Ingrown toenails are rather common, so don’t beat yourself up if you bend down to notice that your toenail, usually on the big toe, begins curving inward and into the skin of the toenail. This is a minor nuisance that can be painful, but it can be avoided. The good news is that finding and correcting the problems can take care of your ingrown toenail situation! Below, we will discuss some of the ways in which you can keep yourself safe from ingrown toenails, and how you can help your child avoid developing ingrown toenails in their future. 

One of the best things you can do for yourself and your family is by investing in SteriShoe, a podiatrist-recommended UV shoe sanitizer insert. Featuring a built-in dryer and UVC light, SteriShoe is clinically proven to eliminate 99.9% of germs and bacteria that cause shoe odor and foot infections. It cleanses the shoe’s environment from heel to toe, so you can slip your feet into something a little more comfortable! Shop now.

Check Your Footwear

Toenails don’t grow very quickly, but they still need room to do so. If your toes are too cramped in tight socks or shoes, it can affect the manner in which your toenails grow. This is especially important for teens, whose feet grow so fast, or at least that’s what it seems like! Make sure that when buying shoes for yourself and your children, there is comfortable room for your foot, which is something that affects more than just the growth of your toenails. Your toes should be able to wiggle where they rest without having to grind against each other to do so. 

Check the Way You Trim Your Toenails

You might not realize that there is a right and wrong way to rim your toenails, but we can assure you, there is. When teaching your kids how to cut their own toenails, first by doing it for them, cut their toenails straight across, with just a teeny bit of visible “white” at the end of the nail. Cutting the nails too short, or rounding the corners, will increase the risk that the nail will start to fit into the skin as it grows back. 

This tip is essential for older adults as well. It may seem trivial having to read how to appropriately cut your own nails, but the mistake happens often. There should be enough nail left to hook with a fingernail, anything shorter and you risk damaging your nail bed and increasing the chance of nails growing back in abnormal ways.

It May Not Be Your Fault If You Notice An Ingrown Toenail

Another reason that your children or you have battled with ingrown toenails could be because of genetics. The good news is that this is not a permanent problem! Ingrown toenail treatment is very simple and usually doesn’t hurt. There is a good chance that your local podiatrist will be able to provide quick treatment. 

If ingrown toenails keep coming back, then it is definitely genetics, and your natural nail shape just makes them more prone to this issue. If this is the case, then treatment is your best bet! You should speak with your podiatrist to find out the best course of treatment. 

Try SteriShoe Today

SteriShoe won’t help you get rid of your ingrown toenails, as the benefits of the UVB light don’t extend to solving genetic problems. However, SteriShoe can and will eliminate the 99.9% of bacteria that live in shoes that cause foot and shoe odor, foot infections, nail fungus, and athlete’s foot. Unlike sprays and powders which only mask the scent of smelly shoes, SteriShoe actually kills the bacteria living in your shoes, which means your foot and your nails will most definitely be happier and healthier. Shop now!