Patient/caregiver was educated on measures to manage and prevent ingrown toenail as follows:
- While taking care of toenails, trim the toenails straight across the top, without digging into the sides. Trim your toenails, just to be sure that they are even with the tip of your toes.
- Do not try to cut your toenails too short, by digging close to the flesh of your toes. This can increase the risk for ingrowing of toenails.
- Do not try to round the nails, by cutting them along the corners. This can increase the risk for ingrowing of toenails. You can choose to use an emery board or nail file, to just smooth the edges out.
- Individuals, especially diabetics, must observe compliance with proper foot hygiene and scheduled podiatrist visits. Toenail care by trained personnel can be significantly helpful in preventing development of abnormal and ingrown toenails. Diabetics must also maintain blood sugar levels in the recommended range, by observing compliance with prescribed medications and dietary limitations.
