How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails: Podiatrists Share Expert Tips

Ingrown toenails may seem like a minor nuisance, but for many people, they can cause intense discomfort, ongoing infections, and disruptions to daily life. If you’ve ever dealt with the sharp pain of a nail digging into your skin, you know how important prevention truly is.

At My FootDr Singapore, our experienced podiatrists provide advanced and gentle ingrown toenail treatment. But just as important as treatment is prevention—and that’s where expert advice makes all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll break down podiatrist-approved prevention strategies and share insights that could save you from future foot pain.

What Are Ingrown Toenails—and Why Do They Happen?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the soft skin surrounding it. This leads to inflammation, pain, swelling, and in some cases, infection. The big toe is most commonly affected, but any toenail can become ingrown under the right conditions.

Common Causes:

• Improper toenail trimming (especially cutting too short or curving the edges)
• Wearing tight or narrow shoes
• Repeated trauma to the toe (e.g. from sports or stubbing)
• Genetic predisposition (some people naturally have curved nails)
• Poor foot hygiene

Why Prevention Matters

Many patients ignore the early signs of ingrown toenails—until it’s too painful to walk properly. That’s why prevention is key.

If left untreated, ingrown nails can lead to:

1. Bacterial or fungal infections
2. Pus or fluid buildup
3. Difficulty wearing shoes or walking
4. Complications for people with diabetes or circulation problems

Podiatrist-Recommended Tips to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

We asked our team of foot health experts at My FootDr Podiatrist Singapore to share their top tips for keeping toenails healthy and ingrown-free:

1. Trim Your Toenails Correctly

This might sound simple, but how you cut your toenails makes a huge difference.

Do:

• Cut your nails straight across
• Leave nails slightly longer than the skin at the tip of your toe
• Use clean, sharp nail scissors or clippers

Don’t:

• Round off the edges of your toenails
• Cut your nails too short
• Dig into the corners with sharp objects

My FootDr Tip: “When you cut nails too short or try to round them off like fingernails, you increase the risk of the nail corner growing into the skin.”

2. Choose the Right Footwear

Your shoes play a major role in foot health. Tight or ill-fitting shoes can compress your toes and force nails to grow abnormally.

Look for:

• Shoes with a wide toe box
• Flexible material that doesn’t constrict your toes
• Breathable options to avoid moisture buildup

Avoid:

• Narrow or pointed shoes
• High heels that push your toes forward
• Wearing the same shoes daily without giving them time to air out

“Just like you wouldn’t let your home’s dryer vent clog with moisture and lint, you shouldn’t trap your feet in shoes that don’t let them breathe. It’s about avoiding build-up—whether it’s bacteria or heat.”

3. Practice Daily Foot Hygiene

Clean feet = healthy nails. Prevent infections and skin irritation with consistent hygiene habits.

Steps to follow:

• Wash feet thoroughly with soap and water every day
• Dry between your toes completely
• Change socks daily (especially after sweating)
• Avoid walking barefoot in public places

Bonus Tip: Use a moisturiser to prevent cracked skin, but keep it away from the toenail edges to avoid softening the skin too much.

4. Wear Proper Socks

It’s not just shoes—your socks matter too. Tight, synthetic socks can trap sweat and encourage fungal growth.

Choose:

• Socks made of breathable materials like cotton or bamboo
• Compression socks only when advised by a podiatrist
• Proper sizes to avoid toe crowding

5. Be Mindful During Sports and Activities

Repetitive impact from sports like football, running, or dancing can lead to toenail trauma and increased risk of ingrowth.

Prevention tips:

• Use properly fitted sports shoes
• Trim toenails regularly, especially before competitions
• Consider protective orthotics for high-impact activities

At My FootDr Singapore, we offer Custom insoles in Singapore to support athletes, prevent injuries, and reduce pressure on vulnerable toenails.

6. Don’t Ignore Early Symptoms

Many patients delay seeking help until the pain becomes unbearable. But acting early makes treatment easier and recovery faster.

Early warning signs:

• Tenderness or pain near the nail edge
• Redness or swelling
• Pus or fluid drainage

If you notice any of the above, don’t wait. It’s time to see a podiatrist.

What Does Ingrown Toenail Treatment Involve?

At My FootDr Singapore, we provide comprehensive treatment options tailored to your specific condition:

Our Services Include:

• Gentle nail edge trimming and cleaning
• Antibiotics or antifungal medication (if needed)
• Minor nail surgery for recurring cases
• Long-term foot care and orthotic support

Our podiatrists take a gentle, evidence-based approach to treatment and prevention so you can stay active, pain-free, and confident.

Final Thoughts

Preventing ingrown toenails isn’t just about cutting your nails differently. It’s about a whole-foot approach: choosing the right shoes, keeping your feet clean, spotting the signs early, and getting regular expert care.

Whether you're dealing with recurring ingrown nails or just want to avoid future problems, the team at My FootDr Singapore is here to support you every step of the way.