Although ingrown toenails are very common conditions, many people tend to have a misconception about the conditions and how we treat nails in general.

  1. We should make a curve when we cut nails.

    • FACT: Making a notch or curve in toenails will increase the change of ingrown toenails. Always cut nails straight across and try not to cut them too short. It is also important that you clean your nail clippers each time before cutting nails.

  2. The medical procedure for the ingrown is very painful and complicated

    • FACT: the procedure often takes around 15-30 minutes depends on your conditions. A podiatrist will properly diagnose your symptom and will perform a procedure that is right for you. They usually use local anesthesia on your toe, so ingrown toenail surgeries are by nature painless. The infection process for the anesthesia does sting, but it won’t last longer than 20 seconds.

  3. Because my family member has ingrown, I will have it too in the future

    • FACT: It is true that one of the causes of ingrown toenails is heredity. So if your family member has ingrown, you might be more likely to get one as well. However, if you follow ingrown prevention, such as wearing right-fitting shoes or cutting your nail properly, you do not necessarily get ingrown toenails like your family members. If you already have one, it is very important to treat it with a podiatrist and learn the proper way to prevent the problem in order to keep it from coming back.

These misconceptions may have you prone to get ingrown toenails. Make sure you don’t fall for these myths and get proper information. Do not hesitate to talk to your podiatrist. They are here to help you.