How can I educate patients on proper nail care to prevent recurrence of ingrown toenails?

To educate patients on proper nail care to prevent the recurrence of ingrown toenails, advise them to cut their toenails straight across rather than rounding the edges, which helps avoid the nail growing into the surrounding skin. Patients should avoid cutting nails too short, as this can increase the risk of the nail penetrating the skin. Emphasise the importance of wearing well-fitting shoes that do not compress the toes, reducing pressure on the nail folds. Encourage good foot hygiene, keeping feet clean and dry to prevent infection and inflammation around the nail. Patients should also be advised to avoid trauma to the toenails, such as repetitive injury or improper nail trimming techniques. If patients have underlying conditions such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, they should be particularly vigilant with nail care and seek professional podiatry advice regularly. Early recognition of symptoms like pain, redness, or swelling around the nail should prompt timely medical consultation to prevent progression. These recommendations align with NICE guidance on diabetic foot care and prevention of foot complications, which includes managing nail health to reduce infection risk NICE NG19. Additionally, Seidel 2005 highlights that breaking the cycle of cryptosis (ingrown toenail) requires consistent patient education on nail cutting techniques and footwear choices to prevent recurrence Seidel 2005.