Paronychia

• Ingrown nails (paronychia) occur due to the incomplete or partial trimming of the nail. Do not trim the nail to the corner and then tear the nail away, advises the website Footshop. When you tear the nail, a small spike of nail remains along the outer margin. The nail will continue to grow and this pushes the spike forward. The spike is comparable to a splinter or a foreign object. It becomes embedded in your skin and causes infection and a lot of pain. Sometimes surgical correction is required.
  
  

The Process

• Cut your toenails regularly and completely. Use nail cutters that have a pointed tip and are curved. After you cut your toenails, utilize a double ended nail file and round off the edges of your nails. Look for spikes. When you smooth the nail this prevents them from snagging on hose or getting caught on socks. The Mayo Clinic notes that you need to take precautions when using nail trimmers, which are very sharp, particularly if you have poor circulation in your feet or lack of sensation, which can be the result of peripheral vascular disease or diabetes. When trimming, start at the corner and take tiny cuts to prevent the nail from splintering. Do not round the toenail at the corner. Cut the nail straight across, which prevents the development of ingrown toenails.
  
  

Fungal Infections

• Always check to see if a fungal infection is present under your nails. You will be able to tell because the nail will turn a strange color or appear mottled and the nail will thicken. Fungal skin infections will infect the nail if they are not treated, which results in nail fungus.
  
  

Time Frame

• If you trim your nail every four or six weeks this should be adequate because nails grow slowly.