To prevent ingrown toenails, where should you avoid filing or clipping?

To prevent ingrown toenails, it is crucial to avoid filing or clipping into the corners of the nails. This area is particularly sensitive, and trimming too deeply or shaping the nail too aggressively at the corners can lead to the nail growing into the surrounding skin. This condition, known as an ingrown toenail, can cause pain, swelling, and even infection if not managed properly.

Filing or clipping the corners can alter the natural growth pattern of the nail, increasing the risk of it curling and penetrating the skin, which exacerbates the problem. Thus, it is essential to maintain a natural shape and avoid altering the corners excessively to promote healthy nail growth and prevent complications.