What should be done to prevent ingrown nails during foot care?

To prevent ingrown nails during foot care, cutting or filing the nails straight across is the best approach. This technique helps to ensure that the nail edges do not grow into the surrounding skin, which can cause pain and lead to an ingrown toenail. When nails are cut straight across, they tend to grow outwards rather than curving down into the skin, minimizing the risk of an ingrown condition.

In contrast, cutting nails short and rounded can inadvertently encourage the edges of the nails to dig into the skin as they grow, increasing the likelihood of developing ingrown nails. Filing nails in a downward motion may also promote similar issues, as it can push the nail edges closer to the skin rather than away from it. Lastly, using scissors instead of a nail clipper does not necessarily address the important aspect of nail shape, and therefore would not effectively prevent ingrown nails.