Caleb Foster
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that occurs when the corner of a toenail grows into the skin. While nail technicians can provide medical pedicures to help address the causes of ingrown toenails, they are not licensed or trained to perform ingrown toenail removals. This procedure is typically carried out by a podiatrist or a doctor, who may surgically remove part or all of the affected toenail to prevent it from growing inward again.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you visit a nail tech for an ingrown nail? | No, nail techs are not medical professionals and are not trained, licensed, or certified to remove ingrown nails. |
| Who should you visit instead? | A podiatrist, foot and ankle specialist, or doctor. |
| What is an ingrown nail? | A foot condition that develops when the corner of your toenail grows into your skin. |
| What causes it? | Incorrectly cut toenails, ill-fitting shoes, tearing the corner of your nail, toe trauma, or the shape of your toe. |
| What are the symptoms? | Redness, swelling, hardness, and pain. |
| What happens if left untreated? | The nail may become infected, and in rare cases, this could lead to a bone infection and the need for toe amputation. |
| What can you do at home? | Soak the affected area in lukewarm soapy water, apply Neosporin and a band-aid, and cut your toenails straight across to prevent it from recurring. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Nail techs are not podiatrists
While nail technicians can provide treatments for calluses, corns, and cuticle care, they are not trained or licensed to treat ingrown toenails. Although a nail tech may be able to cut the sides of an ingrown toenail to provide temporary relief, they are not medical professionals and cannot offer long-term solutions.
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition where the corner of the toenail grows into the skin. While this condition usually affects the big toe, it can occur on any toe. Mild cases can often be treated at home or by a healthcare provider using similar techniques, but with sterile and professional instruments. However, severe cases may require partial or complete nail avulsion, a minor surgical procedure performed by a doctor or podiatrist, to remove part or all of the toenail and prevent it from growing inward again.
Nail technicians are not qualified to perform such procedures, and attempting to do so may lead to infections or other complications. As Abby, a certified nail tech, advises, "Nail techs are NOT podiatrists. Always refer [the] client to a podiatrist when ingrowns need to be removed. We are not supposed to work on living skin." Nail techs are forbidden from performing any kind of medical treatment, and cutting or digging out an ingrown toenail falls under this category.
Therefore, while a nail technician may be able to offer advice on preventing ingrown toenails, such as cutting nails straight across rather than in an oval shape, they cannot treat the condition once it has occurred. In such cases, it is always best to consult a podiatrist or doctor, who can provide proper medical care and help prevent further complications.
Rubbing Alcohol: An Effective Remover for Powder Nail Polish?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Home remedies for ingrown nails
While nail technicians can provide medical pedicures to help treat and prevent ingrown toenails, they are not licensed or trained to remove them. This procedure is typically carried out by a doctor or podiatrist.
If you are experiencing an ingrown toenail, there are several home remedies you can try to relieve pain and promote healing:
- Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. You can add Epsom salts to the water for additional relief.
- Massage the side where your skin meets the nail to help reduce inflammation.
- Prepare a basin of warm water combined with 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. Soak the affected foot for up to 20 minutes daily, then dry thoroughly. Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.
- Soak your foot in warm, salty water to help soften the skin around your toe and reduce the chances of infection.
- Place fresh bits of cotton or waxed dental floss under the ingrown edge after each soaking. This will help the nail grow above the skin edge.
- Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the tender area and bandage the toe.
- Choose sensible footwear, such as open-toed shoes or sandals, until your toe feels better.
- Take non-prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to ease toe pain.
If your ingrown toenail does not improve with home remedies, it is recommended to seek medical treatment, especially if you have an infection or other concerning symptoms. A doctor or podiatrist may suggest partial or total nail removal under a local anesthetic.
Gel Nails and Contact Lenses: A Safe Removal Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
When to see a doctor
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that usually isn't serious and can be treated at home. However, there are certain instances where you should seek medical attention.
Firstly, if you have diabetes or suspect an infection, it is important to see a healthcare provider. Ingrown toenail infections can be treated with oral antibiotics prescribed by a doctor to eliminate the infection and prevent its spread. If you are experiencing severe pain, pus, or increasing redness, seek immediate medical care.
Additionally, if home remedies and self-care treatments are not providing relief, it is advisable to consult a doctor. They can diagnose the condition based on your symptoms and a physical examination of the nail and surrounding skin. Your doctor may recommend partially or completely removing the nail, especially if the issue persists. This procedure involves numbing the toe and using a chemical, laser, or other methods to prevent the nail from growing back.
In some cases, your primary care provider may refer you to a podiatrist for more specialized care, particularly if surgery is required. It is important to prioritize the treatment of ingrown toenails to maintain healthy feet and overall well-being.
How to Layer Regular Nail Polish Over Gels
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ingrown nail causes
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that can usually be treated at home. However, they can sometimes lead to severe complications, especially in people with diabetes or other conditions affecting blood flow to the feet. Therefore, it is important to understand the causes of ingrown toenails to prevent them from occurring and seek appropriate medical care when necessary.
One of the primary causes of ingrown toenails is incorrect toenail cutting. Cutting toenails too short, rounding the corners, or tapering the edges can cause the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. This can be avoided by trimming toenails straight across and maintaining a moderate length. It is also important to wear properly fitting shoes to prevent pressure on the toes, which may direct the nail to grow into the surrounding tissue.
Trauma to the toe, such as banging or stepping on it, can also cause ingrown toenails. Additionally, certain medications and fungal nail infections have been linked to the development of ingrown toenails. In some cases, the shape of the toe or the natural growth pattern of the nail can make individuals more susceptible to ingrown toenails.
While ingrown toenails usually aren't serious, they can become infected, leading to pain, redness, swelling, and pus discharge. If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause more severe complications. Therefore, it is essential to practice proper nail care, be mindful of the risk factors, and seek medical attention if ingrown toenails become a persistent issue or if signs of infection develop.
Gel Nails: One Set, Ruined Nails?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ingrown nail prevention
While nail technicians are not licensed or trained to remove ingrown toenails, they can help you address the causes and prevent them from recurring. For instance, changing the way you cut your toenails can help prevent ingrown toenails. Instead of tapering them to the shape of your toe, cut your nails straight across. This is because toenails that are cut straight are less likely to become ingrown than oval-shaped nails that shorten the sidewall.
Additionally, wearing shoes and socks that fit but leave enough space in the toe bed can help prevent ingrown toenails. Avoid tight-fitting shoes and socks that crowd your toes, as well as loose-fitting shoes that cause your toes to hit the edge of the toe bed. You can also try toe protectors, which provide a cushioning barrier for ingrown toenails. Toe braces are another option; they are thin composite devices that hold the toe in place and shield the skin as a new nail grows back.
Soaking your nails in warm water before cutting them can also help prevent ingrown toenails. This is because soaking your nails can improve symptoms within a few days and reduce swelling. Soaking the affected foot in warm or room-temperature soapy water for up to 20 minutes at a time may help ease the pain. Adding Epsom salts to the water may bring additional relief.
If you have recurring ingrown toenails, your healthcare provider may recommend lifting the nail. They will carefully lift the ingrowing nail edge and place cotton, dental floss, or a splint under it to separate the nail from the overlying skin. This helps the nail grow above the skin edge, usually in 2 to 12 weeks.
Effective Gel Nail Removal: Easy and Safe Methods
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, nail technicians are not licensed, trained, or certified to remove ingrown nails. They are not medical professionals and are not supposed to work on living skin. It is recommended to consult a doctor or podiatrist for ingrown nail removal.
An ingrown nail is a foot condition that develops when the corner of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. It usually affects the big toe but can occur on any toe.
To prevent ingrown nails, cut your toenails straight across instead of rounding the corners. Wearing shoes with a wider toe box can also help prevent ingrown nails by reducing pressure on the toes.
If you have an infected ingrown nail, it is recommended to consult a doctor or a foot and ankle specialist for treatment. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove part or all of the nail to prevent it from growing inward again.
