Sophia Delgado
Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem that can be painful and inconvenient. They occur when the corner or side edge of a toenail grows into the skin. While this condition usually affects the big toe, it can occur on any toe. The biggest cause of ingrown toenails is incorrect toenail cutting and shaping. While mild cases can often be treated at home or by a healthcare provider using similar techniques, severe cases may require partial or complete nail removal through a procedure called nail avulsion. Importantly, nail techs are not licensed or trained to remove ingrown toenails, and it is recommended that clients with this issue are referred to a podiatrist or doctor for treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who should remove ingrown toenails | Podiatrists or doctors, not nail technicians |
| Toenail removal procedure | Injecting a numbing medicine, then cutting away part or all of the toenail |
| Toenail regrowth | A few months |
| Permanent toenail removal | Use of a chemical to kill the nail root |
| Toenail removal alternatives | Soaking, using a brace or protector, applying ointment, wearing sandals or open-toed footwear, toe protectors, toe braces, toe sleeves, toe wraps, toe caps, medicated options that soften the nail |
| Ingrown toenail causes | Incorrectly cutting and shaping the toenail, improper footwear, tearing the corner of the nail, toe trauma, toe shape, nail larger than the toe, surrounding tissue of the nail border growing naturally around the nail |
| Ingrown toenail symptoms | Redness, swelling, hardening, pain, liquid or pus coming out of the toe, darkening of the area, break in the skin, bacterial infection |
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What You'll Learn
Nail techs aren't licensed to remove ingrown toenails
Nail technicians are not licensed to remove ingrown toenails. While nail licensing has helped standardise the education process, it has also resulted in the loss of an essential hands-on learning stage that was previously enjoyed by trainee nail technicians. In the past, a seasoned technician would sit with a trainee one-on-one, teaching, commenting, and guiding them before they started working with clients. This allowed for direct and immediate feedback, which is lacking in today's classroom training.
The scope of a nail technician's license does not include treating ingrown toenails. They are restricted from working on toes that are warm, red, inflamed, or infected. Vicki Malo, president of the North American School of Podology and vice president of education for Footlogix, advises techs: "Don't work outside the scope of your practice." Nail techs are not podiatrists and should refer clients to a podiatrist for ingrown toenail removal.
One of the biggest misconceptions among nail techs is what qualifies as an ingrown toenail. Often, it is mistaken for an involuted or curved nail with a callus or corn buildup in the nail groove area. Incorrectly cutting and shaping the toenail is the biggest cause of ingrown toenails. Cutting nails too short, rounding the corners, or narrowing the sides of the nail plate in the groove area can cause the nail to become ingrown. With specific training, nail technicians can learn to properly cut nails that are prone to becoming ingrown.
Nail technicians without the knowledge and tools can put clients at risk of developing ingrown toenails. As the nail industry grows, more techs without the necessary skills are encountering this risk. It is important for nail technicians to build bridges with the medical community and for clients to be aware of the limitations of nail tech services.
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Incorrect toenail cutting and shaping causes ingrown toenails
Incorrect toenail cutting and shaping is the biggest cause of ingrown toenails. This occurs when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin. The condition often arises when people cut their toenails by rounding or tapering the corners of their nails. If the toenail is curved to match the shape of the toe, it can grow into the skin. Therefore, it is important to cut toenails straight across, leaving them long enough so that the corners lie loosely against the skin at the sides. In other words, don't trim your toenails too short, don't round the edges, and avoid cutting the nails into a pointy V-shape.
Nail technicians are not licensed, trained, or certified to remove ingrown toenails. In fact, nail techs are restricted from working on a client's toe when it is warm, red, inflamed, or infected. As such, it is always recommended to seek the help of a doctor or podiatrist for ingrown toenail removal.
To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to wear properly fitting shoes that do not place too much pressure on the toes. Additionally, maintaining good blood circulation and nerve health in the foot can help reduce the risk of developing ingrown toenails. People with diabetes or other conditions that affect blood flow to the feet are at a higher risk of developing ingrown toenails and should be especially careful.
It is also important to note that ingrown toenails can be caused by other factors such as nail trauma, tearing the corner of the nail, or improper footwear. Adolescents and athletes are among those at a higher risk of developing ingrown toenails.
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Ingrown toenail symptoms include swelling, redness, and pus
It is important to note that nail technicians are not licensed, trained, or certified to remove ingrown toenails. Nail technicians are restricted from working on a client’s toe when it is displaying symptoms of an ingrown toenail. If you are experiencing symptoms of an ingrown toenail, you should seek advice from a doctor or a podiatrist.
Signs of an ingrown toenail infection include pain, redness, swelling, and pus coming from the toe. The infected area may appear red or darkened, and the toe may feel warm or hot. In some cases, an ingrown toenail infection can cause a pus-filled blister to form, which may need to be drained by a doctor.
If you are experiencing symptoms of an ingrown toenail, there are several treatments you can try at home to relieve pain and pressure. Soaking the affected toe in a warm foot bath with Epsom salt can help to draw out pus and reduce pain and pressure. You can also try gently lifting the corner of the nail and placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss underneath to separate the nail from the skin.
It is important to keep the affected area clean and dry, and to protect the toe while it heals. Wear loose, comfortable shoes that do not rub against the toe, and keep the toenail covered with a bandage to prevent further irritation.
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Toenail infections can lead to ingrown toenails
Infections can develop when bacteria enter through the skin surrounding the nail. This can happen when the toenail is cut too short or rounded at the corners, causing the nail to grow into the skin. Other causes of ingrown toenails include improper footwear, tearing the corner of the nail, and trauma to the toe, such as banging it or having it stepped on.
If left untreated, toenail infections can lead to more serious complications. In rare cases, the infection can spread from the toe to the bone. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect an infection, as early treatment can prevent further issues.
To treat an infected ingrown toenail, it is recommended to soak the foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salt or soapy water twice daily. Keep the foot dry at all other times and gently lift the edge of the nail. Place a small piece of cotton or dental floss between the nail and the skin to separate them. Apply an antibiotic cream and bandage, and wear comfortable shoes. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage pain and inflammation.
It is important to note that nail technicians are not licensed or trained to treat ingrown toenails or infections. They should refer clients with these issues to a podiatrist or healthcare provider. While nail techs may have varying levels of experience and passion for foot care, they are restricted from working on infected or inflamed toes.
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Home remedies can help treat ingrown toenails
Home remedies are often enough to treat ingrown toenails. However, they are not the best choice for everyone. If you have a severe case, a medical condition that raises your risk of infection, or are unsure about treating it yourself, it is recommended to seek professional medical attention.
There are several popular home remedies that can help treat ingrown toenails. Firstly, soaking your feet in a warm bath with Epsom salts or soapy water can soften the skin and reduce inflammation and discomfort. You can also add apple cider vinegar to the water, which may have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. Soak the affected foot for up to 20 minutes daily, then dry thoroughly.
After soaking, you can use clean nail-cutting tools to carefully clip the affected area. It is important to trim your toenails straight across, no shorter than the tip of your toe. You can then apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment to the tender area and bandage the toe.
Another method is to place small bits of cotton or waxed dental floss under the edge of the ingrown toenail to encourage proper nail growth. However, not all medical groups agree with this method, as it may increase pain and allow harmful bacteria to thrive.
Additionally, choosing sensible footwear can help. Consider wearing open-toed shoes or sandals until your toe feels better. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can also help ease toe pain.
While home remedies can be effective, it is important to know when to seek medical attention. If your ingrown toenail does not improve or worsens, it may be necessary to partially or totally remove the nail, which can be done by a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
You should see a licensed medical professional such as a podiatrist or a doctor. Nail technicians are not licensed or trained to remove ingrown toenails.
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that develops when the corner of your toenail grows into your skin. It usually affects the big toe, but it can affect any toe.
Ingrown toenails can be caused by incorrectly cutting and shaping the toenail, improper footwear, tearing the corner of the nail, toe trauma, or the shape of your toe.
Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include pain, redness, swelling, and in some cases, liquid or pus coming out of the toe.
Healthcare providers can treat mild ingrown toenails using professional instrumentation. In severe cases, they may perform nail avulsion, a procedure where part or all of the nail is surgically removed to prevent it from growing back.
