5 Ways Nail Techs Can Help With Ingrown Toenails

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Ingrown toenails can be a real pain - literally. They can cause discomfort, swelling, and even infection if left untreated. As a nail technician, you may encounter clients who are struggling with ingrown toenails. While you may not be a doctor, there are several ways you can help alleviate the symptoms and provide guidance on how to prevent them from happening in the future.

First, it's essential to understand what causes ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pressure and friction. This can happen due to various reasons such as improper nail trimming, tight-fitting shoes, or poor foot hygiene. As a nail tech, you can educate your clients on the importance of proper nail care and provide them with tips on how to prevent ingrown toenails.

Here are five ways nail techs can help with ingrown toenails:

1. Proper Nail Trimming Techniques

One of the most effective ways to prevent ingrown toenails is by trimming the nails correctly. As a nail tech, you can demonstrate proper nail trimming techniques to your clients. This includes trimming the nails straight across, avoiding cutting the corners, and not cutting the nails too short. You can also recommend using nail clippers specifically designed for toenails, which have a curved blade that allows for more precise cutting.

Nail Trimming Tips:

* Trim the nails straight across, without cutting the corners. * Use nail clippers specifically designed for toenails. * Avoid cutting the nails too short. * File the nails to smooth out any rough edges.

2. Recommending Soaking and Exfoliating

Soaking and exfoliating can help soften the skin around the ingrown toenail, reducing pressure and discomfort. As a nail tech, you can recommend soaking the feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes, twice a day. You can also suggest exfoliating the skin around the ingrown toenail using a pumice stone or foot file. This can help remove dead skin cells and reduce pressure on the nail.

Soaking and Exfoliating Tips:

* Soak the feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes, twice a day. * Exfoliate the skin around the ingrown toenail using a pumice stone or foot file. * Use a gentle exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells.

3. Providing Advice on Footwear

Tight-fitting shoes can exacerbate ingrown toenails by putting pressure on the nail and surrounding skin. As a nail tech, you can advise your clients to wear comfortable shoes that allow for proper toe movement. You can also recommend avoiding high heels or shoes that are too tight, as they can cause pressure on the toes.

Footwear Tips:

* Wear comfortable shoes that allow for proper toe movement. * Avoid high heels or shoes that are too tight. * Choose shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the toes.

4. Offering Topical Treatments

Topical treatments can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. As a nail tech, you can offer topical treatments such as creams or ointments that contain ingredients like tea tree oil or aloe vera. These ingredients have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help soothe the skin and promote healing.

Topical Treatment Tips:

* Apply topical treatments containing tea tree oil or aloe vera to the affected area. * Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.

5. Referring to a Doctor if Necessary

In severe cases of ingrown toenails, it may be necessary to refer the client to a doctor. As a nail tech, you can assess the severity of the ingrown toenail and advise the client to seek medical attention if necessary. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics or perform a minor surgical procedure to remove the ingrown toenail.

Referral Tips:

* Assess the severity of the ingrown toenail and advise the client to seek medical attention if necessary. * Refer the client to a doctor if the ingrown toenail is severe or infected.

By following these tips, nail techs can help alleviate the symptoms of ingrown toenails and provide guidance on how to prevent them from happening in the future. Remember to always refer clients to a doctor if the ingrown toenail is severe or infected.

By providing guidance and treatment options for ingrown toenails, nail techs can help clients alleviate discomfort and prevent future occurrences.