Will a Pedicure Fix an Ingrown Toenail? Understanding Causes and Seeking Proper Medical Treatment

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of upward. This digs into the skin and causes pain, redness, swelling, and even infection in severe cases.

Ingrown toenails have several common causes:

Improper nail trimming

Cutting your nails too short or rounding the edges can lead to ingrowth. The shortened nail is more likely to dig into the skin rather than growing over it.

Heredity

Some people are just prone to ingrown nails due to the shape of their nail beds and toes. Ingrown toenails can run in families.

Poor foot structure

Those with conditions like bunions or hammertoes are more likely to develop ingrown nails. Curvature of the toe causes pressure that pushes the nail into the skin.

Tight shoes

Wearing tight, narrow, or improperly fitted shoes puts pressure on the toes and increases the risk of ingrown toenails.

Injury or trauma

Injury to the nail or toe can cause inflammation and swelling that allows the nail to dig into the skin. Prior surgery or infection also increases ingrown toenail risk.

Thickness of nails

Thick or rigid nails are more likely to grow into the surrounding skin than flexible, thinner nails.

Can a Pedicure Fix an Ingrown Toenail?

A basic pedicure alone without any specific ingrown nail treatment is not enough to fully fix an ingrown toenail. A pedicure primarily focuses on cosmetic appearance and relaxation.

However, there are some specific techniques nail technicians can incorporate into pedicures to help relieve ingrown toenail pain and encourage proper regrowth:

Soaking the feet

The warm water foot soak at the start of a pedicure can soften and hydrate the nails and cuticles. This helps relax the skin around an embedded nail.

Trimming nails properly

The nail technician should trim your nails straight across to avoid further ingrowth. They can also carefully trim the corner of the ingrown nail to relieve pressure.

Lifting the corner

A nail technician can gently lift the embedded edge of the nail up and away from the skin with a sterile tool. This removes the sharp edge digging into the skin.

Cleaning under nails

Cleaning thoroughly under the nails helps remove debris and bacteria to prevent infection.

Applying anti-inflammatory creams

Some pedicurists apply antibiotic or anti-inflammatory ointments and creams around the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.

While these techniques may help temporarily relieve discomfort, a standard pedicure alone cannot fully fix an ingrown nail or prevent it from returning. Any relief is likely temporary without other treatment.

Medical Treatments for Ingrown Toenails

To completely fix an ingrown toenail, medical treatment is typically needed. Some options your doctor may use include:

Prescription medication

Oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication treats infection while helping reduce swelling and discomfort.

Removal of part of the nail

Your doctor can remove part or all of the affected nail edge digging into the skin under local anesthesia.

Specialized bandages or braces

Orthopedic braces, sleeves, or splints can keep the nail lifted away from the skin as it grows out.

Nail bed surgery

For recurring or severe cases, permanent surgery can alter the nail bed to prevent ingrowth.

See your doctor promptly if you suspect an ingrown toenail. Trying to treat it at home without medical care increases your risk of complications like infection.

Home Care After Pedicure for Ingrown Toenails

While a standard pedicure alone wont cure an ingrown nail, there are some aftercare tips that can support healing after youve had a pedicure on an affected toe:

Keep soaking the nail

Soak your foot in warm water several times per day to keep the nail and skin soft and prevent recurrence of ingrowth as it grows out.

Apply antibiotic ointment

After soaking, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to prevent infection in the area.

Take anti-inflammatory medication

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can reduce swelling and discomfort.

Apply moisturizer

Gently rub moisturizing lotion into the skin around the affected nail after soaking to hydrate the tissue.

Wear open-toed shoes

Choose comfortable sandals or shoes that avoid pressure on the affected toe while it heals.

Trim nails properly

Keep trimming nails straight across to encourage outward growth as the ingrown portion grows out.

See your doctor

Follow up with your physician if symptoms persist or worsen rather than improving within a few days after the pedicure.

Risks of Pedicures for Ingrown Toenails

While professional pedicures can safely incorporate some ingrown toenail relief techniques, they do pose some risks to consider:

Infection

Improperly sterilized tools and foot baths at some salons can expose you to bacteria that could infect the nail.

Irritation

Products like scrubs and masks can contain ingredients that further aggravate the irritated skin around an ingrown nail.

Making it worse

Nail technicians without specialized ingrown toenail training may improperly trim the nails or damage the skin further.

Delaying medical care

A temporary pedicure fix could delay seeking actual medical treatment, allowing the problem to worsen.

Talk to your doctor before getting a pedicure if you have an ingrown toenail. They may recommend waiting until it has fully healed before exposing it to a salon environment.

Choosing a Salon for Ingrown Toenail Pedicure

If you decide to proceed carefully with a pedicure for an irritated or ingrown nail, choose your salon wisely:

Ask about sterilization

Ensure tools are properly cleaned and disinfected between clients and fresh foot bath liners are used.

Find specialty training

Look for nail techs specially trained in ingrown toenail care, not just standard pedicures.

Check credentials

Licensed salons with esthetician or podiatry professionals often provide the highest quality ingrown nail care.

Read reviews

Search for reviews mentioning successful ingrown toenail relief without complications.

Ask questions

Interview your chosen salon about their specific

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.