As a nail tech, you probably see pedicure clients with nail issues and foot problems all the time. One of the most common problems is ingrown nails, characterized by the corner or edge of a nail being embedded in the surrounding skin. Many times, ingrown nails don’t pose a serious problem, and you have probably fixed quite a few before they became a larger issue for your client. Sometimes, though, ingrown nails can progress to the point that they cause pain and even infections.

To get more information on this common nail issue, we spoke to Dr. Dana Stern, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Stern specializes in nail health and is our go-to source on all things having to do with nail disorders. She has helped us construct this comprehensive guide so that you can help your clients with the prevention and care of ingrown nails, as well as advise them on what to do if the problem is out of your hands.

What is an ingrown nail?

“An ingrown toenail, referred to as onychocryptosis, is when the corner or edge of the nail embeds in the surrounding skin,” Dr. Stern says. “It most commonly affects the big toenail. The nail has sharp edges and when the nail pierces the surrounding nail fold tissue it can begin to grow into the skin.”

Ingrown nails are much more common on the feet, but it’s possible for them happen with fingernails on certain people. “On fingernails the issue usually develops in people who have a nail dystrophy called a pincer nail, where the fingernail has a very exaggerated over-curvature.” This disorder can also happen on the toenails.

What are the common causes of ingrown nails?

In many cases, ingrown toenails are preventable. However, some people are predisposed to developing them, such as runners and other athletes. Causes include:

• Cutting the nail too short, which makes the nail more prone to embedding

• Cutting the nail on a curve

• Having nails that are just more prone to embedding due to exaggerated over-curvature (pincer nails)

• Improperly fitting shoes

• Repetitive toe trauma (common in athletes)

To prevent the occurrence of ingrown toenails, Dr. Stern recommends cutting the nail straight across (square shape) instead of on a curve, and not too short. Advise clients to wear shoes that fit them properly, leaving enough room for all the toes to be comfortable.

How do you identify an ingrown nail?

Your client’s first sign that something is wrong may be feeling pain at the site, which they may communicate to you. “The nail plate has sharp edges,” Dr. Stern says, “so when it embeds, it can result in significant pain, redness at the surrounding skin, inflammation, and swelling.” Leaving the embedded nail to persist can result in a granuloma, a heap of vascular tissue that occurs in response to trauma. It’s how the body attempts to stop the sharp object from piercing the skin. The granuloma might look like a growth overlying the area where the nail is embedded.

How can nail techs help?

The most important thing that you can do as a nail tech is to clip the nails in a way that relieves or prevents ingrown nails.

“Shape-wise, square would be preferred to round,” Dr. Dana advises, “although squoval (square with a bit of filing on the edge) would be ok too. Also, it is important to not cut the nail too short as that will also make it more prone to embedding. Those who suffer from ingrowns should allow their toenails to be a bit longer than is typical...Sometimes a simple clipping of the embedded section will create immediate relief.”

What can your client do at home?

If your client is suffering from an ingrown nail, give them some options on further care that they can do at home. Dr. Stern recommends these home treatment methods:

• Epsom salt soaks in cool water will help alleviate inflammation.

• Wear shoes where the nail doesn’t make contact with the shoe. Open toed, well-fitting sandals are ideal in summer.

• Over the counter anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen can help.

• Keep the area clean and dry.

• Do not try to dig into the nail fold with tools or to perform a home surgery.

How can you tell if an ingrown nail has caused infection?

“When infected there will be purulent drainage (pus) and there can be significant swelling, warmth, and extreme tenderness,” Dr. Stern says. At this point, or whenever the ingrown nail impacts your ability to walk or participate in activities, it is necessary to seek medical help.

 You should also see a doctor as soon as possible for any ingrown nail if you also have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes

• Severe nerve damage

• Poor blood circulation

These conditions can further complicate issues with the extremities that may normally not be as big of a problem for others. For instance, with a condition that damages the nerves in your feet, you may not feel or notice when an ingrown toenail has become infected. The risk of this resulting in severe complications is high, so advise your client to see their healthcare provider as soon as they can.

How does a doctor treat ingrown nails?

“Most of the time, ingrown toenails heal without surgery,” Dr. Stern says. “In severe cases, your healthcare provider may need to remove part of the nail with a procedure called a nail avulsion. Surgery keeps the edge of the nail from growing inward and cutting into the skin. During a partial nail avulsion, your provider injects an anesthetic (numbing medicine) in your toe and then a portion of the embedded toenail is cut away.”

Depending on how often your client gets ingrown toenails, their doctor may take steps to further prevent them from coming back. “For recurrent ingrown nails, these avulsion procedures can be done permanently with the assistance of a chemical to kill the nail root. This procedure, called a matricectomy, will enable the nail to subsequently grow in more narrowly and, therefore, eliminates the risk of chronic embedding. When infection is present, it will be important for your doctor to drain and culture the infection and treatment may include an oral antibiotic.”

Even if you see ingrown nails all the time, hopefully we’ve helped you gain a more complete understanding of what to look for, how to help your client, and when to go hands-off and advise them to see a healthcare provider. Educating your client on how to take care of their feet at home will also help with ingrown nail prevention.

Dr. Dana Stern is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in the treatment of nail disorders, including nail infections, inflammatory diseases of the nail, cosmetic issues related to the nail, cancers of the nail, and sports-related nail injuries.