Isn’t it a rule not to work with inflammation or raised red skin? How do I work on an ingrown nail?

Answer

Before working on an ingrown toenail, ask your client about any outstanding medical conditions. If the client suffers from diabetes or ailments of the foot, she should always be referred to her physician. Also, if you notice inflammation or redness, the client should be referred to a physician.

When there is no redness, pain or inflammation, the foot can be soaked in a warm, soothing foot bath. Once the skin is softened and the cuticles are pushed back, you can use the hook-shaped portion of the Master Tech Ingrown toenail tool, with a cuticle softening cream, to gently lift the ingrown piece of nail to free it from being embedded in the skin. Then, smooth it with the file end of the tool, or gently clip and file it smooth. --Anita Zappacosta, national sales manager at Tweezerman Professional