If you frequently visit nail salons and have developed an ingrown toenail, you may be wondering if your nail technician is at fault. It is unlikely that visiting a nail salon alone will cause an ingrown toenail. However, if you are concerned about ingrowns for any reason there are some things to know about your visits to the salon.
Ingrown toenails are caused by pressure on the toe that forces the nail to grow into the side of the skin. One major reason why an ingrown can develop is because of improper cutting of the nail. Toenails should always be cut straight across and not at a curve. While at a nail salon, make sure that your nail technician cuts your nails straight across.
As long as your nail technician isn’t cutting your nails at a curve, visits to the nail salons won’t increase your risk of an ingrown toenail. Frequent visits to the nail salon can actually help prevent an ingrown toenail from occurring for a few reasons. Pedicures usually involve soaking the feet for a while in warm water, which can soften the skin around the nail. This can help to allow the nail to grow past the skin instead of into it. Some people also claim that acrylic toenail applications at a nail salon can help prevent an ingrown by thickening, blunting, or extending the corner of the nail. This is most helpful when the nail is kept straight across and other preventative measures against ingrowns are followed.
While a nail salon might not have given you an ingrown toenail, they definitely won’t be able to treat one. If you have an ingrown toenail, you should be seen by a licensed podiatrist before any more trips to the salon. Only a licensed podiatrist will be able to give you the best advice for moving forward with treatment. To schedule a consultation with a podiatrist, give us a call at (424)-299-4627 or visit our website for more information.