Onychocryptosis, commonly known as an ingrown toenail, is a frequent and painful condition where the edge of the nail plate grows into the surrounding skin. This penetration causes inflammation, redness, and swelling, most often affecting the big toe. A pedicure can lead to an ingrown toenail, though this is usually due to specific techniques employed by the technician rather than the service itself.
How Pedicure Techniques Create Ingrown Toenails
Improper nail trimming is the main way a pedicure can inadvertently create an ingrown toenail. When the toenail is cut too short or rounded at the edges into a curved shape, it encourages the soft tissue of the toe to fold over the nail corner. As the nail grows, this folded-over skin can be pierced by the advancing nail plate, initiating the painful ingrowth process.
Aggressive manipulation of the lateral nail folds—the skin along the sides of the nail—is also a significant factor. Technicians sometimes push back or trim the skin and cuticles, which can cause micro-trauma to the perionychium, the tissue bordering the nail. This trauma creates a pathway for the nail to embed into the irritated skin as it grows. The use of poorly sterilized tools can further complicate the issue by introducing bacteria through any small nicks, turning a simple irritation into an infected ingrown toenail.
Other Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails
While improper trimming is a major cause, ingrown toenails are often the result of non-pedicure related factors. Wearing improperly fitting footwear is a frequent culprit, especially shoes that are too narrow, too short, or have high heels. These press the toes together and force the nail plate into the surrounding flesh, encouraging the skin to grow over the nail.
Genetics can also predispose an individual to this condition, particularly those who naturally have a nail shape with an excessive downward curve, known as pincer nails. Direct trauma to the toe, such as stubbing it or repetitive pressure from high-impact activities, can alter the nail’s growth pattern. Underlying foot conditions, including fungal infections, may also change the thickness or shape of the nail, increasing the likelihood of it becoming ingrown.
Safe Care and When to Seek Medical Help
Preventing ingrown toenails during a pedicure begins with communication with your technician. Request that the toenails be trimmed straight across and not too short, ensuring a small amount of the white tip remains past the end of the toe. You should also ask them to avoid digging into the corners or trimming the lateral nail folds and cuticles, preserving the natural barrier of the skin.
At home, the principle of cutting straight across remains the best method of prevention. This technique ensures the nail grows out freely rather than into the skin at the corners. Soaking the feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes before trimming can soften the nail and skin, making the process easier.
If you develop an ingrown toenail, the initial symptoms include pain, redness, and swelling along the side of the nail. For mild cases without signs of infection, soaking the foot in warm water several times a day can help reduce inflammation and soften the area. Gently lifting the nail edge away from the skin with a small piece of clean cotton or dental floss may provide temporary relief, but this should be done with caution.
Professional medical attention is required if you notice signs of a worsening infection. These signs include increased redness, throbbing pain, warmth, or the presence of pus or foul-smelling drainage. Individuals with underlying conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage should seek immediate care from a podiatrist or dermatologist at the first sign of an ingrown toenail. A specialist can safely remove the offending nail piece and treat the infection, which is far more effective than home treatment.