The Fear of Ingrown, THick Fungal Nails and what to do
Our feet are our body’s foundations. They affect how we feel, how we walk, and what shoes we wear. Many are fearful of asking for help for toenail issues. People are searching every day for treatments that will work. People want to know what to do, and expectations. So, I thought what better way than to write about problematic nails.
There is an entire world out there where people are embarrassed about their nails. It could be from ingrown nails, discolored nails, to thick fungal nails. Instead of having the nail or nails treated, they will wait due to several reasons. Many will treat their conditions by what they’ve heard from friends, other nail technicians, and Tik Tik, there are so many people who love to share their advice (is a BIG one), or what they assume is wrong with their nails. What we need to discuss is the root cause of why people don’t take action in getting treatment.
Here's what I know:
People with toenail problems who have had a bad experience will avoid nail sessions that might be painful. They will even avoid going to the doctor.
People with toenail problems don't want to be shamed with unprofessional behavior by a nail technician. I can verify this because many of my clients have had this happen to them previously at other salons and they stop getting services
Medications are often what a doctor will prescribe and people don't want to take medications because of side effects
Generally, people with toenail problems avoid paying out-of-pocket for treatments especially when it’s considered cosmetic
I often hear how people have Googled their symptoms and how to treat them at home. I truly do understand, they want a fast, cheap solution that is convenient before they seek out a doctor or qualified nail technician. I did the same thing with my nails years ago. I had thick, ingrown, fungal nails and had them removed. If I would have known what I know now, I could have saved myself the pain of having them removed.
Let me give a summary of what clients have stated they’ve tried when they’ve come in:
Vicks Vapor Rub
Tea Tree Oil (because they’ve seen it in products)
Vinegar and water (the smell on the toes would be terrible)
Store-bought solutions (self-diagnosed)
People will try to maintain this treatment for months if not years. The problem that people run into is the inconvenience because of the routine. The worst part of treating these issues is how they are to be completed each time. Often, one must stop what they’re doing to treat their toes. Who wants to stop life and do this….no one!!
People with nail problems will also do some of the following:
Polish their nails with dark nail polish
Wear socks and closed-toed shoes. This can indirectly make the fungus worse because of the sweat and other bacteria in the socks and shoes. (I have personally seen this happen)
When people see that the results are counterintuitive, this explains why people stop the treatment. Unfortunately, people are looking for a quick result that likely isn’t going to happen. People have told me they lose hope, and quit trying to find a solution. This will only make the problem worse.
When a client comes to a salon for services, they don’t want to be shamed because they’ve hidden the problem or tried to treat it themselves. They truly want HELP!! So many have encountered a salon or nail technician that has embarrassed them. This stems from having a poor work ethic, not caring, and just not understanding what to do.
The salon a client visits, should act professional and provide you with the nail care that’s within their line of work. Not all nail technicians are trained to work on ingrown, think fungal nails. Many don’t want the hassle or take the time to learn, and that’s okay. Each person has their niche, you have to find that special person. As long as the problem is within the nail tech’s scope of nail care, they can work on the nail. As I tell each client, the end goal is to get you away from a specialty service and into a regular pedicure.
I started this business to help people, and have one-on-one with them during their service. It takes a special person with a special skill set to do this kind of work. This is not just a normal pedicure but a specialty service that is tailored to fit YOU and YOUR nail problems. Pedicures that are customized, are longer in time so that the nails can be worked on without injuring or hurting the client.
Giving a regular pedicure is always fun and relaxing because it’s quick and easy and no problems are involved. You have nail tech’s who are passionate about nail art, acrylics, etc and you have those who care about helping people with toenail issues. Those who work on problem toenails are very rare in this service. If you find one who is truly passionate and understands your problems, keep them, share their talents, but most of all be good to them. Being loyal to them is key. When you can’t schedule to see a nail technician right away because they are booked, that says something about their work. Get on their waitlist, and pay the deposit to see them because you won’t be disappointed.
I’ve watched clients’ apprehensions slowly melt away during their pedicure when they received a professional service and assessment of their toenails. Don't be the person who goes to a discount salon because you’re in a rush. Look for an outstanding nail tech who makes you, the client, feel good.
The causes of fungal vary from yeast, mold, athlete’s foot, and dermatophytes. 80% of the population is affected by a nail fungus at some time in their life. The fungal medication that most doctors prescribe is called Lamisil (generic name: Terbinafine). This medicine that doctors prescribe to patients is used to fight infections caused by fungus. Depending on each person’s case, this can be a good solution for fungal infections if you can handle the side effects. Not all patients have the same experience though. Some of the side effects may not be tolerated when taken along with other medicines.
The majority of people don’t realize the differences between a Podiatrist and a Nail Technician. The crossover that you will see between a Podiatrist and a Nail Technician is the care for nails (cutting and trimming). While a podiatrist provides nail trimming and medical care, a nail technician will not only trim but clean the nail area and the debris (this is where cosmetics can come from). What I’ve seen slowly happening, is insurance is refusing to pay for nail trimming at the doctor’s office. This is because one is considered Medical and the other is Cosmetic. That being said, if a client has swelling, pus, or a sign of infection, they would need to see a doctor, not a nail technician.
If I can leave you with a piece of advice…
Don’t be in a hurry to fix the problem, it takes time
Do your research with the salon or nail tech you will be visiting
Ask your nail tech if they have ever experienced any nail problems themselves (this should be a plus)
Ask why they are good at helping? What kind of environment will you be in when receiving the service?
My hope for you is that you will visit, The Nail Shack, and know what “A Service Like No Other” really means so that you can have, Toenails Like No Other.
Best,
Trina Russell
unprofessional behavior by nail techs