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Gel pedicures are pretty—until your toenails come off…
Pedicures make for a pretty perf pampering sesh. Gel pedicures—a growing trend—add the ability to freely use your feet and immediately throw your socks and shoes back on thanks to the instantly dried polish via UV/LED nail lamps. But before you go shelling out the extra cash, what you could be paying for is “permanent damage—and even, in rare cases, extreme injury or deformity,” says Dr. Eldon C. Peters, AACFAS, medical director of Raleigh’s InStride Capital Foot & Ankle Centers, Five Points office.
In April, I walked 12 miles at Dreamville with a gel pedicure—resulting in significant pain, bruising and infection, toe sprain (thought to be fractured), ultimate nail removal of both big toes and potential permanent toe damage. Before anyone goes blaming my shoes, the cause—point blank—was simply walking in any closed-toe shoe with a gel pedicure. And, at that distance, according to my podiatrist, I unknowingly “obliterated” my toes. After a misguided urgent care visit and a lot of pain and misinformation (everything I was told or read was wrong), we decided to use Raleigh Mag as a platform to bring my painful misadventures and the reality of the very real dangers of gel pedicures to the general public in hopes of preventing future injuries. Here, we tapped Dr. Peters about why gel pedicures—while (painfully) pretty—may not be practical.
Q&A:
Your take on gel pedicures? Gel pedicures or artificial nails are always dangerous because the nail is too stiff and can damage the real nail or the cells that grow a nail.
How often do you see gel pedi-related injuries? I see about five to 10 per month, but I have definitely seen an uptick in patients very concerned about the cosmetics of their nails.
Possible injuries that can occur? Onychogryphosis (a permanent ram’s horn-style nail), paronychia, pyogenic granuloma, cellulitis, toe fracture, subungual exostosis, bone infection (extremely rare).
How can a gel pedi cause toe fracture? The gel is too stiff and cannot allow the toenail to flex appropriately. The toe needs to be flexible to adjust to the pounding effect of walking and shoe-wearing.
What’s the most severe case you’ve seen? A 25-year-old with Type 1 diabetes mellitus lost her toe. But a vast majority of patients are fixed in the office with minimal long-term effects.
What to do if you suffer an injury? Soak the toe in salt water, and scrub with nail brush and soapy water, plus a drop of rubbing alcohol. No Neosporin (too moist) and no Band-Aid (too moist). If after a week it does not get better, seek medical help.
How common is total removal/toenail avulsion as a result of gel pedi? Very. Most folks come to me after the problem is so bad that I have to remove the nail—or even remove the nail permanently so it never grows back.
Healing time post-removal? Pain varies widely. But you can wear open-toed shoes the same day, and can return to activity once pain has subsided.
About that permanent damage… A nail growth cycle is about a year in adults, so you have to wait one to two nail cycles to see if the damage is permanent. … There is not much someone can do if the nail is nonfungal, but is traumatized and damaged.
Why are gel pedis on offer if they can cause permanent damage? I really don’t think the salons know. We need
more awareness.
What about gel manicures? Totally fine. People like the durability. …
So why if it works on your fingers does it not work on your toes? Because your hands don’t go in your shoes.
And non-gel pedis? Non-gel pedicures are only dangerous if they aggressively scrape or dig around the nail border, which can violate the protective seal of the skin-nail boundary. Or, some people who get chronic pedicures can have toenails that become radically misshapen and deformed due to the scraping of the nail—a cause-and-effect relationship that I don’t think has been linked up.
When, if ever, is a gel pedi OK—think toes in the sand, drink in your hand? Yes… they are OK as long as you never wear a closed-toe shoe.
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Crazy.. the nail next to big toe and nail next to that one.. both just peeled off. Literally just fell off. I assumed the pedi was to blame but wasn’t sure.
Mine too!! Only on one foot. I was shocked never had an issue at all before getting gel pedicures.
I have been a nail tech for 41 years and have been doing gel pedicures for at least 15 years without any problems. The key to a good gel pedicure is to choose a high quality products. they are more flexible and healthy. So choose your nail salon carefully you get what you pay for.
Yep, I actually started doing my own gel nails. I do my toes and hands. .. some gel I have will just pop right off if I leave it on long enough and my nails are completely strong and undamaged underneath. Other gel makes my nail brittle… But never had I ever had any issues with my toes. Honestly, it just flakes off after 3 weeks.. I don’t even need to remove the polish on my toes. It’s awesome ! and same thing my nail underneath is completely fine. .so I don’t know what salon she went to but this sounds crazy
Most off the Salon Nail Technician loves to use the drill on the Toes and fingers nails to apply a Gel Nail Polish. They love to rush to finish the job and take another client.
I took CND Shellac gel manicure certificate on 2012. And I discovered that we doesn’t need to use a drill to do a pedicure and manicure gel polish, like I was though to do on the nail shop that I use to work. When I don’t have time and my client have to go to another shop and coming back with a drill ring on their nails, I tell them if you keep let them use a drill on your toe it will fall off. Don’t let they do it when you can’t come here.
Most of my clients wear gel nail Polish. I never had problems with my clients complaining about weak nail because they wear gel polish.
They have to do the right job on people and stop rushing. Stop using nail drill when they do gel Polish. Nail drill is for acrylic nails. Not for polish.
I believe your situation was not from the gel pedicure. That happened to me years ago without a pedicure at all, it came from the long walk. Your feet was in closed toe shoe, causing your feet to sweat, and the pressure from the closed toe shoes. That’s the result of a person who’s not used to hiking, or running, you have to develop an athlete type of routine. And your feet will get used to that.
Stupid article with no real medical basis. Enough with this attack on the nail industry.
I have been getting gel polish pedicures consistently for about 7+ years. I lived in the Virgin Islands for 5 years, therefore never wore closed toe shoes and never had a problem with my pedicures. I moved to Wisconsin two years ago and my big toe nails have fallen off a total of 4 times since then. Conclusion, closed toe shoes and gel polish pedicures do not mix well.
You nailed it, keep your nails naturally healthy.
Product information is important.
Get informed, have a consultation with your podiatrist.
Diabetics get your check up regularly.
Thank you for this information.
I woke up shocked to see that my entire toenail came off
I think someone’s misinformed on what product they have on their toes. Gel products have a bit of flexibility to it, where as Acrylic’s do not. Then there’s the question of was it Gel Polish or Gel overlay? Jay maybe it’s acrylic overlay done with Gel polish on top. A lot of the Non standard Nail salons like to mislead clients by saying they are Gel nails because they can charge more. Need more information.
I walked 6 miles everyday until my big toe nail started getting sore and painful. I went to the Podiatrist, he explained that walking in too small of a shoe was causing my toenail to constantly rub against the toe of the shoe and my toenail had blood under them. My toenail fell off at the Podiatrists. I was told to buy shoes a 1/2″ bigger. I did just that and it never happened again. I do not get gel toenails or fingernails and this happened to me. Buy your shoes a 1/2″ bigger and your pain goes away and all is good. This was not caused by gel…
Hello, first of all in the industry over twenty years. Gel polish is flexible that’s why your nails break as if it was regular polish it’s just a longer wear polish. As with any polish you should not wear it no longer 3 weeks at a time as to where yes the nail is not getting the proper oxygen and will cause discoloration and moisture. Before service you and your client should discuss if they are a diabetic as well that’s first precaution. Now dip on the other hand is a powder form and is not durable not flexible and no one should be doing that process on the toes. As a Nail Specialist you may apply acrylic to a nail to enhance it but again there’s extra moisture when it comes to feet so it’s up to you to take care of you first, don’t blame just be extra careful in your services it’s up to you when you leave to care of yourself.
Amputation here, above the knee, nail tech clipped my cuticle and I didn’t realize it, ling story short. Got staph infection in my toe then took my toe but infection had spread so below the knee amputation and 1 revision then above knee amputation all in about 8 months 🤷♀️
Bull!! Every year around this time these types of articles come out, never does the writer consult a professional manicurist, I am one in business since 1989. Yes you could have problems if you go to factory nail shops who use cheap unrecognizable products not PRO industry standard, gel polish isn’t the culprit, applying nail enhancement type products ie acrylic, building gel and dip powder is hard and absolutely not recommended, gel polish however is flexible on the nail. Toenails are usually much thicker than fingernails and gel is perfectly safe. I’ve seen toenails lift off the nail bed after long walks,runs,hikes and marathons with just regular polish! It’s the pressure from the shoes. Find an actual professional, but this fear mongering by people who haven’t any knowledge of the nail industry with clear bias always like to blame the nail boutique with zero facts. 🦶🏻🦶🏻💅🏻
I have been a nail tech for 20 yrs. I offer exclusively gel with a large long term client base. I totally disagree with almost everything you said. I have clients that have been sent to me by podiatrist ‘s so that I can fix their toe issues. I have clients of all ages. Some run marathon ‘s on a regular basis and the gel stops them from losing the big toenail that without the gel they would have lost.
I’ve had gel pedicures for the past 4 years. Never had an issue. BTW? I usually go in to my nail salon wearing white Puma tennis shoes, pop them back on when nails are dry! I did have to go on a 3mile hike just after my appointment a few months ago. No problem! Make sure your nail tech is using the li’l drying light thingy, lol. Also? Make sure you’re wearing properly fitting footwear! 💖
I am a nail technician – certified by the state after taking state regulated classes. We were taught NOT to put extensions on toenails. Also, know the terminology when referring to GEL. There is hard gel that you build with and soft gel that is polish a more durable polish. Building gel should only be used on fingers. Then know what kind of salon you visit. Not cleaning tools (even personal ones), machines like spas and drills, even disposable Pedi slippers being reused, can all cause fungi. Make sure your location holds cleaning in the highest regard. Not all salons are up to code. Some lie about being licenced. Do your research. And don’t bash all nail salon techs if you haven’t done your research. Those of us who care to be trained and certified (not cheap btw) know all about the dos and don’ts of nail care and work hard to make sure our clients are safe and healthy.
What about infections and aquired allergy. I had hives upper respiratory infections and 2 infecected nails (thumb and big toe) The gel causes an anaphylaxic (allergic) reaction that is often misdiagnosed as seasonal allergies. I have removed all polish and artificial nails. All symptoms have disappeared.
I’ve had the same reaction I use artificial press ons then use the gel polish and it still has my cuticles inflammation and hives. The first time even dealing with allergic reaction to anything I was ripping the nails off with my teeth the next few hours I went to bed woke up looking like I had collagen fat lips and swollen gums omg the effects of the pain sensitivity is long term can’t even bump it and I’ll cry. These problems need to be addressed what if my throat closed I didn’t know that I was having a allergic reaction and I didn’t know that I was going to cross effect by touching my mouth….
As someone who gets gel pedicures and provides it as a service, I can agree to a certain extent. It can be damaging if not properly cared and maintained, just like everything else. I have questions, because there are sooooo many factors involved. When did the lady last got her polish done? Was it in fact overgrown and long; thus pressure caused by the length of the toe nail against the hardened shoe for 12 miles is definitely going to be painful. Conversely, I have clients who are athletes with no polish and short nails that run/walk 12 miles and still lose their toe nails. I’m not saying the doctor or this article is inaccurate; it’s just that there’s not enough information and study to be spreading false news.
I think there is a huge disconnect between podiatrist and nail technician. We know our products the drs do not!
Not ALL Dr’s agree on nor have the experience to know what they should and neither do all nail techs…u may know the product bt u don’t know how it will affect everyone…especially in deficiencies tht ur client may have or medications tht may counter act w the chemicals in a particular product they may react to something in different products or all salons would have to require medical history’s and post warning signs…
I experienced a whole nail coming off due to a pedicare
This feels like it’s a bunch of false information. Once this podiatrist can back up his claims with evidence (giving names to papers written, studies, etc.) then this would seem more legit and less like a guy who is set in his opinion.
The gel was horrible on my finger nails. My nails started peeling and tearing. I have never used the gel on my toe nails. No more gel for me ever.
Both toenails on my big toes came off after having a gel pedicure. Nail salons will deny the possibility of the gel being the culprit, but I believe it’s what caused it to happen. Luckily they eventually grew back.
It’s funny though… Because nails grow right back
! Haha
I’m sorry, but I have to interject here. You are mislabeling a product. A gel pedicure is gel polish. It’s not fake nails and they still bend to the shape of a nail. There is nothing harmful with it being on your toes aside from some salons that over file the natural nail before application (if your nail tech pulls out a dremel to use on your natural nail, stop them immediately.). However, powder dip nails are hard like acrylic nails and should not be done on the feet. Nor should you have acrylic nails done on your feet. And manufacturers directions tell you not to do that.
My toe on my left foot is fractured and my toe nail is brittle and coming off. Big Toe nails on both feet have turned dark. If I had this information before using gel polish. I would have opted not to use gel polish. My job requires me to wear closed toed shoes.
I’m not buying it. Actual gel is much softer and is more flexible. Especially if it is gel polish. A lot of nail shops use powder gel. Which is infact acrylic or dip powder. That stuff is hard as a rock. Stay away from that. And don’t extend your toe nails.
This article is so misleading! I’ve ahd perfect gel manicure and pedicures and no problems. I had more pain with a powder dip and acrylic faux nails ! What caused me toe pain was a pedicurist cut the sides of my big toes badly saying I had ingowns(I did not) but after I did because she damaged my toes and left nail spikes! I now will have to save up to get the sides of my big toes permanently removed. That lady who lost her toenail had diabetes. Untreated diabetes leads to poor circulation in hands and feet which can result in loss of limbs. Pooly made and balenced Tight pointy shoes are damaging your feet not a gel polish
I am going to call BS on this article too!
There are hard gel products specifically designed to reconstruct the damage caused by podiatrists who are too damned lazy or incompetent to take a more conservative approach to resolving issues such as ingrown toenails, ramshorn nails and toenail fungus. The podiatrists’ solution is to remove the nail! Sometimes permanently. My solution, and the solution that many other well educated pedicurists are resorting to does not involve removing the nail, but rather, cleaning the nail itself and shaping it into the proper shape. Sometimes we use hard gel, acrylic or small nylon braces to guide the nail into its proper shape.
We are also quite capable of identifying a fungus and recommending a topical treatment to eliminate it. (By the way, toenail removal rarely resolves this problem!)
What the author of this article was telling you is this: If you choose to get a gel enhancement on your toes, and get an injury, they are going to be too lazy to file it off or remove it like you nail tech would. They are going to remove your nails the hard way!
Thank you for this! I have ‘terrible toes’ due to psoriasis and this year they are just going clean. Not as fun, but I get to keep my toenails. Sending this article to my daughter, who is a hiker and loves a good pedi.
Excellent tips,, thanks. I had toe fungus. I had to use formula 7 for awhile ,and the Terbinafine capsule for a year.
Been getting them for years. I have never had a problem. There must be more to this than the article provided.
I got oncylosis where my dermatologist said leaving on gel polish to long , and using it a long long period of time my toe nail became yellow and its kept receding back was t painful at all but i knew something was wrong 😑 so i went to my dermatologist and and i was given lamasil for it and. , at home treatment wasnt recommended, so i was forced to see a dr and im glad i did , now i just use regular nail polish and leave it on no longer than two weeks
This is a crock, the doctor has NO idea what gel polish is. Gel polish is a soft gel, meaning it flexes with the nail plate. I’m shocked and disappointed he’s spreading the BS. Unless where you went built a toe with soft gel and your nails couldn’t flex I hate to say it but doc needs to read up on gel polish. I could maybe see acrylic or hard gel toes causing an issues but honestly I’ve never heard of anything like this. It’s truly wrong to publish this when it’s so incredibly inaccurate.
I took have had issues. I had no idea about closed toe shoes. When I started wearing closed toes shoes is when my issue started. I wish I had if known this information earlier. Sad but true.