Is your child’s toe red, swollen, or painful around the nail? It may be an ingrown toenail, one of the most common foot problems in children and teens. In this episode of The Pediatric Footcast, pediatric podiatrist Dr. Mikkel Jarman of Pediatric Foot & Ankle in Gilbert and Chandler, Arizona explains what parents need to know about ingrown toenails in kids: what causes them, what you can safely do at home, and when it’s time to see a foot doctor.
Quick answer: Ingrown toenails in children are usually caused by trauma to the nail or genetics. Mild cases may get better with warm soaks and proper nail trimming. Redness that spreads, pus, drainage, or pain that keeps getting worse can mean infection, and your child should see a podiatrist.
Questions we answer:
What causes ingrown toenails in children? Most often, injury to the nail or an inherited nail shape.
Can you treat a child’s ingrown toenail at home? Mild cases may improve with warm soaks and careful nail care. Avoid digging at or cutting into the corner of the nail.
When should my child see a podiatrist? If there are signs of infection, the pain doesn’t go away, or the ingrown nail keeps coming back.
How do you prevent ingrown toenails from coming back? Trim nails straight across, not too short, and make sure shoes fit well.
📍 Pediatric Foot & Ankle serves families in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and the greater Phoenix East Valley.
Book an appointment: pediatricfootankle.com
This podcast is for educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your child’s doctor about any symptoms.
#IngrownToenail #PediatricPodiatry #KidsFootHealth
