Pediatric Ingrown Toenails
Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Ingrown Toenails in Children
An ingrown nail (Onychocryptosis) is a painful condition and the result of the toenail digging into the side of your child’s toe nail bed. Any of your child’s toes may be affected but it is mainly the big toe. Here are some of the reasons and causes of a pediatric ingrown toenail:
- Pressure
- Tight-fitting shoes
- Toenails trimmed too short
- Stubbing your toe
- Foot or toe deformities
Ingrown toenails can cause your child pain and develop infection. You may notice the skin around the nail appears red and swollen and feels warm to the touch. Because the area surrounding the nail is, sometimes warm and moist germs love to live there resulting in infection. In severe cases, the infection can spread through the toe and into the bone, do not ignore, or leave it untreated.
In this video Dr. Mikkel Jarman discusses ingrown toenails and some of their causes and concerns in children. Ingrown toenails are one of the most common nail problems seen at our office.
Carter and his mom share their experience with ingrown toenail treatment by Dr. Jarman with Pediatric Foot & Ankle. Carter actually had two cases and both were treated successfully.
Watch Out For These Symptoms
Your child’s or your baby’s toe(s) will be particularly tender and probably quite painful, mainly when rubbed or squeezed a bit by a tight shoe or sock. You might not think that socks would make it hurt but they bind the toes sometimes and even the slightest pressure can cause pain.
- The baby may cry out and,
- Pull on his/her toe or foot.
- If he or she is a toddler and starting to walk you may notice limping or a grimace when he/she walks.
Infants, Toddlers, and Children with Pediatric Ingrown Toenails should not have to suffer now that you are aware of the symptoms and that the most common causes are improper toenail cutting methods (techniques) and tight socks and/or ill-fitting shoes.
Ingrown Toenails Treatment
Will it go away by itself?
Many Mothers, Fathers, Parents of children ask will an ingrown toenail heal by itself or go away on its own. The answer to that is… sometimes, but most ingrown toenails do not normally heal by themselves or go away without treatment or properly cutting the ingrown nail by the doctor.
If the ingrown nail doesn’t heal or continues to come back then a part of the toenail and any excess skin can be removed without pain. The doctor will use a local anesthetic to make the procedure painless and comfortable. The pediatric podiatrist Dr. Jarman may also apply a chemical agent to prevent regrowth or a course of antibiotics to help cure the infection.
Your child’s feet are designed for life. Make an appointment today if your child has Pediatric Ingrown Toenails. Call Dr. Jarman on 480 534-7220.
Pediatric Ingrown Toenails FAQ's
Ingrown toenails are often caused by improperly trimming the nails too short, injury to the nail, poorly fitted shoes, excessive sweatiness, or improper nail shape. Heredity can also play a role.
Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and tenderness along the affected toenail. There may be drainage of fluid or a visible piece of nail piercing the skin.
Soaking the foot in warm water, applying antibiotic ointment, using cotton wedges to lift the nail edge, and properly trimming the nail can relieve simple cases. Severe cases may need surgical removal of the nail edge.
Cutting nails straight across instead of rounded at the edges, avoiding too-short nails, wearing properly fitted footwear, and treating conditions causing nail curvature can help prevent ingrown nails.
See a doctor if there is persistent pain, redness, swelling, or drainage that does not improve with home care within a few days. The doctor can diagnose infection and provide appropriate treatment.
Your Child's Feet Are Designed For Life
