Pediatric Ingrown Toenails
Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Ingrown Toenails in Children
Ingrown toenails, medically known as Onychocryptosis, occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection.
This condition is especially common in children, affecting any toe but most often the big toe.
Factors contributing to ingrown toenails include pressure from tight-fitting shoes, improper toenail trimming, stubbing the toe, and certain foot or toe deformities.
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.
Ingrown toenails can form due to various reasons, such as:
- Tight-Fitting Shoes: Shoes that squeeze the toes together can cause nails to grow into the skin.
- Improper Toenail Trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
- Toe Injuries: Stubbing the toe or repetitive stress from activities like sports can lead to ingrown nails.
- Genetics: Some children inherit a natural tendency for curved toenails, making them more prone to ingrown nails.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Parents should be vigilant in spotting the symptoms of ingrown toenails in their children. Common signs include:
- Pain and Tenderness: The affected toe may be painful, especially when touched or squeezed by shoes or socks.
- Redness and Swelling: The skin around the ingrown nail may appear red, swollen, and warm to the touch.
- Infection Signs: If the condition worsens, the area might become infected, showing pus or increased redness and swelling.
- Behavioral Changes: Babies may cry and pull at their toes, while toddlers might limp or grimace when walking.
How To Treat Ingrown Toenails in Children
Home Remedies for Mild Cases
For mild cases of ingrown toenails, several home remedies can alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications:
- Warm Soaks: Soaking the foot in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes several times a day can reduce swelling and tenderness.
- Proper Footwear: Ensure your child wears shoes that fit well and provide ample room for the toes to move freely.
- Gentle Lifting of the Nail: Using a clean cotton ball or dental floss, gently lift the edge of the nail away from the skin. This should be done with care to avoid further injury.
- Antibiotic Ointment: Applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment can help prevent infection.
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.
Professional Treatment for Ingrown Toenails
Kids Ingrown Toenails Treated by Dr. Jarman
Join Dr. Mikkel Jarman, a top pediatric foot and ankle specialist, as he walks us through a typical ingrown toenail removal procedure on a young patient.
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.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails
Helping Stop Them Before They Start
Prevention is key to avoiding the discomfort and complications of ingrown toenails. Parents can take the following steps to reduce the risk:
- Proper Toenail Trimming: Always cut toenails straight across and avoid rounding the edges.
- Appropriate Footwear: Ensure your child wears shoes that fit well and provide enough room for their toes.
- Regular Foot Inspections: Check your child’s feet regularly for signs of ingrown nails, especially if they are active in sports or other activities.
Pediatric Ingrown Toenails FAQ's
Ingrown toenails in children are primarily caused by improper toenail trimming, tight-fitting shoes, toe injuries, and sometimes genetic factors. Nails cut too short or rounded at the edges can grow into the surrounding skin, leading to ingrown toenails.
To prevent ingrown toenails, ensure your child’s toenails are trimmed straight across without rounding the edges. Choose shoes that fit well and provide ample room for their toes. Regularly inspect your child’s feet, especially if they are active in sports or other activities.
Common symptoms include pain and tenderness around the toenail, redness, swelling, and sometimes signs of infection such as pus or increased redness. Your child may also show signs of discomfort, like crying or limping.
In some cases, mild ingrown toenails may heal on their own with proper care, such as warm soaks and wearing comfortable shoes. However, persistent or severe cases often require professional treatment to prevent complications.
You should seek professional treatment if your child’s ingrown toenail does not improve with home remedies, shows signs of infection (pus, increased redness, swelling), or if the condition is causing significant pain and discomfort.
Dr. Jarman treats ingrown toenails by first numbing the toe with a local anesthetic. He then carefully removes the ingrown portion of the nail and may apply a chemical agent to prevent recurrence. The procedure is quick and painless, and detailed post-procedure care instructions are provided.
No, the procedure is not painful. Dr. Jarman uses a local anesthetic to numb the toe, ensuring the child feels no pain during the removal. Most children find the experience comfortable and are relieved from the discomfort of the ingrown toenail.
Recovery time is generally short. Most children can return to their normal activities within a few days. Post-procedure care includes keeping the area clean and applying antibiotic ointment. Dr. Jarman provides follow-up instructions to ensure proper healing.
Your Child's Feet Are Designed For Life
