Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it, often the result of improper nail trimming, tight footwear, or injury. Ingrown toenails are common in children, as well as adults. The condition can cause pain, redness, and swelling around the child’s toe. If not treated properly, it can lead to infection. Especially for children, treatment typically begins conservatively, using methods such as soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water to soften the nail and relieve pain. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, may try lifting the edge of the ingrown nail and placing a small amount of cotton underneath it to help guide the nail to grow above the skin. I is important for children to wear properly fitting shoes and to have their toenails trimmed straight across instead of rounded. This can help prevent the recurrence of ingrown toenails. If conservative treatments fail or if the ingrown toenail recurs frequently, a podiatrist may perform a minor procedure to remove part of the nail. They may treat the nail bed to prevent further issues, if necessary. This approach helps alleviate discomfort and prevent potential complications. If your child is suffering with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for prompt treatment.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Antioch, Martinez, and Concord, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
