Short answer: Ingrown toenails in children are often caused by toenails growing wider than the nail bed, incorrect trimming, or not cutting nails regularly. These nails can become painful or infected if they dig into the skin. Tight shoes or minor injuries can worsen the condition, making a specialist’s care essential.
Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails in Children
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail’s edge presses and grows into the surrounding skin. In children, this often happens because the toenail is naturally broader than the nail bed. You might notice your child favoring one foot or not wanting to put weight on a particular toe. Minor trauma, such as a stubbed toe or wearing shoes that are too tight, can exacerbate the issue by pushing the nail edge further into the skin, creating discomfort and potential infection. Additionally, incorrect toenail trimming, like cutting toenails too short or slanting into the corners, can lead to sharp edges that dig into the skin.
A common sign of an ingrown toenail in children is redness or swelling around the affected nail. Your child might complain about pain when wearing shoes or mention that their toe feels tender to the touch. Some children might pull away or cry when their toe is accidentally bumped.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails at Home
Prevention starts with proper toenail trimming techniques. Teach children to cut their toenails straight across, using toenail clippers rather than scissors. Avoid rounding the corners, as this can encourage the nail to grow into the skin. Regularly check your child’s toenails to ensure they are neither too long nor too short, as either can lead to problems.
When selecting shoes for your child, ensure there is enough room for their toes to move. The shoes should not press on the top of the toes, which could exacerbate an ingrown toenail by pushing the nail into the skin.
Regularly inspecting your child’s feet can help catch problems early. If you notice redness, swelling, or any discomfort when you’re helping your child put on shoes or socks, consider it a sign to look closer.
If your child is experiencing significant pain or you notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, it’s important to seek professional care. Antibiotics alone may not resolve the problem, and attempts to fix it at home can worsen the condition. A podiatrist can safely treat an ingrown toenail by gently lifting the nail edge and placing cotton or a small splint under it to separate the nail from the skin, allowing the nail to grow above the skin edge. In some cases, the podiatrist might trim or partially remove the offending part of the nail. This professional intervention reduces the risk of complications and promotes faster healing.
For most cases, same-day ingrown toenail removal offers quick relief. Your child will feel more comfortable soon after treatment, allowing them to return to their normal activities.
When to See a Podiatrist
If your child’s toe is in severe pain
There are signs of infection, such as pus, extreme redness, or swelling that gets worse
The ingrown toenail doesn’t improve with home care after a few days
Your child has diabetes or poor circulation, increasing the risk of complications
Repeated ingrown toenails, which might indicate a need for ongoing management or intervention
If your child is struggling with an ingrown toenail, consider visiting us at the DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our friendly team is ready to help your child find relief. Learn more about our services by visiting the DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center.
