Will My Child's Ingrown Toenail Heal on Its Own?

An ingrown toenail can be a painful experience, especially for a small child. Unfortunately, many kids will develop ingrown toenails, and parents should know how to recognize the signs of an ingrown nail, so they can get their child help. 

Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons offers compassionate care for kids and adults with an ingrown toenail. We focus on relieving pain and other symptoms, so you can keep up with your usual activities. Same-day and next-day appointments are available for urgent situations.

Our skilled podiatrist Kevin Panahi, DPM, also provides personalized care plans to lower your child’s risk for additional ingrown toenails and related complications.

The connection between kids and ingrown toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the side of the nail grows into the soft tissue nearby. 

Ingrown toenails rarely heal on their own as the nail continues to grow. The pressure from the nail can cause inflammation and persistent pain that can interfere with your child’s mobility and quality of life.

Many toddlers develop an ingrown toenail because of tight-fitting socks or shoes. Your child might also be at increased risk for the condition if you trim their nails too short or unevenly.

Even though an ingrown nail is painful, young children may not be able to express what’s wrong. Ignoring an ingrown toenail allows the condition to worsen, which can ultimately lead to an infection if the nail pierces the skin.

Treatment options for pediatric ingrown toenails

For mild ingrown toenails, Dr. Panahi might recommend soaking your child’s foot in warm water to soften the nail before trimming. If you’re not comfortable touching the nail because of swelling or pain, we can trim your child’s toenails during an in-office visit.

For more complicated ingrown toenails, Dr. Panahi may need to place something under the nail to help it grow away from the skin. In some cases, he might recommend removing part or all of your child’s nail.

Infected toenails also require prompt medical attention. Dr. Panahi prescribes antibiotics to clear bacterial infections. Topical medications are also available to treat a fungal infection in the toenails.

Tips to prevent additional ingrown toenails in children

Some kids may be prone to repeated ingrown toenails because of underlying health issues like diabetes or thyroid disorder. Children may also have thick toenails or nails that are prone to splitting.

To reduce your child’s risk for recurrent toenail problems, we recommend using the following preventive strategies:

1.Learn properly nail trimming techniques

Use a clean, sharp pair of clippers when trimming your child’s fingernails and toenails. Be sure to trim straight across and use a file to remove any sharp edges. Also, avoid trimming the nails too short.

Teach your child how to properly trim their nails when they are old enough to follow directions. Supervise your child’s use of nail clippers to prevent unexpected injuries.

2. Do routine foot inspections

Because kids might not notice foot or toenail injuries or try to hide them from you, make it a habit to check over their feet at bathtime.

Look for any small cuts, swelling, or nail problems that need attention.

3. Invest in the right shoe size

Shoes that are too small can lead to ingrown toenails and a host of other foot problems.

Take your child to a shoe store that can measure their feet to ensure a perfect fit. Consider shopping for wide sizes if you can’t find shoes that accommodate your child’s foot.

Call Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons in Phoenix or Peoria, Arizona, today to learn more tips to prevent ingrown toenails. You can also use the online feature to book an appointment.