Ingrown Toenails in Children
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Parents can help prevent a common and painful foot problem
in children by following a few simple tips.
Foot and ankle surgeons say ingrown toenails are a common
condition they treat in children. The doctors blame tight shoes, tight socks
and incorrect nail trimming for most cases. In other cases, children may
inherit the tendency for nails to curve.
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Surgeons say many kids hide their ingrown toenails from
their parents, even though the condition can cause significant pain. Over time,
the nail may break the skin and lead to dangerous infections. The ACFAS gives
these recommendations to help parents prevent ingrown toenails in their
children.
| Tip #1 | Teach children how to trim their toenails properly. Trim
toenails in a fairly straight line, and don’t cut them too short. |
| Tip #2 | Make sure children’s shoes fit. Shoe width is more
important than length. Make sure that the widest part of the shoe matches the
widest part of your child’s foot. |
| Tip #3 | If a child develops a painful ingrown toenail, parents can
reduce the inflammation by soaking the child’s foot in room-temperature water
and gently massaging the side of the nail fold. |
| Tip #4 | The only proper way to treat a child’s ingrown toenail is
with a minor surgical procedure at a doctor’s office. Parents should never
try to dig the nail out or cut it off. These dangerous “bathroom
surgeries” carry a high risk for infection. Doctors may prescribe
antibiotics to children with infected ingrown toenails. |
Information provided by The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons