How to Take Care of Ingrown Toenails in Children?

Ingrown toenails in children, also known as onychomycosis, are common in children. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail is buried beneath the skin and forms a bump or sore. Children’s most common cause of ingrown toenails is playing on hard surfaces, such as pavement or concrete. Other causes include tight shoes, high arches, and Genetics. 

Ingrown toenails can be treated with over-the-counter medication and surgery. Surgery usually involves removing the nail and surrounding tissue. Over-the-counter medications may include oral antibiotics or antifungals. Doctors may prescribe an antibiotic for further treatment if the toenail remains infected.

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

Ingrown toenails can occur in children, and they can be pretty painful. When an ingrown toenail is not treated, it can become infected and even lead to surgery. Ingrown toenails are often caused by improper foot care, including wearing shoes that are too tight or high-heeled.

Parents should ensure their children’s feet are properly cared for by wearing comfortable shoes that fit well and do not put pressure on the toes. Pediatricians also may prescribe over-the-counter treatments such as trimming the nails short or soaking the foot in warm water and Epsom salts.

How do I know if my Child has an Ingrown Toenail?

Ingrown toenails in children are relatively common and can be pretty painful. If you think your child has an ingrown toenail, the first step is to seek medical attention. Your pediatrician may give your child a diagnosis and prescribe medication if needed. There are a few ways to tell if your child has an ingrown toenail: 

• If the skin around the nail is red, swollen, and pus-filled, it likely is an ingrown toenail. 
• If you can see the nail or any surrounding bone underneath the skin, it is probably an ingrown toenail. 
• If you make clicking or popping noises when you try to pull on the nail occurs, then it likely is an ingrown toenail.

How do I know if my Child’s Ingrown Toenail is Infected?

Signs of an infected ingrown toenail in children are:

Ingrown toenails in children are a common problem. They can be painful and difficult to remove. If the blister contains white or yellowish fluid surrounded by reddened skin, there may be some discharge if the blister breaks.

Increased swelling or redness as the nail grows

• Increased pain
• Warmth around the area
• Red streaking on the toe
• Odor
• Fever

How should I Take Care of my Child’s Ingrown Toenails?

If you have an ingrown toenail, it’s essential to take the following steps:

Soak your Child’s Foot in Warm Water:

Generally, it is best to avoid soaking a child’s foot in hot water; instead, soak the foot in warm (not hot) soapy water for about 10 to 20 minutes two or three times a day. Adding Epsom salts to the water may provide relief.

Eliminate Pressure on the Surrounding Skin:

Nail fissures are also known as onycholysis and can be caused by several things, including over-use of the nails, diabetes, and arthritis. While many people file their nails away from the skin to prevent nail fissures, this can lead to them happening more often.

If you experience nail fissures, it’s best to gently file the nail away from the skin and use a sterile cotton or gauze pad between the nail and the skin. Use only enough to raise the nail slightly, and replace the cotton several times daily.

Let your Child go Barefoot:

Something about the feel of sandals or shoes against your child’s feet feels wrong. Not only are they not conditioned to walk around in those things, they also constrict blood flow and can cause friction in cuts and injuries. Taking your child barefoot at home is a great way to prevent these issues.

If your child develops an ingrown toenail, you should treat it like any other cut: clean it with soap and water, wrap it in a bandage, and apply pressure if necessary. If the wound is large or infected, see a doctor.

Provide Pain Relief:

If your child is experiencing pain from an ingrown nail, consider giving her an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some include acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If your baby is younger than three months old, check with the doctor before giving him anything at all.

Ask the Doctor if a Toe Protector Might Help:

If you have an ingrown toenail, wearing an over-the-counter protector might help. These protectors come in various shapes and sizes, and most contain a medicated gel that softens the nail.

Some also have a cushioning material that helps to reduce pressure on the toe. If you are using this type of protector, wear it for at least three days, as the gel will start to wear off after two.

What Causes a Nail to Become Ingrown?

Ingrown toenails are a common problem in children. They can occur when the nail becomes buried under the skin and begins to grow back in a lateral direction. This can be caused by various factors, including improper foot care, improper footwear, or simply feet that are very soft and prone to swelling.

In most cases, treatment is simple and involves removing the ingrown nail and filing down the surrounding skin. However, if the nail is embedded deeply into the toe or if it is causing significant pain or difficulty walking, it may require surgery.

How can I Prevent my Child from Getting Ingrown Toenails?

Check the Fit of your Child’s Shoes Often:

Various factors cause ingrown toenails in children, but the most common cause is improper foot care. Children often put their feet in their mouths or walk on them with shoes on, which can cause the nails to become ingrown.

Other causes include pedicures that use harsh chemicals, high-heeled shoes, and tight socks. If your child’s toenails are becoming ingrown, take them to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Cut your Child’s Toenails Properly:

Cutting the toenails properly is an essential part of keeping them healthy. Properly cut toenails prevent ingrown toenails, a common problem for kids. Here are some tips for cutting your child’s toenails properly: 

1. Make sure the nail is clean. Clean the area surrounding the nail with soap and water. Then use a nail clipper or emery board to clip the nails straight across without removing too much skin. 

2. Cut nails at a slight angle so that they won’t curl up and become ingrown. Angle your blade at a 30-degree angle when clipping nails so that skin doesn’t fold inward excessively and trap bacteria underneath the nail bed. 

3. Don’t clip too close to the quick – this can cause bleeding and pain.

When Should I take my Child to the Doctor?

See the doctor if your child’s ingrown toenail doesn’t improve after about a week of home treatment. This is especially important if the child is in pain or the toenail is discolored, swollen, or pus-filled.

What will the Doctor do to Treat an Ingrown Toenail?

Ingrown toenails can be a severe condition and may require treatment from a doctor. In most cases, the doctor will clean and treat the ingrown toe with an antiseptic solution. They may also prescribe pain relief medication and antibiotics to help prevent the infection from spreading. If the toe is severely infected, the doctor may need to obliterate it.

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Conclusion:

Pediatric ingrown toenails should be evaluated and treated as soon as possible. The following are some tips to help prevent ingrown toenails in children: 

• Wash feet often with soap and warm water. Dry feet thoroughly. 
• Apply a quality foot cream after washing and drying the feet. 
• Avoid wearing tight or rigid shoes, socks, or sandals. These can cause pressure on the toes, leading to toe pain and ingrown toenails.