Why do kids get ingrown toenails? at Foot and Ankle Centers

Did you know that ingrown toenails are a common issue for children, causing significant pain and discomfort? If your child has ever complained about a sore toe, there’s a chance it could very well be an ingrown toenail. Understanding how and why this happens is crucial for prevention and timely intervention. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of ingrown toenails in children, how to recognize them, preventive tips, and effective treatment options to keep your child's feet healthy and pain-free.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when the sides of the toenails grow into the skin, leading to pain, swelling, redness, and even infection in the area around the nail. While this condition can affect anyone, children are particularly susceptible due to several factors.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails

1. Improper Nail Trimming: One of the leading causes of ingrown toenails is cutting the nails too short or rounding off the corners. Kids are often in a hurry, and parents may inadvertently encourage this behavior during grooming. It’s essential to educate your child about the proper way to cut their nails: straight across and not too close to the skin.

2. Footwear Issues: Wearing tight or narrow shoes can put excessive pressure on the toenails. Sneaker styles that are too snug can exacerbate the problem, leading to nail growth issues. Ensuring your child wears well-fitting shoes is crucial in preventing ingrown toenails.

3. Inherited Nail Shape: Sometimes, ingrown toenails can result from the natural shape of the toenail, which may be inherited from one or both parents. If ingrown toenails run in your family, it’s critical to monitor your child's toenails closely.

4. Active Lifestyle: Active children who play sports or engage in physical activities can put extra pressure on their toes, leading to ingrown toenails. Sports shoes that do not provide enough room for toe movement can make this worse.

5. Poor Foot Hygiene: Not keeping feet clean and dry can make your child more susceptible to ingrown toenails, especially if they tend to sweat a lot or not change out of wet shoes quickly enough.

Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of an ingrown toenail early can prevent further complications. Watch for the following symptoms:
- Pain around the toe that worsens with pressure
- Redness and swelling at the side of the nail
- Drainage of fluid or pus, indicating infection
- Sensitivity or tenderness when the toe is touched
If your child exhibits these symptoms, it’s important to act promptly.

Treatment Options
Once diagnosed, the treatment of ingrown toenails depends on the severity and may include:

1. At-home Care: If the ingrown toenail is mild, soaking the foot in warm, soapy water may help to relieve symptoms. Ensure that the toe is dried properly after soaking. You can also place a piece of cotton between the nail and the skin to promote healthy nail growth away from the skin.

2. Medication: Over-the-counter pain relief, like ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain associated with ingrown toenails.

3. Medical Intervention: If the ingrown toenail is severe, a healthcare provider may need to perform a minor procedure to remove a part of the nail or treat any infection. This process is typically done in a clinical setting and may involve local anesthesia.

4. Preventive Treatments: For children with recurrent ingrown toenails, a permanent solution may be recommended. This involves the removal of part of the nail matrix that is causing the ingrown toenail, preventing it from growing back.