Pediatric Ingrown Toenails in Arizona

When a toenail grows into your child’s skin, it causes swelling, redness, and even infection. This situation can be painful for babies and children. Since parents often wonder how to treat and prevent pediatric ingrown toenails, we took it upon ourselves to cover the causes, treatments, and prevention tips to help parents take the right steps. Let’s dive deep.

Are Ingrown Toenails Common in Babies?

Yes, ingrown toenails in children are fairly common, with around 20% of people experiencing this condition at some point in life. Babies are particularly at risk of these pesky nail conditions because their toenails are soft and grow quickly. As a start, parents can stop buying tight shoes or socks, which can increase the risk.

Pediatric Ingrown Toenails Causes and Symptoms

Let’s look a the causes first:

• Cutting nails badly (too short or rounding the edges) can cause nails to grow into the skin.
• Toe-pressing shoes or socks
• Genetics and inherited factors can develop ingrown nails.
• Stubbing a toe or dropping something on it causes improper growth.
• Fungal infections can change the nail’s shape and increase the risk of nails growing in.

Symptoms of pediatric ingrown toenail in Mesa include:

• Redness and swelling around the nail
• Pain when toes are pressured
• Pus or discharge if the area is infected
• Inflamed skin that overlaps the edge of the nail

When to Take Children to the Doctor for Ingrown Toenails?

Parents need to take their children to the foot doctor if they notice the following:

• Ongoing pain that doesn’t improve with home care
• Signs of infection like pus, swelling, or a bad smell
• Redness, warmth, or swelling in the toe
• Your child struggles to walk due to pain
• The ingrown nail continues to recur
• Your child develops a fever. It signals that the infection is spreading.

Pediatric Ingrown Toenail Treatments

Treating ingrown toenails in toddlers and children comes with a need for attention. You better consult with pediatric foot care doctors in Arizona before you do anything. Here are the key baby ingrown toenail treatments at home:

Warm Water Soaks

Soak your child or toddler’s foot in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes. Do it 3-4 times a day to soften the nail and reduce swelling. Try adding a little Epsom salt for extra relief. Always dry the foot well after soaking.

Lifting the Nail

Our foot doctors may lift the edge of the nail and put a small piece of cotton or dental floss under it. This lift helps the nail grow out instead of into the skin. Parents need to change the cotton every day to keep it clean.

Antibiotic Ointment

After soaking:

1. Apply antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin or Bacitracin, to the area.
2. Apply a thin layer.
3. Cover the toe with a clean bandage to keep it safe.

Ointments stop the infection and help to heal.

Pain Relief

Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce toe pain and swelling. Always check the correct dose for your child’s age and weight. Avoid aspirin because it can be harmful to children.

Oral Antibiotics

If there’s an infection with redness, pus, or warmth, our foot doctors Mesa may give antibiotics like amoxicillin to clear the infection. Be sure your child finishes all the medicine, even if they feel better.

Loose Socks

Make sure your child’s socks are loose and breathable to reduce pressure on their toes. Tight socks can worsen the problem, while loose socks help the nail grow properly and reduce irritation.

Pediatric Ingrown Toenail Surgery

If the condition is severe or keeps coming back, your child may need surgery (pediatric ingrown toenail removal). It may sound scary, but it’s a simple procedure. At Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers, our foot doctors will first numb the toe with a local anesthetic to ensure your child won’t feel any pain. Then, our foot doctors will trim or remove the part of the nail growing into the skin. This removal helps relieve the pressure and allows the skin to heal properly.

If your child’s ingrown toenail continues to return, our doctors might perform a chemical matrixectomy. It involves applying a chemical to the nail bed to prevent that part of the nail from growing back in the future.

After the removal surgery, the doctor will bandage the toe and give you clear instructions for aftercare. These instructions include keeping the toe clean and dry and limiting physical activity until it heals.

How Long for Ingrown Toenail to Heal?

The pediatric ingrown toenail recovery can differ based on the severity of the case:

• Mild ingrown toenails are typically treated early with home remedies. It usually takes 2-4 days.
• Moderate cases need medical treatments, which may take 1-2 weeks for the nail to heal completely.
• Severe cases need surgery. After surgery, full healing may take 2 to 6 weeks. But, it depends on the extent of the procedure.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails

• Always trim nails straight across, avoiding rounded edges.
• Avoid tight shoes or socks that press on the toes.
• Regularly check your child’s feet for early signs of ingrown nails.
• Teach proper foot hygiene from an early age.
• Keep feet clean and dry to prevent infection.

Pediatric Treatments for Ingrown Toenails in Arizona

At Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers, our specialized pediatric ingrown toenail treatments provide personalized care for children. Our treatments cover everything, from at-home advice to surgical procedures. We ensure your child’s comfort and a smooth recovery. Book a consultation with us online or call us at 480-812-3668 today to get the best treatment for your child’s foot health in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa & Phoenix, AZ.

Conclusion

Ingrown toenails are common in babies and young children. If you catch them early, you can often treat them at home. However, severe cases require medical attention to avoid complications. Seeking professional treatment at the right time ensures a quick and pain-free recovery for your child.

FAQs

Can a pediatrician treat ingrown toenails?

Yes, a pediatrician can treat mild cases, but a podiatrist may be needed for more serious cases.

Does a pedicure help with ingrown toenails?

No, pedicures can worsen ingrown toenails, especially if nails are cut incorrectly.

What causes ingrown toenails in toddlers?

Improper nail trimming, tight shoes, and injury can all lead to ingrown toenails in toddlers.

Why do babies get ingrown toenails?

Babies get ingrown toenails because their nails are soft and may grow into the skin, especially with tight socks or shoes.