If your child approaches you with a red, swollen toe, it might be an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails are very common and are usually caused by ill-fitting shoes or trauma. With a child’s daily agenda filled with playing and constantly growing it would not be a surprise if your child has developed one by stubbing their toe or outgrowing their shoes. Despite being a simple problem, however, ingrown toenails can cause a lot of pain.
Here are some ways to treat your child’s ingrown toenail:
- Soak feet in warm water mixed with antibacterial soap for twenty minutes
- Massage foot while it’s in the water, on the opposite side of the feet (outward)
- Antibiotic ointment if there is pus or drainage
If you still see no results after 3 weeks, consult your child’s pediatrician to determine if they need to cut the nail to help it grow over the cuticle. After surgery, post treatment care would involve wearing sandals or covering the area with gauze before putting on shoes.
In order to prevent ingrown toenails from occurring be sure to:
- Buy your child spacious, fitting shoes
- Cutting their toenails straight across, and gently filed
- Do not cut nails too short
For severe cases, such as an infected ingrown toenails, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. Click here to schedule a free consultation with one of our podiatrists.
Related post: