Babies may develop ingrown toenails from the rapid growth of their toenails. Ingrown toenails occur as a condition when the outer edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. It is often a painful ailment, and you may notice your child is pulling on their big toe. It can occur as a result of trimming the toenails incorrectly, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Because of this, it is beneficial to refrain from wearing shoes until it is time to walk outside. This can be helpful in protecting the toenails. Parents may find mild relief for their children when the affected nail is soaked in warm water. If your child has an ingrown toenail, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can manage ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.