Much like adults, infants can also develop painful ingrown toenails. Fortunately, these are fairly easy to prevent. When trimming your baby’s toenails, it is suggested that you use nail clippers. This is because nail scissors tend to cut the nails in a curved or rounded shape, and it is easier for the rounded edge of the toenail to grow into the surrounding skin, whereas nail clippers can easily cut the toenails straight across. Longer toenails can make an ingrown toenail more likely to develop, so it is best that you trim your baby’s nails regularly. In some cases, this may mean once a week or more. When you do cut your baby’s toenails, please refrain from cutting them too close to the skin. It is also suggested that you let your baby go barefoot or dress them in loose-fitting socks and shoes, as tight footwear can compress the toes and push the toenails into the skin. For more information about handling ingrown toenails in infants, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor 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 office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.