Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, are a common cause of pain that can occur to anyone at any age. Ingrown toenails are most common on the big toe, so if your toddler is experiencing slight to severe pain on the side of his big toe, there's a good chance an ingrown toenail is the culprit.
Identification
If your toddler has an ingrown toenail, the side corner of the toenail will penetrate the skin of that toe causing pain and tenderness inside the toe. The toe may also feel warm to touch. If the area becomes inflamed, red and swollen, the toe is possibly infected. Pus may be present during an infection.
Cause
According to ePodiatry.com, the primary risk factor for ingrown toe nails is the shape of the nail. A flat nail is less likely to penetrate the skin than a curved nail. Your toddler's nail shape is usually inherited, but foot trauma and shoes that squeeze the toes could cause problems as well. Other causes of ingrown toenails are cutting the toenail too short or not straight across. Chubby toes have a higher risk of having ingrown nails, according to ePodiatry.com.
Treatment
A podiatrist can often remove the nail penetrating the skin without causing much pain; however, if your toddler's toe is too tender, a local anesthetic can be give to eliminate pain. In more severe cases, surgery under a sedative or general anesthesia may need to be administered. An antibiotic may be given for an infection, as well as a topical ointment.
If your toddler regularly experiences ingrown toenails, a podiatrist may use an acid to destroy nail growth cells, which will keep the nail from growing back and eliminate an ingrown toenail from reoccurring.
According to the Mayo Clinic, placing cotton under the toenail can separate the nail from the skin, which relieves pressure and makes the nail grow over the skin's edge.
Prevention
While cutting your toddler's toenails, cut the nail straight across and allow the corners to protrude so the toenails do not cut into the skin. If the toenail naturally curves too low to cut straight across, contact a podiatrist since cutting your toddler's nail too short can lead to an ingrown toenail. Shoe sizes regularly change for toddlers, so if his shoes seem tight, go up a size. Have your toddler wear open-toe shoes, such as sandals during warm weather. While indoors, allow your toddler to only wear socks as often as possible. According to the Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, use a cuticle stick to push the cuticle away from the nail after your toddler's bath.
Considerations
If your toddler needs surgery, according to the Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, there is a low risk of infection. If the toe becomes infected, a doctor will often prescribe a topical medication and may recommend acetometaphine or ibuprofen for pain relief. In addition, there is a slight risk using anesthesia, which will be discussed with you by the anesthesiologist.
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