Onychocryptosis or ingrown toenails in kids is a common nail disorder where instead of growing outwards, the toenail begins to grow into the skin surrounding the nail. Since this ingrowth cuts the skin, the affected area can get infected and inflamed, causing pain severe enough to impact a child’s daily activities. However, if the condition is detected early, you can manage ingrown toenails at home. So, read this post to know more about the causes of ingrown toenails and the various treatment options available to tackle the condition.
Signs Of An Ingrown Toenail
There are four stages of an ingrown nail, and the signs vary according to the stage (1). Stage 1:
Reddening and inflammation at the sides of the nail. Folded toenail that does not cross the nail bed. Pain when pressure is applied on the nail.
Stage 2:
The folding of the nail exceeds 3mm from the nail bed. Pain and fluid on the sides of the nail Sensitivity around the toenail Serum drainage and infection might also occur.
Stage 3:
Pain worsens with swelling of the skin around the nail. The nail folds further, and if not treated at this stage, can result in deformation of the nail.
Stage 4:
The nail folds on both sides. The skin around the nail swells. Pain increases and causes difficulty in walking (1).
Possible Causes Of Ingrown Toenails In Children
Although anyone could develop this condition, ingrown toenails are commonly observed in teenagers. Some of the possible causes include:
Home Remedies For An Ingrown Toenail In Children
If the ingrown toenail is in the initial stages, you can consider treating it at home. However, it must be noted that there is no scientific backing to prove their effectiveness. If these home remedies do not clear the ingrown nail, take your child to the doctor.
When To See A Doctor
Take your child to the doctor if:
The toe is swollen and inflamed Pus pockets have formed near the nail or on the toe There is repeated ingrowth of the nail Your child has developed a fever The pain is unbearable
The doctor would conduct a physical examination of the nail and determine the depth of the ingrown nail. If your child’s toenail is infected, then your doctor might request an X-ray for proper evaluation. The treatment will be based on the diagnosis.
Treatment Of Ingrown Toenails In Children
The treatment options for ingrown toenail may vary according to the stage of the ingrown nail. Mild swelling, with no pus or drainage, can be treated with nonsurgical treatments. However, if there is swelling with signs of infection, and the ingrown nail has grown deep into the skin, then you might need surgical removal of the nail. Sometimes, your child’s doctor might also prescribe antibiotics or antifungals to cure bacterial or fungal infections.
Nonsurgical treatments for ingrown toenails
- Taping: In this method, an elastic strip of tape that is 15 to 25mm wide and 5cm long is used. One end of the tape is fixed to the side where the ingrown nail is formed, while the other end is pulled tight and taken around the toe and attached to the other end of the toe. It is advised to change the tape daily until the ingrown tail is exposed, which usually takes up to four to eight weeks. If there is sweat and pus, then it could interfere in the sticking of the tape, so you should clean the toe area before applying the tape. Your doctor might also prescribe antibiotics simultaneously to reduce the infection (4).
- Packing: This method could be a little aggressive but is said to provide quick relief. So, it is best to estimate if your child could take the pain before trying it. In the packing method, a wisp of cotton is inserted in the corner of the nail fold to prevent it from further folding. You can soak the cotton in disinfectant and change it daily. Once your child is no longer experiencing pain (and the nail is not digging into the skin anymore), you can stick the cotton in the same position with glue and leave it for a week.
- Nail braces: These are mechanical devices that exert force and open up the curved nail. These nail braces come with two tips that should be placed on either edge of the ingrown nail. There is a plate in the center with a screw, as you start tightening the screw, the center plate exerts force in the nail, thus straightening it (5). These nonsurgical techniques are helpful during the first and second stages of ingrown toenails when there is less inflammation and no pus discharge. But, if your child’s ingrown nail is in the third or fourth stage, then your doctor might recommend surgical intervention.
Surgical procedures for ingrown toenail include
- Avulsion of the entire nail: Here, the entire nail bed is removed, giving time for the inflammation and the swelling to subside before the new nail grows back.
- Wedge excision of a nail edge: In this method, soft tissue around the corner of the ingrown nail is removed, and the folded nail is straightened.
- Chemical nail avulsion: Chemicals such as phenol sodium hydroxide are used to dissolve the bond between the nail and the nail tissue, and then the entire nail is removed.
- Laser nail avulsion: Using a carbon dioxide laser, the ingrown nail is removed (6). After the surgical procedure, post-operative care is necessary and includes:
Resting and minimizing physical activity Follow the prescribe wound care Ask your child to wear open-toed and loose-fitting footwear post the surgery Clean the wound regularly and change the dressing
According to a study performed on the surgical methods on children, wedge excision was found effective (7). However, Your child’s doctor will determine the type of surgical method after examining the toenail.
Can You Prevent An Ingrown Toenail?
With simple precautions and care, you might be able to prevent ingrowth of toenails or their repeated occurrence. Here is how:
Always cut your child’s toenails straight across, and never leave any sharp edges. Encourage them to wear loose-fitting footwear that gives the toes ample space to breathe and does not put pressure on them. Teach your children proper foot hygiene so that they do not catch infections. Whenever you notice any curvature in the nail, use a small strip of dental floss to elevate the tip and clip it off. If your child has excessive perspiration in the feet, then make sure they wash their socks and change them from time to time.
Complications of Ingrown Toenails
When treated in time, an ingrown toenail may not cause any serious complications. However, if left untreated, it could lead to severe infection, which can spread to the bone. In children with diabetes, ingrown toenails can cause infections that do not heal quickly.
