Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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Ingrown Toenail - Brief Version
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail is when part of the toenail is rubbing
against the corner of the toe. It is usually caused by
tight shoes like cowboy boots. When a toenail is ingrown,
your child's toe will be tender, red and swollen.
How can I take care of my child?
- Soak the toe. Soak the foot for 20 minutes twice a day
in warm water and antibacterial soap. While the foot is
soaking, massage outward the swollen part of the cuticle.
- Use antibiotic ointment. Apply an antibiotic ointment (no
prescription needed) five or six times a day.
- Cut off the corner of the toenail. The pain is caused by
the corner of the toenail rubbing against the raw
cuticle. Your physician will cut this corner off. Your
physician will need to do this only once. This helps the nail
grow over the nail cuticle rather than get stuck in it. During
soaks try to bend the corners of the nail upward.
- Don't wear shoes. Have your child wear sandals or go
barefoot as much as possible to prevent pressure on the
toenail. When your child must wear closed shoes, protect
the ingrown toenail as follows:
- If the inner edge of the toenail is hurt, tape a foam pad
between the first and second toes to keep them from touching.
- If the outer edge is hurt, tape a foam pad to the outside of
the ball of the toe to keep the toenail from touching the
side of the shoe.
How can I prevent ingrown toenails?
Prevent this from happening again by getting rid of any
pointed or tight shoes. Cut the toenails straight across,
leaving the corners.
Call your child's doctor right away if:
- Your child develops a fever.
- A red streak spreads beyond the toe.
Call your child's doctor during office hours if:
- Any pus or yellow drainage is not cleared up after 48
hours of treatment.
- The cuticle has not totally healed in 2 weeks.
- You have other concerns or questions.
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