Ingrown toenails are common in children. Usually occurring on the corner of the nail of one of the great toes, symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness of the skin and cuticle, and occasionally drainage. Ingrown toenails may occur from trauma to the nail from improper nail trimming, picking at the nail, or poorly fitting or tight shoes. Help prevent ingrown toenails by cutting the nail straight across.

The treatment of ingrown toenails includes treating the inflammation and infection if present and education about preventing recurrences. Soak the foot in warm water and wash with antibacterial soap two times a day. While soaking, massage the swollen skin outward away from the nail. Also try to elevate the edge of the nail after soaking away from the cuticle. Apply a topical antibiotic three to four times a day if the cuticle is swollen or has drainage. Have your child wear open shoes such as sandals while the nail is healing, and protect the inflamed area with a foam pad if closed shoes are necessary.

If the redness or swelling is spreading, if the drainage is persistent after two days of topical antibiotic treatment, if your child develops a fever, or if the ingrown toenail is not improving with this treatment, contact your pediatrician who may prescribe oral antibiotics or occasionally resection of part of the nail.