Ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of a toenail grows into the skin, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection. This is common in children and teenagers, especially on the big toe. The main causes are tight shoes, improper nail trimming, or injury.
What are the treatment options?
Mild cases can be treated non operatively with soaking the foot in warm water, wearing open-toed shoes, and gently lifting the nail edge. More severe cases where the toenail is very painful, infected, or keeps coming back require a surgical procedure.
What surgical procedure is performed?
The most common procedure is called a wedge resection. This is usually done under general anaesthesia but can be done with sedation and local anaesthesia. The side of the nail that is growing into the skin is removed and the nail root is excised to stop it from coming back. A small dissolving suture may be used to help close the wound. The toe is then bandaged.
What to expect after surgery
The toe will need to be kept clean and dry. The foot will need to be kept elevated for a couple of days. The bandage can be removed after 5 days. Complications are rare with the most common being an infection but there is a small risk of the nail growing back and a further procedure being required. Most children can return to normal activities within a week.
How to prevent further problems
Toenails should be straight across, not curved. Children need to avoid picking their toenails or cutting their nails too short. Wearing shoes that fit well and do not squeeze the toes can help avoid further problems.