The benefits of properly caring for your baby’s feet may last well into adulthood. A part of this includes trimming the toenails which may prevent a painful and uncomfortable condition from developing, often referred to as ingrown toenails. There are noticeable symptoms indicating that an ingrown toenail has formed, including skin that appears to be red and swollen which surrounds the affected toe, and this may possibly cause considerable pain when shoes are made to be worn. There are also several ways to prevent your child from developing this painful condition, such as choosing socks and shoes that fit properly, cutting the toenails in a timely fashion, and noticing any infected cuts near the toenail which may cause it to grow into the skin. Your child may find some relief when a warm compress is applied to the affected toe, in addition to walking barefoot until the toe has healed. A consultation with a podiatrist is advised if your child’s daily activities are hindered by ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.