How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails in Kids

As kids constantly move from gym class to team sports, ingrown toenails are one of the most common complaints we at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists get. The good news? Most ingrown toenails in children are completely preventable with a few simple changes to their footwear and a little home economics on how to trim their nails. Let’s see how we can prevent ingrown toenails in kids.

Ingrown Toenails and Tight Shoes

The most common cause of ingrown toenails in children is actually their shoes. Kids grow up quickly, and a pair of sneakers that fit perfectly in September might be a toe-crusher by now. And when a shoe is too tight, it forces the skin of the toe against the edge of the nail. With every step your child takes, that nail is pushed deeper into the skin.

When you’re buying school shoes or athletic cleats, always check for a wide toe box. You should be able to press your thumb down at the end of the shoe and feel about a half-inch of space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe.

If their toes are bunched up, they are at a high risk of an ingrown.

Teaching Straight Across Toenail Trimming

The way you trim your child’s nails is crucial. Many parents (and kids!) make the mistake of trying to round the corners of the toenail to follow the shape of the toe. This is exactly what you want to avoid.

Teaching your child to trim straight across encourages healthy nail growth. When you round the corners, you instead encourage the nail to grow into the soft nail fold at the side of the toe. By keeping the cut straight, the nail grows out over the skin rather than into it.

Don’t Cut Toenails Too Short, Either

It’s tempting to cut nails as short as possible so you don’t have to do it as often, but over-trimming is another major risk factor.

If the nail is cut below the level of the skin, the skin can fold over the top of the nail. As the nail grows back, it has nowhere to go but straight into that tissue.

Instead, aim to leave a tiny bit of the white free edge visible at the end of the nail to ensure it has a clear path to grow forward.

Ingrown Toenail Warning Signs

If your child’s toe looks red, feels warm to the touch, or has any drainage, the ingrown toenail has likely led to a minor infection. While a warm salt-water soak can help, you should never try to address the issue with a pair of tweezers.

A quick visit to us at DPMS can resolve the issue in minutes and get your child back on the field in no time.

If you’re experiencing foot pain, discomfort, or changes in how you walk, come see the expert team at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. With locations in Tucson and Oro Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., are here for you. Call us at (520) 575-0800 or contact us online!