Ingrown toenails in babies: causes, symptoms and treatments

Ingrown toenails are a problem that is generally associated with adults. However, babies can also be affected. In this article, we will explain the causes of ingrown toenails in babies, how to recognise them and, most importantly, how to treat them effectively to avoid potential complications.

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation, pain and a risk of infection. Although this can happen to any nail, the toes — particularly the big toe — are most susceptible to this problem.

Causes of ingrown toenails in babies

There are several reasons why babies may develop an ingrown toenail:

Shoes that are too tight: shoes that are too small or too narrow can cause the nails to dig into the skin.

Incorrect nail trimming: the way a baby's nails are cut can lead to them becoming ingrown. Cutting nails in a rounded shape rather than straight across increases the risk of ingrown toenails.

Injury: a knock to a toe or nail can lead to an ingrown toenail.

Hereditary factors: some families are more prone to ingrown toenails due to the shape of their nails or their tendency to grow into the skin.

Symptoms of ingrown toenails in babies

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail can vary depending on the severity of the problem.

Here are some of the signs to look out for:

Redness: the area around the ingrown toenail becomes red, inflamed and tender to the touch.

Pus: an infection may develop, causing pus to appear around the nail.

Pain: babies with an ingrown toenail may be more irritable than usual and cry when their foot is touched.

Difficulty moving: the child may have difficulty moving their toe or walking if they have an advanced ingrown toenail.

Treating ingrown toenails in babies

It is essential to act promptly to treat an ingrown toenail in your baby in order to avoid complications such as infection. Here are some tips for caring for your baby's ingrown toenail:

Home care

Even if the nail is not yet infected, you can try the following home remedies to help relieve the pain and encourage the nail to grow back correctly.

Warm foot soaks: soak your baby's foot in warm water with a little salt for around 15 minutes. This helps to soften the skin around the nail and prevent any potential infection.

Applying over-the-counter antibiotic cream: applying a thin layer of antibiotic cream to the affected area helps to prevent infection.

Pain relief: if your baby appears to be in pain, you can use suitable pain relief medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the doses recommended for their age.

Medical consultation

If the symptoms worsen or if the infection develops despite home care, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. The doctor will examine your baby's foot and determine the appropriate treatment. More aggressive treatment may be necessary if the infection is severe, including:

Antibiotics: in some cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

Removal of the ingrown section: in the most extreme cases, a minor surgical procedure may be necessary to remove the section of nail that has grown into the skin. This procedure is generally carried out under local anaesthetic and does not require hospitalisation.

Preventing ingrown toenails in babies

Following these simple tips can help to prevent future ingrown toenail problems in your baby:

Trim nails regularly: cut your baby's nails approximately every two weeks and do so in a straight line, without rounding them, so they do not grow towards the skin.

Ensure correct footwear: make sure that your baby's shoes and socks are the right size and do not put too much pressure on their nails.

Maintain good hygiene: regularly wash your baby's feet with warm water and dry them thoroughly after every bath.

By trimming your baby's nails correctly, ensuring they wear well-fitting shoes, and keeping their feet clean, you can minimise the risk of them developing an ingrown toenail. However, if you suspect your baby is suffering from an ingrown toenail, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for prompt and appropriate treatment.