Meta description: Baby ingrown toenails happen when the nail grows in the wrong direction curving down at the corners. Tight booties, shoes or socks can cause irregular growth. Keeping the nails trimmed with straight cuts can prevent the condition.
Baby ingrown toenails are common on the big toe. The corner of the nail curves into the cuticle causing painful irritation leading to infection. Home treatments have been able to correct the situation. By soaking the toe to soften the nail, you can lift the nail to help redirect its growth.
What is baby ingrown toenails
The medical term for an ingrown toenail is onychocryptosis.
Baby toenails are supple making it easy for the nail to grow into the soft cuticle skin. If the nail becomes infected …show more content…
Avoid wearing socks or closed shoes for a few days.
These small steps help to separate the nail from the cuticle skin. The cotton holds the nail above the skin and allows it to grow forward. Ask your doctor about using an antibiotic cream by prescription or OTC.
In some cases, the doctor may need to remove all or a portion of the nail or the surrounding tissue. The severity of the infection or swelling is going to decide how much of the nail needs to be removed. The toe is usually numb using anesthetic.
OTC pain relievers may be prescribed by the doctor. Never self-treat this condition with medication before talking with your doctor. Be sure to keep your checkups to monitor the condition. While the infection is being treated be sure your baby is wearing the proper footwear. Relaxed shoes styles will allow the toenail to heal.
Precautions
Sometimes babies have repeat experiences with ingrown toenails. Talk with your doctor to learn more about the condition. Topical treatment of antibiotics helps to resolve the infection, but it doesn’t stop the possibilities of the nail cutting into the skin again. Some babies are more prone to getting ingrown toenails. It could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Congenital