Your Care Instructions

An ingrown toenail often occurs because a nail is not trimmed correctly or because shoes are too tight. An ingrown nail can cause an infection.

If your child's toe is infected, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Most ingrown toenails can be treated at home. Trim each toenail straight across, so the ends of the nail grow over the skin and not into it. Good nail care can prevent ingrown toenails.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Trim the nails straight across. Leave the corners a little longer so they do not cut into the skin. To do this when your child has an ingrown nail:
  • Soak the foot in warm water for about 15 minutes to soften the nail.
  • Wedge a small piece of wet cotton under the corner of the nail to cushion the nail and lift it slightly. This keeps it from cutting the skin.
  • Repeat daily until the nail has grown out and can be trimmed.
• Do not use manicure scissors to dig under the ingrown nail. You might stab the toe, which could get infected.
• Do not trim the toenails too short.
• Have your child wear roomy, comfortable shoes.
• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.