After the Removal of an Ingrown Toenail: How to Care for Your Child

An ingrown toenail is when the side or corner of a nail grows into the skin of the toe. The health care provider removed your child's ingrown toenail. Here's how to care for your child's toe and help them prevent another ingrown toenail.

• For the next 24 hours:

  • Your child should not put weight on the toe or wear shoes.

  • As much as possible, your child should sit or lie down with the foot propped on pillows to keep it above heart level.

  • Keep the toe dry.

• After 24 hours:

  • Soak the toe in warm water for 10 minutes several times a day.

  • Change the dressing and wash with soap and water at least once daily, or as directed by your health care provider.

  • Your child can wear open-toe shoes (with or without socks) or go barefoot until your health care provider says they can wear closed-toe shoes.

• Follow your health care provider's instructions for:

  • Using any medicines.

  • When your child can return to running, sports, and other activities.

  • Giving medicine for pain, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Follow the directions on the label for how much to give and how often.

• Symptoms don't improve within 2 weeks.

• The skin around the toe becomes redder, more painful, or swollen.

• Pus continues to drain from around the toenail.

• Your child gets a fever.

• Your child gets another ingrown toenail.

How does an ingrown toenail happen? It happens when one or both corners of the nail push into and break the skin of the toe. This can lead to irritation and infection caused by the bacteria that live on the feet getting into the skin. The toe may become painful, swollen, red, or warm, and sometimes pus drains from the area.

What causes ingrown toenails? They usually happen from cutting the nails incorrectly; for example, cutting them too short or round. Wearing shoes that are too narrow or small can also cause an ingrown toenail. They also can happen after a toe injury or from repeating the same activity, like running or kicking a soccer ball.

What can prevent ingrown toenails? To prevent another ingrown toenail, kids should cut toenails straight across (not curved), not cut them too short, and not pick at their toenails. They should wear shoes that fit well and that are wide enough across the toes.