What should I do if my child has an ingrown toenail? 

Some home remedies may be successful in the early stages of an ingrown toenail. You can try soaking your child’s feet in warm salt water for 10-15 minutes at a time, 2-3 times a day, then dry and apply a dab of antibiotic ointment. If possible, you may also try to gently lift the corner of the nail and place a sterile piece of cotton underneath.

However, we generally recommend you bring your child in for a check-up if they have an ingrown nail, especially one that is painful or hasn’t improved after about a week of home treatment. Ingrown nails may seem minor, but they can be painful and easily become infected, resulting in swelling, discharge, and other problems. Professional treatment is usually a relatively simple affair, with the podiatrist removing a small portion of the nail and draining any built-up liquid that may remain.

To schedule an appointment for your child with Dr. Darren Silvester at Next Step Foot and Ankle, give us a call at 855-972-9512.