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.