An ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the soft skin surrounding it, causing discomfort and inflammation. Infants can develop ingrown toenails, most commonly on the big toe. Although a baby’s toenails are softer than an adult’s, their delicate surrounding skin makes the toe susceptible to this issue.
Recognizing the Signs
Parents should look for specific physical signs of an ingrown toenail on their infant’s foot. The most immediate sign is redness and swelling along the side of the toenail where it meets the skin. The affected area may also feel warm to the touch, suggesting inflammation.
If the condition progresses, yellow or white discharge (pus) may be visible, indicating a localized infection. Since infants cannot verbally express pain, parents must look for behavioral changes. These include the baby crying or pulling the foot away when the toe is gently touched or when putting on socks. Swelling may cause the toe to look larger than usual, and the nail edge might appear to be disappearing into the skin.
Why Ingrown Toenails Happen in Infants
A primary factor is pressure exerted on the developing toe from external sources. Tight-fitting clothing, such as onesies with attached foot coverings or socks that compress the toes, can push the nail plate into the surrounding soft tissue. Parents must regularly check that foot coverings are not too restrictive, as babies grow quickly.
Improper trimming technique is another frequent cause. Cutting the nail too short or rounding the edges instead of trimming straight across encourages the corners of the nail to grow into the skin. Some infants may also have a genetic predisposition, inheriting a natural curvature in their toenails. Furthermore, the natural plumpness of a baby’s toes can increase the likelihood of the nail edge digging into the skin.
Immediate Steps and Medical Consultations
For mild cases without signs of severe infection, home treatment can often alleviate discomfort. A safe initial step is soaking the baby’s foot in warm, soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes, two to three times daily. This helps soften the skin and reduce swelling.
After soaking, gently dry the area. The parent can then attempt to gently massage the swollen skin away from the nail edge. If a small gap is created, a tiny, sterile piece of cotton or gauze can be carefully placed between the nail and the skin to encourage the nail to grow over the tissue. This must be done with extreme care and replaced regularly. An over-the-counter antibiotic ointment can be applied to prevent or manage a surface infection.
Parents should never attempt to cut out the ingrown nail themselves, as this risks worsening the condition or causing a serious infection. Medical consultation is required if home care does not show improvement within a few days, or if red flag symptoms appear. These signs include spreading redness up the toe and foot, increased swelling, continuous pus discharge, or fever. A pediatrician or podiatrist may need to gently lift or remove the ingrown portion of the nail for relief.
Preventing Recurrence
Preventing future ingrown toenails centers on proper nail care and appropriate footwear. Toenails should always be trimmed straight across, avoiding rounding the corners or cutting the nail too close to the skin. It is helpful to leave a small margin of free nail at the tip of the toe.
Using baby-specific clippers or blunt-tipped scissors helps ensure precision during trimming. Parents must ensure that all socks, footies, and shoes are correctly sized and provide ample space for the toes to move without compression. Regularly inspecting the infant’s feet, especially after bath time when the nails are softer, allows for early detection.