Ingrown toenails are caused by improper nail cutting or wearing tight shoes.  Ingrown toe nails cause discomfort and the skin around the nail to become red and swollen.  It can also cause some puss to come out of the area.

It usually takes about 2 weeks to clear an ingrown toe nail problem.  If your child develops a fever or a red streak beyond the toe, you should schedule an appointment with our office for an evaluation.  Also if yellow puss or drainage is noted for more than 2 days after starting home therapy, an appointment should be scheduled.

To care for an ingrown toe nail:

1.  Do not wear tight fitting shoes.  Sandals or no shoes as much as possible is preferred.

2.  Soak the toe in warm, soapy water for 20 minutes two or three times a day.

3.  Massage the skin away from the nail following soaks and try to bend the tip of the nail slightly upward, away from the irritated skin.

4.  If puss or drainage is present, apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the area following the skin massage.