Child Toenail Care

Children have a lot to be excited about this time of year. Whether they are looking forward to holiday gifts, time away from the classroom, or even the opportunity to do some “extreme sledding” here in Vestal or other towns in our Greater Binghamton community, young ones certainly love the holiday season.

When improper child toenail care leads to a case of ingrown nails, however, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is – the condition can cause discomfort, pain, and risk of infection. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your child’s feet safe and healthy by preventing ingrown toenails and other nail conditions.

As we look at nail care for children, perhaps the best place to start is with an area that might be a bit unexpected – shoes. One of the causes of ingrown toenails is footwear that is too small and/or too tight in the front, but you can prevent this by making sure your son or daughter can wiggle his or her toes freely in shoes.

Another common cause of ingrown toenails is improper nail clipping techniques. Toenails should be trimmed straight across—instead of being rounded off—and kept even with the edge of the toes. Clipping them too short increases the likelihood of an ingrown condition.

In addition to becoming ingrown, nails can also be affected by fungal infections. This condition can be difficult to treat, so it is better to avoid a case of fungal nails in the first place. As with other causes of common foot infections, the responsible microorganisms thrive in warm, damp environments. You can help to reduce the risk of a fungal infection by ensuring that your son or daughter’s feet are dry. Socks that wick moisture away and shoes made from breathable materials help. As we head into winter activities, have your children put on dry socks to replace wet ones from playing in the snow when they come back inside.

We know you want your children to be safe and healthy, from head to toe. If you would like more information on child toenail care, or want your son or daughter to be treated by caring professionals, contact Southern Tier Podiatry. Simply give us a call at (607) 217-5668 or schedule an appointment with our Broome County, NY podiatrist office online today. Remember, we are here for all of your and your family’s foot care needs!