My 20 month old daughter has 2 wierd toe nails (exact same toe on each foot)the toe nail seems to be growing/bending inside her skin (one on side). I believe it is causing her pain b/c she doesnt allow us to touch it. As anyone seen toe nails that grow like this and if so is there a way for it to be fixed? I can't trim those toes b/c of the way it's growing. However currently it does not need to be cut.
Thanks for any advise,
S.
My kids have weird toes, too.
They got them from me.
The only way to deal with their goofiness is to trim them consistently. I keep them short and as even as possible. I trim every 5 days or so and keep the edges filed, otherwise they grow in and look generally wacky.
Good luck!
Sounds like you are saying the nail is becoming ingrown - I have the same problem. It's hereditary in my case - I have my dad's toes! (Thanks, Dad...) The nail grows from the base at a wide width but you can't really see it - I'm not sure why it becomes a problem at the tip of the toe more than at the base. Anyway, there are a couple of very simple procedures that can be performed by any competent podiatrist. I have used Dr. James Karadimos in Westboro - I think he has a Worcester office too. Not sure where you are located. My son also needed some work done and my pediatrician said Karadimos is excellent - he also has a nice "bedside manner". However, I am sure you can go to pretty much anyone - the procedures are not complicated. You could ask your pediatrician for a referral if you want but this is not something where you need a pediatric specialist of any kind.
Sometimes the nail can be cut very simply by the doctor in a way that just relieves the pain, then the nail grows out and everything is fine. Sometimes the base of the nail needs a chemical put on it to stop the nail from growing that way - essentially they narrow the base of the nail, I think it's called the matrix, so that the nail grows out straighter and narrower in the future. Either way, there's a little local anesthesia (lidocaine, like at the dentist) and a quick procedure. My doctor sprays a cold spray on the toe so you don't really feel the injection so much - he covers the toe with his hand and a gauze pad, even for a tough adult like me, so the patient can't even see what's going on!
It's wrapped in a bandage for a day or two and that's it. Sometimes it looks a little funny (if you really look closely) until it grows out but it doesn't hurt or require a lot of special care. Definitely take care of it because shoes make it worse and there's nothing else you can do to fix it! So my advice is, start simple and go from there.
My 19 month old has ingrown toenails also. They don't seem to cause him pain, but I wonder as they become harder if they will. My pediatrician told us it is common. I have a history of ingrown toenails and have gone to a podiatrist with good results. My podiatrist said she does see children, but I'm not sure how young. Good luck!
Hi S.,
Sorry I don't have an answer for you, I just wanted to say that my daughter has the same problem. She is 13 months now but for a while I've noticed her toenails growing weird. I think most of them are like that, they are almost wavy or something and grow in odd directions. I was hoping she'd grow out of it but they seem worse. Let me know what you find out.
Thanks
A.
Hi S.,
It sounds like your daughter has ingrown toenails. Yes, they can be painful.
Take her to your pediatrician, he/she will have advice on how to care for them.
Hi S.,
I've noticed that some of my sons' toenails will curl in toward the toe as they grow. I just trim them. I am wondering how long you let them grow before trimming. Maybe it's longer than what I allow. Can't tell without seeing them. I'd suggest showing the child's pediatrician/physician at the next appt. unless it is causing a problem. Then schedule an appt. sooner.
Good luck,
: ) Maureen
