Nail Problems in Children

When children suffer from health problems, they lack the properly terminology to explain the issue. Ignoring the symptoms may lead to the condition worsening, which can impede healthy development. Monitor children for signs of common nail problems to ensure their hands and feet develop in a healthy manner.

Paronychia

• Experts at Pediatric On-Call indicate that one of the most common nail problems in children is paronychia, a fungal infection caused by excessive nail-biting or abnormally wet hands. In paronychia, the proximal nail fold is injured when exposed to high amounts of moisture, whether this includes saliva or water. Side effects include pain or even nail deformities, which are treatable using oral antibiotics and moisture avoidance.

Ingrown Toenails

• Nails with corners or sides cutting into soft tissue cause red and swollen toes, especially in children who play sports. The New England Foot and Ankle News website suggests that tight cleats, repetitive kicking and improperly trimmed nails cause ingrown toenails in children. Sometimes, an ingrown toenail become infected, and a physician must remove it. Trim children's toenails straight across and make sure they wear the right-sized cleats to avoid developing painful ingrown toenails.

Hangnails

• A small piece of dry skin on the nail's side, a hangnail is harmless on its own. However, children tend to chew, tear or dirty their nails, causing infections. Caused by excessive nail biting, hangnails are treated easily, by trimming the dry skin with a sterile nail clipper. To avoid hangnails, teach children the importance of good hygiene, including proper hand-washing techniques.