Ingrown toenails are not just an adult problem. Children and teenagers are commonly affected, particularly during growth spurts when nails grow quickly and footwear may not keep pace with changing foot size. If your child is complaining of toe pain, an ingrown toenail could be the cause.
Why Are Children and Teenagers Prone to Ingrown Toenails?
Several factors make younger patients particularly susceptible to ingrown toenails:
- Rapid nail growth: Nails grow faster during childhood and adolescence, increasing the risk of the nail edge digging into the surrounding skin.
- Ill-fitting footwear: School shoes, sports shoes, and fashion footwear that are too tight or too narrow can press the nail into the skin.
- Incorrect nail trimming: Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners encourages the nail to grow into the skin.
- Sports participation: Repetitive pressure from running, kicking, and jumping can contribute to nail problems in active children.
Signs Your Child May Have an Ingrown Toenail
Watch for the following signs in your child:
- Pain or tenderness along the side of the toenail
- Redness or swelling around the nail edge
- Reluctance to wear shoes or participate in sport
- Limping or altered walking pattern
- Signs of infection such as pus or increased warmth
Treatment Options for Young Patients
For children and teenagers, non-surgical treatment is almost always the preferred first approach. The BS Brace works by gently lifting the curved nail edge using a brace applied directly to the nail surface. The tension gradually flattens the nail over time, correcting the ingrown edge without any cutting or injections.
During treatment, the podiatrist will check with the patient whether the tension feels comfortable — this feedback is essential to ensure the brace is not pulling too strongly.
Because the treatment relies on the patient being able to accurately communicate whether the brace tension feels too strong, young children under 7 may not yet be able to reliably provide this feedback. For this reason, BS Brace treatment is only appropriate for children aged 7 and above. If your child is 6 or younger, please consult your podiatrist for alternative management options.
For eligible patients aged 7 and above, here is why BS Brace works so well:
- No surgery, no injections, no cutting — far less intimidating for younger patients.
- Immediate relief from nail pressure — most children feel the difference straight away.
- No recovery time — back to school and sport the same day.
- Gradual, gentle correction — the brace lifts the nail edge over time without discomfort.
- Discreet and semi-transparent — the brace is virtually invisible on the nail, so teenagers don't have to worry about it being noticed.
- Nail polish friendly — nail polish can be applied over the brace, which is particularly reassuring for teenage girls who don't want to compromise their nail appearance during treatment.
BS Brace is applied by trained podiatrists across Australia. If your child is in pain, don't wait — early treatment prevents the problem from worsening.
Prevention Tips for Parents
- Check your child's shoe fit regularly, especially during growth spurts.
- Trim toenails straight across and avoid cutting too short.
- Choose sports footwear with a wide toe box.
- Encourage your child to tell you if their feet are hurting — early treatment prevents complications.
When to See a Podiatrist
If your child's toe is red, swollen, or showing signs of infection, it is important to seek professional advice promptly. A podiatrist can assess the nail, provide appropriate treatment, and advise on footwear and nail care to prevent recurrence.