Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics of Ingrown Nails in Children

Abstract

Background: Ingrown nail is a condition frequently seen in children and adolescents, the pain from which can affect their daily living activities and school performances. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of ingrown nails in children. Methods: The clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients aged 0 to 18 years presenting with ingrown nail were evaluated retrospectively from clinic records. Results: Sixty-two patients aged 3 to 18 years (mean age, 15 years; male to female ratio, 1.06) were enrolled. A total of 175 ingrown nails were evaluated (all of them were in the halluces, 54.3% of them were on the lateral margin). A positive family history of ingrown nail was present in 15.7%. High prevalences of incorrect nail cutting (72.1%), trauma (36.1%), poorly fitting shoes (29%), hyperhidrosis (12.9%), obesity (9.7%), and accompanying nail disorders (9.7%) were determined among the patients. Conclusions: This study revealed the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of ingrown nails in children. These data will be useful in preventing the occurrence of ingrown nail by revealing and then eliminating predisposing factors.