Ingrown Nail in Children: A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Cases (2022–2025). Experience of Children's Polyclinic No. 1 (Blagoveshchensk, Russia)

Background. Ingrown nail is a pathological penetration of the lateral edge of the nail plate into the soft tissues of the digit, leading to chronic inflammation of the nail fold and accompanied by a set of morphological and functional changes in the nail plate, its matrix, and the soft tissues. Despite the seeming simplicity of the problem, it requires timely diagnosis and a differentiated approach to treatment.

The aim of the study is to analyze the structure and management tactics of children with ingrown toenails.

Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of 44 outpatient medical records of patients followed at Children's Polyclinic No. 1 (Blagoveshchensk, Russia) from 2022 to 2025 was carried out, with assessment of demographic data, disease stage, treatment, and its outcomes.

Results. Over the entire study period, 24 (54.5%) boys and 20 (45.5%) girls were seen among the 44 patients. The total number of visits was 49, with 5 (10.2%) repeat visits. By localization, a unilateral process on the first toe predominated – in 43 (87.7%) patients. Involvement of both feet was observed in 5 (10.2%) patients. In 1 (2.1%) case, the lesion was located on the 3rd finger of the left hand. Conservative treatment prevailed in the majority of cases – 44 (89.8%) visits. Surgical treatment was performed in 5 (10.2%) cases, at disease stages 2–3 with pronounced inflammation and failure of conservative measures.

Conclusion. Ingrown nail in children occurs more frequently in boys and predominantly on one foot. Most cases are diagnosed at stages 1–2 of the disease. Conservative treatment is effective in 88.6% of patients, especially in the early stages. Surgical treatment is usually required when the disease progresses.

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