Will an Ingrown Toenail Heal Itself? Your Top Ingrown Toenail FAQ Answered

Co-authored by Mark Co, DPM and Sophia Bell

Last Updated: January 14, 2024 Fact Checked

Ingrown toenails are really common, but that doesn’t make them any less of a pain—literally. Will an ingrown toenail heal itself? If not, how should you treat it? We’ve done the research for you and will answer these questions and more below. Keep reading to find out the best ingrown toenail treatments.

Question 1 of 7:

Will an ingrown toenail heal itself?

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It’s possible if your case is mild. If your toenail is red, a little swollen, and not infected, you may not need professional medical treatment.^{[1]
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Research source} You can try letting the nail grow out on its own.^{[2]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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- What happens if you leave an ingrown toenail? It could get infected, so it's best to see a doctor unless your case is mild.^{[3]
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- In the first, or mild, stage of an ingrown toenail, the surrounding skin is a little red and sore.^{[4]
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- In the second, or moderate, stage, there is more swelling and you may notice pus or discharge.^{[5]
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- In the third, or severe, stage, increased redness, pain, swelling, and discharge indicate an infection.^{[6]
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Question 2 of 7:

How long does it take for an ingrown toenail to grow out?

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It could take about 2 weeks with self-care.^{[7]
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Seattle Children's Hospital
Health information provided by Seattle Children's hospital.

Go to source} In healthy young adults, toenails grow an average of 1.62 mm per month. Unfortunately, toenails grow slower than fingernails. And, healthy nails might grow faster than those that are damaged or ingrown.^{[8]
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- Most experts suggest seeking treatment for an ingrown toenail instead of trying to let it grow out on its own.

Question 3 of 7:

How do you get rid of an ingrown toenail at home?

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1
Soak your foot in warm water. Soak your affected foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes 3-4 times per day.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Mark Co, DPM
Podiatrist

Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.} This helps soften the skin and nail and reduces swelling and pain.^{[10]
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Arthritis Foundation
Main organization devoted to arthritis support and education

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- You can add a mild soap or Epsom salts to the warm water.^{[11]
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  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  
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- Dry your feet thoroughly afterward. Wear moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes.^{[12]
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  Harvard Medical School
  Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
  
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If you notice increased redness or swelling, an antibiotic ointment may help prevent an infection. After soaking your toe, let it dry, then apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the problem area.^{[13]
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DermNet NZ
Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health

Go to source} You can cover the toe with a bandage, as well.^{[14]
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Science Direct
Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics

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Shoes that are too tight or pinch your toes can cause ingrown toenails and make existing problems worse. If you’re dealing with an ingrown toenail, opt for sandals or other open-toed shoes if you can. If you need to wear close-toed shoes, pick a pair with enough room in the toe box for you to wiggle your toes.^{[15]
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Many websites suggest lifting up the corner of the nail and putting a piece of cotton underneath it to prevent the nail from digging into your skin. However, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons advises against it. The cotton creates a perfect home for bacteria, which increases the likelihood that your ingrown toenail will get infected.^{[16]
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Question 4 of 7:

Should you dig out an ingrown toenail?

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Cutting the nail itself or trying to remove the skin around it is likely to make the problem worse and can lead to an infection. Don't try to dig out the ingrown toenail at home.^{[17]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source} If you need to cut your toenail, trim it carefully straight across.^{[18]
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Expert Source

Mark Co, DPM
Podiatrist

Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}

Question 5 of 7:

When should you go to the doctor for an ingrown toenail?

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If, after 2-3 days, your ingrown toenail doesn’t look or feel better, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist (a doctor who specializes in feet).^{[19]
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Mark Co, DPM
Podiatrist

Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.} They can determine the best course of action based on the stage of your ingrown toenail.^{[20]
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It’s quite common for ingrown toenails to become infected, and an infection needs medical treatment. If your ingrown toenail is red, swollen, and painful and you notice pus or other discharge, visit a doctor so they can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.^{[21]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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Avoid trying to treat an ingrown toenail at home if you have poor blood circulation, nerve problems in your legs or feet, or diabetes. Instead, see your primary care provider or a podiatrist right away.^{[22]
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MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine

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Question 6 of 7:

What will a podiatrist do for an ingrown toenail?

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Most often, a podiatrist will remove part of your toenail. There are a few different procedures available depending on the location and severity of the ingrown toenail. In general, a podiatrist will use local anesthetic to numb your toe before cutting away the infected or ingrown part of your toenail. They then apply a solution to the root of the nail to prevent the removed part of the toenail from growing back.^{[23]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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- After the procedure, most doctors will recommend that you soak your foot in an Epsom salt bath twice a day. Use 1-3 tablespoons of Epsom salt per 1 liter of water.^{[24]
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  Mark Co, DPM
  Podiatrist
  
  Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
- Keep your nails and feet clean and dry and wear comfortable, roomy shoes.

Question 7 of 7:

Can ingrown toenails be prevented?

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In many cases, yes, ingrown toenails can be prevented. Some people may be more likely to get ingrown toenails because of their genetics.^{[25]
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HealthyChildren.org
Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Go to source} However, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of developing an ingrown toenail, including:
- Cutting your toenails straight across (with no rounded corners; allow the edge of the nail to extend just past your skin)^{[26]
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- Wearing shoes that are roomy and allow you to wiggle your toes^{[27]
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- Avoiding injury or trauma to the toes^{[28]
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  University of California San Francisco Health Center
  Research hospital associated with UCSF, a leading medical university, providing innovative patient care and public health resources
  
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- Avoiding picking or tearing the corners of your toenails^{[29]
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  MedlinePlus
  Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
  
  Go to source}