Can an Ingrown Toenail Heal Itself?

Ingrown toenails appear when the edge of your nail grows into the skin beside it. This usually happens on the big toe. It can cause pain, redness, and swelling. Sometimes, it even gets infected. But can an ingrown toenail heal itself? Or do you need to go to the doctor?

You’re not alone. A lot of people try to wait it out. They hope it will go away without any treatment. Some don’t want to deal with a doctor visit, or they’re nervous about it hurting more. Let’s go step by step so you know exactly what’s happening with your toe.

Does Ingrown Toenail Heal Itself?

Yes, sometimes ingrown toenail heal itself—but not always.

If your ingrown toenail is mild and you catch it early, it might get better on its own. The nail can slowly grow out of the skin. The swelling and pain may go away. But this only happens if:

• The nail is just barely pressing into the skin.
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• There’s no sign of infection.
• You care for it properly at home.

To heal on its own, you have to:

• Soak the toe in warm water.
• Keep it clean and dry.
• Stop wearing tight shoes.
• Avoid cutting your nails too short or rounding the corners.

If the nail is growing deeper into the skin, or if it starts to hurt more, you probably won’t see the ingrown toenail heal itself. If there’s an infection, it needs ingrown toenail treatments Phoenix. Sometimes, the nail keeps growing the wrong way, and only a doctor can fix it.

So yes, ingrown toenail can heal itself—but only if they are very mild and treated gently right away.

How Long Does It Take for an Ingrown Toenail to Go Away on Its Own?

The time for ingrown toenail treatments Mesa depends on how bad the toenail is.

• Mild cases may feel better in 7 to 14 days with proper home care.
• If the nail grows out of the skin smoothly, it may take 2 to 4 weeks to fully heal.
• If it’s a little deeper or swollen, it could take longer—4 to 6 weeks or more.
• If the toenail is infected or keeps getting worse, it may not heal at all without a doctor’s help.
• If you’ve been soaking your toe and keeping it clean for more than one to two weeks and it’s not better—or it hurts more—it’s time to get it looked at.

At-Home Care for Ingrown Toenail

If the toenail is not infected and the pain is not too bad, you can postpone ingrown toenail treatments Scottsdale and try caring for it at home. Here’s what to do:

• Soak your feet in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. Do it two or three times a day. This softens the skin and nails.
• You can add Epsom salt (a little) to the water. This helps reduce swelling and pain.
• After soaking, gently lift the edge of your nail using a small piece of clean cotton or soft dental floss. This can help it grow above the skin.
• Use antibiotic cream afterward to help prevent infection.
• Keep your feet clean and dry all day. Change your socks if they get damp.
• Wear footwear with plenty of room in the toe area, or wear sandals if you can. Avoid tight shoes or high heels.
• Do not cut into the nail or try to dig it out yourself. That can make things worse.

Keep doing this every day until your toe feels better. But if the toe gets worse, see our foot doctors for the best ingrown toenail treatments Gilbert.

Signs of an Ingrown Toenail Infection

Watch out for signs that your toenail is getting infected. These signs mean you should seek ingrown toenail treatments Chandler:

Note: An infected toenail needs quick care. It won’t heal on its own once it reaches this point.

When to See Our Doctors about Your Ingrown Toenail?

Come see our podiatrists if:

• Your toe still hurts after a few days of home care
• The pain makes it hard to walk
• The nail area looks red, puffy, or has pus
• You keep getting ingrown toenails over and over again
• You have diabetes, poor blood flow, or any health condition that affects healing
• You’re just not sure what to do, or you’re worried

At Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers, we see this problem all the time. Our offices are in Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Scottsdale, and we make the treatment as easy and gentle as possible.

We can fix the nail, stop the pain, and help you avoid future problems. Sometimes, all it takes is a small in-office procedure. And we’ll make sure you’re comfortable the whole time. Call us today to schedule a visit. We’re here to help your feet feel better fast.

Let’s Recap

Can ingrown toenail heal itself? Yes, it might go away on its own if it’s small, not infected, and you care for it the right way. But if it hurts a lot, keeps coming back, or shows signs of infection, don’t wait. Trying to tough it out can make the problem worse—and make healing take even longer. A quick visit to a foot doctor can stop the pain and fix the problem for good.

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