How to get Ingrown Toenail to go away on its own? The most frequently asked questions about ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails are very common, but that doesn’t make it any less painful. Do ingrown toenails go away on their own? If not, how should you treat it? We’ve helped you find out and will answer these and other questions below. Read on to find the best treatments.

Table of Contents

Will ingrown toenails go away on their own?

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Possibly, if the case is mild. If your toenail is red, slightly swollen, and not infected, you probably don’t need medical treatment. ^{[1] X Research Source} You can try letting your nails grow out on their own. ^{[2] X Cleveland Clinic Trusted Source Go to Source}

What happens if you don’t treat the ingrown toenail? It can become infected, so it’s best to see your doctor, except in mild cases. ^{[3] X Research Sources}
In the early (mild) stage, the skin around the nail is slightly red and painful. ^{[4] X Research Sources}
In the second (moderate) stage, the ingrown toenail will become more swollen, possibly with pus or fluid. ^{[5] X Research Sources}
In the third (severe) stage, increased redness, pain, swelling, and discharge signal an infection. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

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

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It may take 2 weeks if you take care of yourself. ^{[7] X Trusted Source Seattle Children’s Hospital Go to Source} In young and healthy adults, toenails grow an average of 1.62 mm per month. Unfortunately, toenails grow longer than fingernails. In addition, healthy toenails may grow faster than damaged or ingrown toenails. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Most experts recommend seeking treatment for an ingrown toenail instead of letting the nail grow out on its own.

What do you need to do to treat ingrown toenails at home?

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Soak your feet in warm water. Soak ingrown toenails in warm water for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day. This step will soften the skin and nails, and reduce swelling and pain. ^{[9] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

You can add mild soap or Epsom salt to the warm water. ^{[10] X Cleveland Clinic Trusted Source Go to Source}
Dry your feet thoroughly after soaking. Choose socks with good moisture-wicking materials and breathable shoes. ^{[11] X Trusted Source Harvard Medical Schop Go to Source}

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Apply antibiotic ointment if the condition worsens. In cases where the toe is more red and swollen, antibiotic ointments can help prevent infection. After soaking your feet, dry your feet and apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the painful area. ^{[12] X Trusted Source American Academy of Family Physicians Go to source} You can use a bandage to cover your toe. ^{[13] X Cleveland Clinic Trusted Source Go to Source}

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Choose footwear that is comfortable and fits well. Shoes that are too tight or toes that tighten the toes can cause ingrown toenails or worsen an existing condition. If you have a problem with toenails, choose sandals or open-toe shoes if possible. If you need to wear closed-toe shoes, you should choose a pair with a toe that is wide enough to allow your toes to move freely. ^{[14] X Research Source}

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Avoid tucking cotton balls under the nail. Many websites recommend lifting the tip of the toenail and tucking a piece of cotton wool underneath to prevent the ingrown toenail from poking the skin. However, the American Academy of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends against doing this. Cotton wool creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, which in turn increases the risk of infection. ^{[15] X Research Source}

Should you pull out an inverted nail?

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No, you absolutely should not use the claws. If you trim your toenails or try to remove the surrounding skin, you could make the problem worse and lead to an infection. Don’t try to use ingrown toenails at home. ^{[16] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to source} If you need to trim your toenails, carefully cut them across.

When do you need to see a doctor for an ingrown toenail?

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See your doctor if home remedies don’t work. If your toenails don’t seem to be getting better after 2-3 days, make an appointment to see a podiatrist. Your doctor can determine the course of treatment based on the stage of the ingrown toenail. ^{[17] X Research Source}

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See your doctor if your toenail is infected. Infected ingrown toenails are quite common and require medical treatment. If your toenail is red, swollen, painful, and has pus or discharge, see your doctor for an antibiotic to treat the infection. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

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Seek medical attention if you have diabetes or other health problems. Don’t try to treat an ingrown toenail at home if you have poor blood circulation, nerve problems in your legs or feet, or you have diabetes. See a general practitioner or podiatrist promptly. ^{[19] X Trusted Source MedlinePlus Go to Source}

How will the doctor treat an ingrown toenail?

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In most cases, the doctor will remove part of the ingrown toenail. There are a few different techniques for treating ingrown toenails, depending on the location and severity of the nail. In general, the doctor will numb the toe before removing the infected or ingrown toenail. They will then apply a solution to the base of the nail to prevent the ingrown toenail from growing back. ^{[20] X Research Sources}

After the procedure is complete, most doctors will recommend soaking your feet in Epsom salt water twice a day. Mix 1-3 tablespoons of Epsom salt per quart of water.
Keep toenails and feet clean and dry and wear comfortable, loose-fitting shoes.

Can ingrown toenails be prevented?

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In many cases, ingrown toenails are preventable. Some people have a high genetic risk. ^{[21] X Sources of Research} However, you can take several steps to reduce your risk of an ingrown toenail, including:

Cut across the toenail (do not round the corner; let the edge grow through the skin) ^{[22] X Source}
Wear shoes that are roomy, with enough room for toe movement ^{[23] X Credible Cleveland Clinic Go to source}
Prevent Toe Injury ^{[24] X Trusted Source Cleveland Clinic Go to Source}
Do not trust or pull nails ^{[25] X Trusted Source MedlinePlus Go to source}

Steps