Can an Ingrown Toenail Heal on Its Own?

Ingrown toenails can be very painful, but it’s easy to assume they’re harmless. After all, won’t an ingrown toenail heal with time?

The answer is more complicated than you might think. It’s true that a minor ingrown nail can heal on its own. Unfortunately, for many people, this isn’t the case. Without prompt treatment from a trained podiatrist, your seemingly innocuous ingrown toenail can snowball into a major emergency.

Jared Clegg, DPM, FACFAS, our board-certified podiatric surgeon and wound care specialist at Cascade Foot & Ankle in Provo and Nephi, Utah, explains why ignoring an ingrown toenail can lead to serious complications. He also shares the warning signs that indicate you need immediate professional care.

Why ingrown toenails are so dangerous

When the edge of your nail starts growing into the surrounding skin, it creates an open wound that provides an entry point for bacteria. Even a tiny opening paves the way for painful inflammation, swelling, and potentially serious infection if left untreated.

For most people, an ingrown toenail is a stinging nuisance. But for others, it can become a life-threatening medical emergency.

Groups that should pay especially close attention to injuries like ingrown toenails include people with:

Diabetes
Compromised immune systems
Poor circulation
Peripheral artery disease
Blood clotting disorders
Elderly individuals with slower healing
Foot deformities

Even a minor ingrown toenail can quickly escalate into a severe infection that spreads rapidly and may require hospitalization or, in extreme cases, amputation, for these individuals.

But what if my ingrown toenail isn’t that bad?

If your ingrown toenail is truly mild — with minimal pain, no signs of infection, and you're not in a high-risk group — some gentle home remedies may promote healing:

Soak your foot in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes 3-4 times daily
Keep the area clean and dry between soaks
Wear loose-fitting shoes or open-toed footwear to reduce pressure
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage
Gently lift the nail edge with clean cotton or dental floss
Take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort

However, even if you’re attempting home treatment, it’s wise to have Dr. Clegg evaluate your ingrown toenail early on. A professional assessment can help determine whether your nail is likely to heal on its own or if intervention is necessary to prevent complications.

Warning signs you need to see a podiatrist

While some minor ingrown toenails may respond to gentle home care, certain symptoms indicate that professional treatment is essential. Contact Dr. Clegg immediately if you notice:

Increased redness that spreads beyond the nail area
Warmth or heat radiating from the toe
Pus or yellow-green discharge
Red streaking extending up from the toe
Swelling that worsens despite home treatment
Foul odor coming from the affected area

Pain that intensifies rather than improves after 2-3 days of home care
Difficulty walking or putting weight on the affected foot
The nail continues to grow deeper into the skin
Bleeding that doesn’t stop with gentle pressure
Red, bumpy skin growth (granulation)

Don’t second-guess yourself when these warning signs appear; what starts as a manageable problem can quickly spiral into a serious medical emergency requiring emergency room visits, antibiotics, or even surgical intervention.

Get professional ingrown toenail care in Provo or Nephi, Utah

Not every ingrown toenail heals on its own, but with proper professional treatment, virtually all cases can be resolved quickly and effectively before they become serious complications. Call our office or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment online.