Will an Ingrown toenail heal itself?
Will an Ingrown Toenail Heal Itself?
An ingrown toenail can be an annoying and painful experience. If you’ve ever dealt with one, you might wonder: Will an ingrown toenail heal itself, or do I need treatment? The answer depends on how severe your condition is. While mild cases may resolve with proper at-home care, more serious infections might require ingrown toenail treatment or even professional ingrown toenail removal.
The podiatry team at Bargoed Chiropractic Clinic offers expert advice and treatment for ingrown toenails. If you’re experiencing discomfort or signs of infection, don’t hesitate to seek professional care.
Let’s explore what causes an ingrown toenail, common ingrown toenail symptoms, and when to seek help for ingrown toenail pain.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and discomfort. This condition most often affects the big toe, but it can happen to any toe.
Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Improper nail trimming – Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges can cause the nail to grow into the skin.
Tight footwear – Shoes that squeeze your toes can put pressure on the nails, increasing the risk of ingrowth.
Injury – Stubbing your toe or other trauma can lead to improper nail growth.
Genetics – Some people are simply more prone to developing ingrown toenails due to inherited nail shape.
Can an Ingrown Toenail Heal on Its Own?
In some cases, yes! A mild ingrown toenail might heal on its own with proper care. However, if left untreated, it can worsen, leading to infection and severe pain. Here’s how to determine if you can manage it at home or if you need professional treatment.
Signs Your Ingrown Toenail May Heal with Home Care
✅ The pain is mild, and there is no pus or drainage.
✅ The toe is only slightly red or swollen.
✅ You can still wear shoes comfortably.
Signs You May Need Professional Treatment
❌ Severe pain that makes walking difficult.
❌ Signs of infection, such as pus, warmth, or a foul smell.
❌ Repeated ingrown toenails that keep coming back.
If you’re unsure whether your toenail needs medical attention, the Podiatry team at Bargoed Chiropractic Clinic is here to help!
At-Home Ingrown Toenail Treatment
If your ingrown toenail symptoms are mild, try these home remedies:
Soak your foot – Soaking your toe in warm, soapy water for 15–20 minutes can reduce swelling and soften the nail. Adding Epsom salts may also help.
Lift the nail – Gently place a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the edge of the nail to encourage it to grow outward instead of into the skin.
Apply an antibiotic ointment – This helps prevent infection.
Wear loose-fitting shoes – Avoid tight footwear that can worsen pressure on the toe.
If your symptoms don’t improve after a few days or if the pain worsens, it’s time to seek professional ingrown toenail treatment.
When to Consider Ingrown Toenail Removal
In more severe cases, especially if infection develops, a doctor may need to perform an ingrown toenail removal procedure. This can involve:
Partial nail removal – The doctor trims or removes the ingrown portion of the nail.
Total nail removal – In extreme cases, the entire nail may be removed.
Matrixectomy – A procedure to prevent the nail from growing back, often used for recurring ingrown toenails.
If you experience chronic ingrown toenail pain, seeking medical advice is the best course of action to avoid complications.
Expert Podiatry Care at Bargoed Chiropractic Clinic
At Bargoed Chiropractic Clinic, our podiatry team provides expert care for ingrown toenails, from conservative treatments to professional removal. Whether you're dealing with pain, infection, or recurring ingrown toenails, we offer tailored solutions to get you back on your feet.
Preventing Future Ingrown Toenails
To reduce your chances of developing an ingrown toenail in the future, follow these tips:
✅ Trim your nails properly – Cut straight across rather than rounding the edges.
✅ Wear comfortable shoes – Avoid shoes that pinch or put pressure on your toes.
✅ Keep your feet clean and dry – This reduces the risk of infection.
✅ Check your feet regularly – Especially if you have diabetes, as complications can be more serious.
Final Thoughts
So, will an ingrown toenail heal itself? If it’s mild, you may be able to manage it at home. However, if you experience severe ingrown toenail pain, signs of infection, or recurring problems, seeking professional ingrown toenail treatment is the best way to prevent complications.
At Bargoed Chiropractic Clinic, our podiatry team is ready to help you find relief. Don't wait for your ingrown toenail to worsen—contact us today!
📍 Bargoed Chiropractic Clinic
8 High Street, Bargoed, CF81 8QZ
📞 01443 879396
🌐 www.bargoedchiropractic.co.uk
