Which Way Do Ingrown Toenails Grow?

Instead of growing straight, the toenail edge curls down, digging into the skin and flesh. Several things can put pressure on or damage the nail, increasing the risk of an ingrown toenail.

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

It may take from seven to 15 days for the nail to grow out so that it does not poke into the skin any longer.

Can an ingrown toenail grow sideways?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows sideways into the skin next to the nail. This can cause pain and may lead to an infection with redness, swelling, and sometimes drainage.

Elena Rostova

Elena Rostova

Lead Health, Wellness & Medical Journalist

Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.