Ava Monroe
A damaged nail can be a painful and unsightly problem, and it's something that many people will experience at some point in their lives. While it may be tempting to try to remove a damaged nail at home, this is not recommended and could lead to serious complications. In this article, we'll explore when it may be necessary to remove a damaged nail, the medical removal process, and how to care for your nail as it heals. We'll also offer some tips on preventing nail damage in the first place.
Do you need to remove a damaged nail?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to remove a damaged nail | If the nail is severely damaged, torn, or detached from the nail bed, it may need to be removed by a doctor to prevent infection and other complications. |
| Removal procedure | A doctor will separate the nail from the skin, insert a tool to lift and remove the nail plate, clean the area, apply antibiotic ointment, and bandage the wound. |
| Recovery | It can take up to 18 months for a toenail to fully regrow, and 4-6 months for a fingernail. The new nail may be misshapen or ridged. |
| Alternative treatments | Minor nail damage can often heal on its own. Home remedies, such as bandages and ice packs, can help treat minor injuries. |
| Preventing nail damage | Wear gloves when handling harmful substances or doing household chores to protect your nails. Choose gentler, non-irritating cleaning products. |
| When to see a doctor | If there is significant damage to the nail bed or surrounding structures, or if there are signs of infection, see a doctor. For serious injuries, go to an urgent care center or emergency room. |
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What You'll Learn
Seek medical attention for severe nail injuries
It is important to seek medical attention for severe nail injuries to ensure proper treatment and healing. While minor nail injuries can often be treated at home, more severe injuries may require professional care to prevent infection and other complications.
One type of severe nail injury is a nail bed avulsion, which occurs when the nail and part of the nail bed pull away from the rest of the nail bed, either partially or entirely. This usually results from the nail being crushed or sustaining a high-impact injury, and it can cause significant pain. In such cases, it is crucial to seek medical attention to reduce the risk of infection and ensure proper healing.
Another instance where medical attention is necessary is when there is a large bruise or subungual hematoma. This occurs when blood pools between the nail and the nail bed, causing pain and pressure. A doctor may treat this by creating a small hole in the nail to drain the blood, a procedure known as trephination. If the nail is damaged, the doctor may not perform this procedure and may instead remove the nail and repair the nail bed.
Additionally, if there is a broken bone in the finger or toe along with the nail injury, it is essential to seek medical care. The doctor may need to place a wire in the finger or toe to keep the bone in place and ensure proper healing. Severe nail injuries may also involve cuts in the nail bed, which will require stitches and possibly the reattachment of the nail with special glue or stitches.
In all cases of severe nail injuries, it is advisable to go to an urgent care center or the emergency room. A medical professional will be able to stop the bleeding, clean the wound, and provide the necessary treatment to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection.
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Treat minor nail injuries at home
If you have a damaged nail, it is important to assess the severity of the injury and take appropriate action. Minor nail injuries can often be treated at home, but more serious injuries may require medical attention. Here are some steps to treat minor nail injuries:
Stop the bleeding
If there is bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth. This will help to stop the bleeding and allow you to assess the injury.
Assess the injury
Once the bleeding has stopped, gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes with soap and warm water. Remove any jewellery from your hand, using soap if needed to help rings slip off. If the finger is swollen and you cannot remove a ring, call your healthcare provider.
Treat the injury
If the nail is torn, use sterile scissors to cut off any rough edges to prevent further injury. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a bandage. For swelling, ice the area and elevate the injured area above the level of your heart. This will help to reduce throbbing and discomfort.
Manage pain
You can take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve) to help manage pain. Continue to use ice and pain medication as needed.
Prevent further damage
Keep the injured area elevated and avoid putting pressure on it. If the injury is on your hand, consider wearing a splint or protective glove to protect the nail and finger as they heal.
It is important to note that if there are lacerations, avulsions, or a large nail bruise (covering more than a quarter of the nail), or if the finger or toe is deformed or bent, you should seek medical attention. Do not try to remove the nail or pull at it, as this can cause further damage.
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Prevent nail damage when doing household chores
Household chores can take a toll on your nails. However, with a few simple practices, you can keep your nails healthy and strong.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your nails is to wear gloves. This shields your nails from harsh chemicals, water, and prolonged exposure to moisture, all of which can weaken your nails. Choose gloves that fit well and are made from durable materials like rubber or latex. Even overexposure to dish soap can cause your nails to get weaker, so consider wearing gloves when you do the dishes.
It's tempting to use your nails to open cans, peel labels, or scrape off residue, but this can cause them to break or become damaged. Instead, use appropriate tools such as can openers, spatulas, or scrapers. It helps prevent unnecessary stress and injury.
Long nails are more prone to breakage, especially when engaged in vigorous activities. Regularly trimming your nails helps prevent them from snagging or breaking. Use a quality nail clipper or file and trim your nails straight across to reduce the risk of splitting.
A balanced diet can significantly impact nail health. Consume adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals like biotin, vitamin E, and zinc to promote nail strength and shine.
After washing your hands or completing chores, apply a hand cream or oil to keep your nails hydrated.
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Steps to take when removing a damaged toenail
If you have a damaged toenail, it is recommended to consult a doctor or a podiatrist to examine or remove it. This is to prevent infection or other complications. However, if you are looking to remove a damaged toenail at home, here are some steps to follow:
Firstly, it is important to identify the severity of the damage. If the toenail is only partially detached, it is best to leave the remaining part of the nail in place. You should trim or file any jagged or uneven edges to smooth it out and prevent further injury. Use a clean pair of scissors or nail clippers and snip along the line of the tear to create an even edge. If the nail has cracked without leaving a rough edge, trimming may not be necessary.
If the nail is completely detached, it is crucial to keep the area clean and protected. Apply a bandage to the damaged nail to prevent infection and speed up healing. In the first few days, reduce pain and swelling by propping your foot up above the level of your heart. Use pillows or cushions to elevate your foot comfortably. You can also apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel for no more than 20 minutes every 3 to 6 hours as needed. Take over-the-counter pain relievers or NSAIDs like ibuprofen to manage pain and swelling.
If there is bleeding, soak your toe in cold water for around 20 minutes to help stop it. If there is blood pooling under the nail, turning it black or purple, and causing intense pain, seek medical attention. A doctor may relieve the pressure by creating a small hole to drain the blood.
If you have diabetes or a condition that affects your feet, it is especially important to consult a doctor to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.
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What to do when a nail is detached
A detached nail, also known as onycholysis, is when your nail separates from its nail bed. It is often caused by injury, but can also be caused by a fungal infection, skin conditions, chemicals, medications, or severe illnesses. Toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails, and severe or repetitive toe stubbing may cause a toenail to detach. If you have a detached nail, here are some steps you can take to treat it:
Consult a Doctor
If you have a severely damaged nail, it is important to consult a doctor to examine or remove it properly. Trying to remove a damaged nail yourself can increase the risk of infection and other complications. A doctor will use sanitized instruments in a sterile environment to reduce the risk of infection. They may create a small hole in the nail to drain out blood and fluid, relieving pressure and pain. If the nail cannot be saved, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and apply a special type of material to the nail bed to aid healing.
Treat at Home
In some cases, you may be able to treat a detached nail at home. If the nail is only partially detached, you can use nail clippers or scissors to carefully trim off the affected area. Soak your finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes after trimming to reduce any discomfort. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and cover the area with a non-stick bandage to keep the nail bed clean and protected. Repeat this process for several days, reapplying petroleum jelly and changing the bandage as needed.
Prevent Further Damage
To prevent further nail damage, avoid painting your nails for 2–3 weeks to give them time to heal and strengthen. Moisturize your nails daily with oil or serum to promote nail health. When doing household chores or cleaning, wear gloves to protect your nails from corrosive chemicals in cleaning products. Choose gentler, natural cleaning products that are less irritating to your skin and nails. Consider taking a biotin supplement to support nail health from within.
Remember, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options, especially if you are experiencing severe pain, bleeding, or other concerning symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have a damaged nail, you should consult a doctor to examine or remove it to prevent infection or other problems. Trying to remove a damaged nail yourself increases your chances of infection and other complications.
Leaving a damaged nail untreated can lead to serious complications. If there are any signs of infection, swelling, increasing pain, or pus that develops a few days after the injury, a visit to a physician is mandatory.
A doctor will use sanitized instruments in a sanitized environment to separate the nail from the skin. Then, a tool will be inserted under the nail to lift and remove the nail plate. Antibiotic ointment will be used to lower the chances of infection.
It can take up to 18 months for a toenail to fully regrow. A new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow to replace the lost nail. Toenails take about 12 months to grow back.
