Isla Bennett
Fingernail injuries are common and can be caused by a heavy object hitting or crushing the finger, or by a sharp object causing a cut. Depending on the severity of the injury, fingernails can be treated at home or may require medical attention. Home treatments include using nail glue to reattach the broken part of the nail, applying a tea bag and glue, or using a silk wrap nail repair kit. More serious injuries, such as those affecting the nail bed, may require medical treatment to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
How to fix a destroyed fingernail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Wear gloves or other protective gear when working with your hands. |
| Keep your nails short to prevent snagging and dirt buildup. | |
| Avoid constant exposure to moisture, which can weaken the nail. | |
| Avoid fake nails or nail polish remover, which can wear away or weaken your nail. | |
| Get nails done at a clean, well-reviewed salon with a state cosmetology board license. | |
| Treatment | For a temporary fix, use tape to cover the break. |
| For a more permanent solution, use nail glue to reattach the broken part of the nail. | |
| Use a tea bag and super glue to fix a broken nail. | |
| Apply cuticle oil and hand cream to deliver vitamins and nourishment to the nail. | |
| Soak nails in olive oil for about 10-15 minutes daily to prevent dry skin. | |
| File your nails every three days to stimulate blood flow and increase the delivery of vital nutrients. | |
| When to see a doctor | If you see any bleeding, intense pain, discomfort, or infection. |
| If there is a bend or deformity in the fingertip, indicating that the bone may be broken. | |
| If there is a fracture of the bone under the nail, known as a distal tuft fracture. |
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What You'll Learn
Using tweezers and tape to cover the nail
If you've torn or broken your nail, you can use tweezers and tape to cover the nail and protect it from further injury. Here's what you need to do:
Firstly, cut a small piece of clear tape so that it's just big enough to cover the torn or broken area of your nail. If you don't have clear tape, any other type of tape will do. Using tweezers, attach the tape to your nail, making sure it covers the entire damaged area. Gently press the tape down to ensure it's firmly affixed to your nail.
Next, use a pair of nail scissors to trim off any leftover tape around your nail. You can also use your fingers to mould the tape around your nail. This will help the tape stay in place and prevent it from snagging on anything. This method is a quick and temporary fix, but it will protect your nail until you can try a more permanent solution.
If you want to add extra strength and support to your nail, you can also use nail glue or super glue. Apply a thin layer of glue to the broken area of your nail and then use tweezers to stick a small strip of a tea bag or coffee filter onto the glue. Add more glue until the strip is saturated, then wait for it to dry. Once it's dry, buff your nail with a nail file to smooth it out. Finally, you can paint your nails as you normally would. The tea bag will grow with your nail, so you won't lose any length or strength.
While this method can be a great temporary solution, it's important to remember that serious nail injuries may require medical attention. If you've injured your nail bed or matrix, it's crucial to seek professional help to prevent infection and ensure proper nail growth.
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Applying cuticle oil and hand cream
To apply cuticle oil, use a few drops and gently massage it into your cuticles for a few minutes. You can use a cotton ball or brush to apply the oil. Cuticle oils work best in small amounts, so you don't need to use too much. It is best to apply the oil right after a shower when your skin is still damp to encourage deeper absorption. You can also use a cuticle oil pen, which is a mess-free way to apply the oil and control how much product is used.
There are many different types of cuticle oils available, with various ingredients to suit your needs. For example, some cuticle oils contain vitamin E, aloe, panthenol, apricot kernel, and wheat germ, which are great for intensely moisturizing dry cuticles. If you have cracked cuticles, you may want to look for a cuticle oil with jojoba oil and keratin, or neem extract, which has antibacterial properties and promotes nail growth.
After applying the cuticle oil, follow up with a hand cream to lock in the moisture. This will help to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated and healthy.
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Fingernail glue to reattach the nail
Fingernail glue is a great way to reattach a broken nail and preserve it until you can get a more long-lasting fix. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use fingernail glue to reattach your nail:
Prepare the Nail
Start by washing your hands with warm water and drying them with a clean towel. If your nail is still attached but cracked or split, use a nail file to smooth out any sharp or jagged edges. If there is a small split, filing the nail will make it look as good as new. For larger splits or breaks, you may need to trim and file the nail to remove the damaged area.
Apply Glue
Apply a small amount of nail glue to the broken area of your nail. Fingernail glue is typically used to attach fake nails or tips, but it can also be used to reattach broken nails. Spread the glue to form a thin layer. If you don't have nail glue, you can use super glue as an alternative.
Reattach the Nail
If the broken piece of your nail is still available, gently press it back into place and hold it firmly for 30 to 60 seconds until it stays attached. If the broken piece is not available, you can use a tea bag, tissue, or coffee filter as a patch. Cut a small piece from the tea bag, tissue, or coffee filter, slightly larger than the broken area. Place the patch over the glued area, using tweezers to lay it flat and fold it under your nail tip if possible.
Finish and Smooth
Once the glue has dried, use a Q-tip or cotton swab to gently remove any excess glue. Buff the surface of your nail lightly to smooth out any bumps or ridges. You can then apply a thin layer of protective coating, such as a clear or base coat of nail polish, to seal in your work.
Additional Tips
- If you want to add strength to your nail repair, you can use a nail silk wrap or dip powder in addition to the glue.
- If your nail has fallen off completely, you can glue on artificial nails or press-on nails to match the length of your other nails while you wait for your natural nail to grow.
- If you are experiencing pain, swelling, stiffness, or bruising, or if there is blood pooling beneath the nail, seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection or further injury.
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Tea bag and super glue method
The tea bag and super glue method is a popular way to fix a broken nail. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Firstly, remove any nail polish and wash your hands with an oil-free cleanser. It is important to ensure your hands are clean and dry before proceeding. Then, cut open a tea bag and take out enough of the contents to leave a thin layer of tea leaves. Cut the tea bag to a size that will cover the tear or thinning area of your nail.
Next, apply a clear coat of nail polish to your nail, which will act as an adhesive. While the clear polish is still wet, place the tea bag piece over the tear, pressing down gently with your finger or tweezers to ensure there are no air bubbles. You can also use super glue for this step if you don't have clear nail polish. Pile on several layers of glue so that the tea bag is fully encased. Allow the clear polish or super glue to dry completely.
Once dry, use a nail file to buff and smooth out the texture of your nail. You can file down the tea bag and glue until you achieve a smooth surface. Finally, apply a base coat and nail polish as usual.
This method is a quick and easy way to repair a broken nail at home. However, it is important to note that if your nail injury is serious, especially if it has injured the nail bed or matrix, you should seek medical attention to prevent infection or further injury.
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Visiting a doctor for serious injuries
Fingernail injuries can range from a bruise under the nail to the separation of the nail from the nail bed. They can be complex wounds to repair, and permanent deformity to the nail can result even after proper repair. The nail bed is the skin underneath the nail, and it is responsible for nail growth and support.
If you experience a serious fingernail injury, it is important to visit a doctor or seek medical attention. Here are some guidelines on when and why you should seek medical help:
- Infection or intense pain: If you experience any signs of infection, such as redness or drainage at the site of the injury, or if you have intense pain or discomfort, it is important to see a doctor. Intense pain or discomfort could indicate a more serious injury that requires medical attention.
- Bleeding: If there is bleeding that you cannot stop, or if there is bleeding under the nail that is not caused by trauma, you should seek medical help. Bleeding under the nail could indicate an underlying bone fracture or tissue tear.
- Bone fracture: If you suspect that you have fractured a bone in your finger or toe, you should see a doctor. They may take an X-ray to check for broken bones and determine the extent of the injury.
- Nail bed injury: If your nail has completely lifted off the nail bed, it may be most comfortable to seek medical attention. Nails will not reattach themselves to the nail bed after they have separated, and medical intervention may be necessary to facilitate proper healing.
- Subungual hematoma: This is a collection of blood under the nail, usually caused by trauma. If the hematoma covers more than 25% of your nail, you should see a doctor to have it drained. They will create a small hole in your nail to drain the blood and relieve pressure and pain.
- Underlying medical conditions: If you have certain underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system, you may be at increased risk of infection or poor healing. It is important to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about how your medical history may impact your nail injury.
- Time since your last tetanus shot: If it has been more than ten years since your last tetanus booster shot, it is advisable to see a doctor after a nail injury. They can evaluate the wound and provide any necessary treatment or vaccinations.
Remember, these are only guidelines, and if you have any concerns or doubts about your ability to treat a nail injury at home, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional medical help.
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Frequently asked questions
If your fingernail is destroyed, you should first assess the damage. If it is a minor chip, you can treat it at home by washing the nail with warm water and applying a thin layer of nail glue to the broken area. However, if the break involves a large part of the nail or affects the nail bed, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent any complications, such as infections or ingrown nails.
To treat a minor fingernail break at home, start by washing your hands with warm water and drying them with a clean towel. Then, apply a small amount of nail glue to the broken area and spread it out to form a thin layer. You can also use a tea bag and tweezers to create a more durable repair. Cut a corner of a tea bag to cover the broken part of the nail, apply a thin layer of glue, lay the tea bag flat over the glue, and then add another layer of glue on top.
If your nail bed is injured, it is important to seek medical attention to prevent infection or further injury. In the meantime, you can remove any jewellery from your hands and arms, wash the injury with warm water, and gently pat it dry. Apply antibiotic ointment if desired, and wrap the area with a bandage or gauze.
It typically takes about 6-9 months for a fingernail to fully grow out and recover from a severe injury. During this time, you can care for your nails by applying cuticle oil or nail strengthening treatments, keeping your hands moisturized, and wearing gloves when doing tasks that may dry out your hands, such as cleaning or washing dishes.
