Sophia Delgado
Nail injuries can be caused by cutting, tearing, smashing, or bruising the nail, nail bed, cuticle, or skin around the nail. Treatment for nail cuts depends on the type and severity of the injury. Minor cuts or scrapes can be washed gently and covered with a bandage, while more serious injuries may require urgent medical attention, including stitches or glue to reattach the nail. In cases of infection, antibiotics are often prescribed, and in severe cases, the nail may need to be drained or removed to prevent the spread of infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment at home | Wash minor cuts or scrapes with soap and warm water, apply antibiotic ointment and bandage the wound |
| Treatment at urgent care center or emergency room | Stop the bleeding, clean the wound, numb the area with medicine, drain blood and fluid, repair nail bed with stitches, reattach nail with glue or stitches, use a special type of material in place of the nail |
| Healing time for nail bed | 7-10 days |
| Healing time for new fingernail | 4-6 months |
| Healing time for new toenail | 12 months |
| Prevention | Wear waterproof gloves if you work with chemicals or your hands will be wet for long periods |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the wound with soap and warm water
To treat a cut under the nail, it is important to clean the wound with soap and warm water. This is a crucial step to prevent infection and promote healing. Here is a detailed guide on how to effectively clean the wound:
Firstly, gather the necessary supplies: soap, warm water, and a clean cloth or sterile gauze. It is important to use warm water as it helps to soften any dried blood or pus around the wound, making it easier to clean. Ensure you have a well-lit work area to clearly see the injured area.
Next, gently wash the affected area with soap and warm water. Use a soft, clean cloth or gauze pad to avoid causing further injury or irritation. Be gentle and thorough, ensuring that any visible debris or dirt is removed from the wound and the surrounding area. Pay close attention to cleaning under and around the nail, as debris can easily get trapped in these areas. If there is dried blood or pus, carefully soften and remove it with the warm water and gentle wiping. Do not force out any dried pus or blood, as this can cause further trauma to the wound. If there is an excessive amount of pus, it is advisable to seek medical attention, as this may indicate an infection.
After cleaning, thoroughly dry the area. It is important to ensure that the wound and surrounding area are completely dry before moving on to the next step of treatment. Use a clean, dry cloth or sterile gauze to pat the area gently.
Once the wound is cleaned and dried, you may proceed with further treatment steps, such as applying a bandage or antibiotic ointment. It is important to keep the wound clean and protected to prevent infection and promote healing. Remember to monitor the wound for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pain, and seek medical attention if necessary.
Treating a cut under the nail requires careful cleaning with soap and warm water to ensure optimal healing and prevent complications.
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Apply antibiotic ointment
If you have a cut under your nail, you should apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the affected area. Antibiotics are usually required to clear up a nail infection. You can use lotion on your nail fold and cuticles if your skin is dry. However, if you have an artificial nail, you should only apply antibiotic ointment if your provider says it is okay to do so.
If you have a more serious nail injury, you should go to an urgent care centre or the emergency room. They will stop the bleeding and clean the wound. The nail and finger or toe will usually be numbed with medicine before treatment. For larger bruises, a small hole may be created in the nail to allow blood and fluid to drain out and relieve pressure and pain. If the bone is broken or the bruise is very large, the nail may need to be removed and the nail bed repaired.
If you have a nail infection, your provider will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They may take a sample of the tissue and send it to a lab to test for specific infectious causes such as bacteria or fungi. Imaging, such as an X-ray, may be ordered if the infection is severe, to check for involvement of the underlying bone.
If you have diabetes or another condition that affects your circulation, or are immunosuppressed, call your provider as soon as you notice signs of infection. You should seek immediate care if you have a condition that affects your body's ability to fight infection.
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Bandage the cut
Bandaging a cut under the nail is a crucial step in treating nail injuries and preventing further complications. Here are detailed instructions on how to bandage such an injury effectively:
Clean the Wound:
Before applying any bandage, it's essential to clean the wound thoroughly. Use soap and warm water to gently wash the injured area. Remove any dirt or debris that may be present around the cut. Ensure that your hands are clean as well to avoid introducing new bacteria to the wound.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment:
Once the wound is clean, apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the affected area. This ointment will help prevent infection and promote healing. It can also help to keep the bandage from sticking to the wound, making it easier to change dressings if needed.
Choose the Right Bandage:
Select a bandage that's large enough to cover the entire wound and provide adequate protection. A sterile gauze pad or a specialized bandage designed for fingers or toes can be used. Make sure the bandage is clean and dry before applying it.
Secure the Bandage:
Wrap the bandage securely around the affected finger or toe, ensuring that it is not too tight, which can restrict blood flow. Use medical tape to secure the bandage in place, ensuring that it won't unravel or shift. The tape should be applied gently, especially if the surrounding skin is tender or bruised.
Change the Bandage Regularly:
Keep the wound clean and dry, and change the bandage regularly, ideally daily or as recommended by your healthcare provider. This helps prevent the build-up of bacteria and allows you to inspect the wound for signs of infection. Always wash your hands before and after changing the bandage to maintain proper hygiene.
Remember, for more severe nail injuries, it is important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can assess the injury, treat any complications, and provide specific instructions for bandaging and wound care.
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Elevate the injured area
If you have a cut under your nail, it's important to elevate the injured area to reduce pain and swelling. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
It is important to keep the injured area elevated above the level of your heart. This will help to reduce swelling and promote healing. Try to position yourself comfortably so that the injured hand or finger is above the level of your heart. You can do this by propping your hand up with pillows or resting it on something that is higher than your heart. For example, if you are sitting, you can rest your hand on the back of a couch or a stack of books.
Keep the hand elevated as much as possible, especially during the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury. You may lower your hand briefly to perform other tasks, but try to minimize the amount of time it spends below heart level. If you need to sleep, try to prop your hand up with pillows so that it remains elevated throughout the night.
If you find it challenging to keep your hand elevated for extended periods, take breaks by lowering your hand and letting it rest by your side or on your lap. However, try to minimize the amount of time your hand spends below heart level to prevent excessive swelling.
Elevating the injured area is an important part of treating a cut under the nail. By keeping your hand elevated, you can manage pain and swelling while also promoting healing. Remember to follow other treatment guidelines, such as cleaning the wound and seeking medical attention if necessary.
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Take pain medication
If you are experiencing pain from a cut under your nail, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to help manage the pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve) can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another recommended medication for pain relief.
It is important to note that pain medication will only help manage the pain, and further treatment may be required to address the underlying cause. For example, if there is a fracture or tissue damage under the nail, a healthcare provider may need to remove the nail to make the necessary repairs. In some cases, the nail may be reattached with medical-grade glue or stitches.
If the cut under your nail is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. Deep cuts or wounds that require stitches, intense and continuing pain, and signs of infection are all indicators that you should see a healthcare provider. If you are unable to straighten or bend your finger normally, it could indicate a fracture or tendon injury that requires medical attention.
Additionally, if you have an infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to clear it up and promote healing. In some cases, minor procedures such as draining an abscess may be necessary. Soaking the infected area in warm water a few times a day can help to drain pus and treat mild cases of nail infections at home. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to seek medical advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Minor cuts can be treated at home by thoroughly washing the wound with soap and water to ensure no debris is left in the cut or under the nail. Then, apply a triple antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with an adhesive bandage. Change the bandage daily and watch out for signs of infection.
Signs of infection include creamy white pus, redness, heat around the nail, or a red streak extending from the wound. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare provider.
If the cut is deep, doesn't stop bleeding, or is accompanied by a large bruise or swelling and intense pain, you should see a doctor. They will be able to treat the wound and provide medication to numb the pain.
Depending on the severity of the injury, a doctor may take an X-ray to check for broken bones. They may also remove the nail to repair any tissue damage. For large bruises, a small hole may be created in the nail to drain blood and fluid, relieving pressure and pain.
