Sophia Delgado
Fingernails and toenails can be injured in several ways, including blows to the nail, shutting them in doors or drawers, biting them, or even having acrylic nails removed. When nails are injured, they may bleed, and the bleeding may need to be stopped with a bandage. If the nail is completely torn off, it will not reattach to the nail bed, but a new nail should regrow in its place. If there is blood under the nail, this is called a subungual hematoma, and a physician should evaluate the injury, as it could indicate an underlying fracture or tissue tear.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of bleeding | Trauma to the nail, such as a blow to the nail, closing the finger in a door or drawer, nail biting, or cuticle biting |
| Treatment | Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth, clean the wound with soap and warm water, apply antibiotic ointment and bandage |
| Relief from throbbing pain | Keep the injured hand or foot above the level of your heart, apply ice inside a cloth for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3-4 times a day after that |
| Pain medication | Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen |
| Healing time for nail injuries | Several months for a nail that has separated from the nail bed; 2 months for fingernails and 4 months for toenails to regrow completely |
| Permanent cosmetic changes | Possible if the injury includes the base of the nail |
| Prevention of infection | Keep the wound clean, apply antibiotic ointment, and consider taking antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider |
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What You'll Learn
Bleeding after acrylic nail removal
It is not uncommon for there to be some bleeding after removing acrylic nails, especially if they have been forcibly ripped off. However, this should be minimal, and if there is excessive bleeding, pain, or other concerning symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice.
Home treatment
If the bleeding is minor and the nail is still attached to the nail bed, you may be able to treat the injury at home. First, remove any jewellery from the hand, as fingers can swell after an injury. Gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes, and apply a bandage if needed. To reduce pain and throbbing, keep your hand or foot elevated above the level of your heart. Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then reduce this to 3-4 times a day. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help with pain and swelling, while acetaminophen can be used for pain relief.
When to seek medical advice
If there is significant bleeding or the nail has been torn or cut, it is important to seek medical advice. A doctor can examine the injury and decide on the best course of treatment. If there is a large bruise, a physician may create a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and relieve pressure and pain. If there is an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics.
Preventing and treating nail trauma
To prevent nail trauma, it is important to wear properly sized shoes and keep your fingernails trimmed. Avoid nail biting and cuticle biting, as these habits can cause trauma to the nails and increase the risk of infection. If you have acrylic nails, it is important to be gentle when removing them. Do not forcibly rip them off, as this can cause pain, bleeding, and potentially irreparable damage. Instead, use a gentle removal technique, such as acetone to dissolve the acrylic.
Long-term care
After treating a nail injury, it is important to keep the area clean and hydrated. Cut your nails down and shape them to fit your natural nail shape, as this will help them grow back more quickly and healthily. You can treat the nail and surrounding skin with cuticle oil, Vitamin E, or aloe vera to promote healing and hydration.
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First aid for nail injuries
Nail injuries can be extremely painful and may take several weeks to months to heal. Here are some first aid tips for treating nail injuries:
Stop the Bleeding
If your nail is torn or ripped off, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of pressure, go to an emergency room or call a healthcare provider.
Clean and Treat the Wound
Once the bleeding has stopped, gently clean the wound with soap and warm water. If any part of the nail is hanging off, use sterile scissors to trim away the part that is not connected to your skin. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a bandage. Change the bandage daily.
Manage Pain and Swelling
To reduce pain and swelling, apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured area for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day after that. Keep the injured area elevated above the level of your heart. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also help with pain and swelling.
Watch for Infection
Signs of infection include pus, redness, heat around the nail, or a red streak extending from the wound. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Prevent Further Injury
Keep the injured nail protected with a light dressing, such as an adhesive bandage or a small piece of gauze, until it is fully healed. Keep your nails trimmed short to prevent them from catching on objects and causing further injury.
It is important to note that if the injury is severe, such as a deep wound or a fracture, or if you are unable to bend your finger or toe, seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to treat serious injuries at home.
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Healing time for nail injuries
Nail injuries can occur due to crushing forces, such as hammers, doors slamming on fingers, human bites, or machinery, or through slicing or cutting with sharp objects. Tearing or ripping can also cause nail injuries, such as stubbing a toe or catching a fingernail on an object.
If you lose a nail, it will take about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal. A new fingernail will generally take about 2 months to grow back, while a toenail can take about 4 months. However, if the injury includes the base of the nail, some cosmetic changes may be permanent, and the new nail may have grooves, ridges, or be misshapen.
In the case of a broken bone in the finger or toe, it will typically take about 4 weeks to heal. If the nail is still attached to the nail bed, home care may be sufficient. This involves stopping any bleeding, removing any jewellery from the affected hand, gently washing any cuts or scrapes, and applying a bandage if needed.
For more serious nail injuries, such as lacerations or amputations, it is recommended to go to an urgent care centre or emergency room. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection, and in some cases, a wire may be placed in the finger to keep a broken bone in place.
Subungual hematoma, or blood under the nail, is a common occurrence after nail trauma. It usually appears dark red and can cause throbbing pain. Treatment involves relieving pressure by draining the blood trapped under the nail. This can be done by creating a small hole in the nail, either with a hot needle or the end of a paper clip, or by a medical professional.
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Preventing infection after nail injuries
A nail injury can occur when any part of the nail, including the nail bed, cuticle, or skin around the nail, is cut, torn, smashed, or bruised. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, you may be able to treat it at home or seek medical attention. Here are some detailed instructions on preventing infection and promoting healing after a nail injury:
Preventing Infection:
- Keep your tetanus vaccination up to date.
- Clean the wound: If the nail is still attached, gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes with soap and water.
- Bandage the wound: Cover the injured nail and surrounding area with a bandage to keep it clean and protected.
- Elevate the hand or foot: Keep the injured hand or foot elevated above the level of your heart to reduce throbbing and swelling.
- Apply ice: Use a cloth to apply ice to the injured area for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then reduce to 3-4 times a day thereafter.
- Take pain relievers: Reduce pain and swelling with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen. Consult a doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions before taking any medication.
- Antibiotics: If the injury is severe or at risk of infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection.
Additional Tips for Prevention and Recovery:
- Avoid biting your nails or cuticles, as this can cause trauma to the nails and increase the risk of infection.
- Keep your nails trimmed and shaped to match the natural growth pattern to prevent cracks or breakage.
- Keep your hands and nails hydrated to maintain nail strength and prevent dryness, which can lead to cracking.
- If you work with chemicals or frequently have wet hands, wear waterproof gloves to protect your nails and skin from irritation and infection.
Remember, if you experience a severe nail injury, especially if there is a broken bone or significant bleeding, seek medical attention at an urgent care center or emergency room.
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When to seek medical attention for nail injuries
A nail injury can occur when the nail is cut, torn, smashed, or bruised, or when the nail is torn away from the skin. This can happen when you smash your finger in a door, hit it with a heavy object, or cut it with a sharp object.
If you experience a nail injury, you should first check if your tetanus vaccination is up to date. Next, you should attempt to stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop, or if the injury is severe, you should seek medical attention at an urgent care center or emergency room.
- If the nail is cut or torn and is not still attached to the nail bed.
- If you have a large nail bruise, or if the finger or toe is deformed.
- If there is a broken bone in your finger or toe along with the nail injury.
- If there is a laceration or avulsion (when the nail pulls away from the nail bed).
- If there is bleeding under the nail that occupies more than half of the nail area, as this could indicate an underlying bone fracture or tissue tear.
- If the injury includes the base of the nail, as some cosmetic changes may be permanent.
In some cases, you may be able to treat a nail injury at home. If the nail is still attached to the nail bed and the bleeding has stopped, you can gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes and apply a bandage if needed. For a nail bruise that is less than a fourth of the size of your nail, you can apply ice inside a cloth for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day after that.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails should not be bleeding after they are ripped off. If they are, you should seek medical attention.
If your nails start bleeding after a manicure, you should not return to the same manicurist. You should also report them to your state board of cosmetology and licensing as this can cause major and irreparable damage.
If your nail is torn off, you should apply direct pressure with a clean cloth. Then, use sterile scissors to cut off any rough edges to prevent further injury. Clean the wound and nail area with soap and warm water, apply antibiotic ointment, and bandage the injury.
If there is blood under your nail, you should see a doctor as it could signify an underlying bone fracture or tissue tear. They will drain the blood and give you a tetanus shot if needed.
Fingernails usually take about two months to grow back, while toenails take about four months.
