Liam Carter
Nail injuries can be complex wounds to repair and can result in permanent deformity. The healing time for a cut nail depends on the severity of the injury. If the nail is still attached to the nail bed, home care may be appropriate. For more serious injuries, urgent care or the emergency department may be necessary. If the nail is torn, rough edges should be cut off with sterile scissors to prevent further injury. The wound should be cleaned with soap and warm water, and antibiotic ointment and a bandage should be applied. Pain and swelling should clear up within a week, but it can take several months for a nail that has separated from the nail bed to grow back. If the bone is broken, healing can take about 4 weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healing time for a cut nail bed | 7-10 days for the nail bed to heal |
| Healing time for a new nail to grow | 4-6 months for a fingernail, 12 months for a toenail |
| Healing time for a broken bone in the finger or toe | 4 weeks |
| Treatment | Stitches, special glue, or replacement with a special type of material |
| Home care | Remove jewellery, stop bleeding, wash cuts, apply a bandage, keep the hand or foot elevated |
| Medication | Antibiotics, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen |
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What You'll Learn
Nail injuries: when to go to the hospital
A nail injury can occur when any part of the nail is injured, including the nail, nail bed, cuticle, and the skin around the sides of the nail. The injury could be a cut, tear, smash, or bruise, or the nail could be torn away from the skin. Most nail injuries are accidents, but precautions such as keeping nails short and being careful around sharp objects can reduce the chances of injury.
If you have a nail injury, the first step is to stop any bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth. Once the bleeding has stopped, remove the cloth and examine the injury. If the nail is not cut or torn and is still attached to the nail bed, home care may be appropriate. Remove any jewelry from the hand or foot, and gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes with soap and water, then apply a bandage. Keep the hand or foot elevated above the level of the heart to reduce throbbing, and use painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain.
However, for more serious nail injuries, it is important to go to an urgent care center or a hospital emergency department. This includes any laceration or amputation of the nail, the nail bed, or the skin surrounding the nail, or any part of the nail sticking out of the skin or pulled off the nail bed (nail avulsion). You should also seek emergency medical attention if you have a large nail bruise (subungual hematoma) that takes up more than 25% of the total nail and that you would like to be drained. If you have broken a bone in your finger or toe along with the nail injury, it will typically take about 4 weeks for the bone to heal.
In the case of a serious nail injury, the wound will be cleaned and examined by a doctor. The finger or toe will usually be numbed with medicine before treatment, and a tetanus shot may be given if it has been more than 10 years since your last one. Depending on the extent of the injury, the nail may be reattached with special glue or stitches, or it may be replaced with a special type of material if it cannot be reattached. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection, and a splint or special shoe may be provided to protect the nail as it heals.
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Healing a nail bed
If you have injured your nail bed, it is important to take the necessary steps to heal it properly and prevent infection. Here is a guide on how to do that:
Initial care
If you have cut your nail bed, the first step is to stop any bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth. Once the bleeding has stopped, remove the cloth and examine the injury. If you are wearing any jewellery on the affected hand or foot, remove it. Gently wash any cuts or scrapes with soap and warm water, and apply a bandage if needed.
When to seek medical attention
If there are any lacerations or amputations to the nail, nail bed, or surrounding skin, or if the nail is sticking out or pulled off the nail bed, you should seek medical attention. Most nail injuries are best managed in a hospital's emergency department. Calling an ambulance is usually unnecessary unless there are other serious injuries.
Medical treatment
If you seek medical attention for a nail bed injury, the doctor will likely numb the area before treating it. They may close cuts in the nail bed with stitches or reattach the nail using special glue or stitches. If the nail cannot be reattached, they may replace it with a special type of material that will remain on the nail bed as it heals. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. If there is a broken bone, the doctor may need to place a wire in your finger to keep the bone in place.
Home care
Follow your doctor's recommendations for wound care. If you have an artificial nail, it should stay in place until the nail bed heals. Change the dressing daily, and apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to keep the dressing from sticking, if recommended by your doctor. You may be given a splint or special shoe to protect the injured area as it heals.
Healing time
It typically takes about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal. A new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow back, while a toenail can take up to 12 months. The new nail may have grooves or ridges and may be somewhat misshapen.
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Home care for a cut nail
Home care for a minor nail cut typically involves basic first aid and keeping the injured area clean. Here is a detailed guide on how to care for a minor cut on the nail at home:
Initial Care
If there is any jewellery on the injured hand or foot, remove it immediately. If a ring is difficult to remove due to swelling, seek medical assistance. Then, stop any bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth. Once the bleeding has stopped, gently wash any cuts or scrapes with soap and water. Minor cuts can be left open to heal, but if there are scrapes or the wound is more extensive, apply a bandage.
Pain Management
Keep the injured hand or foot elevated above the level of the heart to reduce throbbing. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help with pain and swelling. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult a doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.
Preventing Infection
Keep the wound clean and dry. Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and help the healing process. Change the dressing daily if needed. If the cut is on your toenail, a special type of shoe may be required to protect the nail as it heals.
Nail Reattachment
If the nail has been partially or completely detached, it can often be reattached with special glue or stitches. If you cannot reattach the nail, a medical professional may replace it with a special type of material that will remain on the nail bed as it heals.
Healing Time
The healing time for a cut nail varies. If the nail bed is damaged, it will typically take around 7 to 10 days to heal. A new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow back, while a toenail can take up to 12 months.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most minor nail cuts can be treated at home. However, if there is any laceration or amputation of the nail, nail bed, or surrounding skin, seek medical attention. Additionally, if you have any underlying conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system, it is best to have any nail injuries assessed by a medical professional.
It is important to note that this advice is general and may not cover all specific situations. Always use sterile equipment and follow the instructions of your healthcare provider for the best outcome.
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How to prevent a nail injury
A cut nail can take several months to grow back, with a new fingernail taking around 4 to 6 months to replace the old one. Toenails take even longer, around 12 months. The nail bed, however, should heal within 7 to 10 days.
Keep your nails short and trimmed: Long nails are more prone to catching and bending, which can lead to injuries. Keeping them short reduces the risk of snagging and tearing.
Protect your hands and feet: When working with sharp objects or machinery, always keep your hands and fingers away from potential danger. Be cautious when using hammers or other heavy tools, and always keep your supporting hand out of the path of box cutters or similar instruments.
Use protective gear: When playing sports or engaging in activities that may pose a risk to your nails, wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves or shoes with a wide toe box. This can help shield your nails from potential trauma.
Be mindful of doors: Accidental door closures can cause nail injuries. Use door guards to prevent children from accidentally closing doors on their fingers, and always be cautious when closing doors to avoid trapping your fingers.
Keep your nails clean and healthy: Proper nail care can help prevent injuries. Clean your nails regularly and trim them straight across to avoid ingrown nails. Moisturize your nails and cuticles to maintain nail health and flexibility.
Be extra cautious with existing conditions: If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or other conditions that affect healing or increase the risk of infection, take extra precautions. Seek medical attention promptly if you sustain a nail injury, as it can lead to more serious complications.
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What to do if the bone is broken
A cut nail typically takes around 7 to 10 days to heal, although a new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow, and toenails can take up to 12 months. More serious nail injuries may require a trip to the emergency department, especially if there is a risk of infection or other complications.
What to do if a bone is broken
If you suspect that you have broken a bone, it is important to seek medical attention. A broken bone can cause intense, sharp pain, swelling, deformity, and a limited range of motion. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, go to an urgent care facility or emergency room.
Upon arrival, medical professionals will evaluate your injury and may use diagnostic tools such as X-rays to determine the extent of the damage. They may also ask about your medical history, especially if there are concerns about healing or infection. Depending on the severity of the break, treatment options can vary. For less severe breaks, you may be given a splint or cast to immobilize the area and promote healing. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to ensure the bone heals properly. This could involve percutaneous fixation, where pins or rods are used to hold the broken bone together.
After receiving treatment, it is important to follow the care instructions provided by your medical team. This may include keeping the affected area elevated, taking prescribed medications, and changing dressings regularly. With proper care, a broken bone should heal within about four weeks. During this time, it is crucial to be mindful of any pain or discomfort and seek further medical advice if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
A new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow and replace a lost nail.
Toenails take about 12 months to grow back.
To aid the healing process, you should keep the injured area elevated above the level of your heart to reduce throbbing. You can also take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and swelling.
