Ava Monroe
A broken nail can be very painful and may take a long time to heal. Nails grow back slowly, and the time it takes for a broken nail to heal depends on the type and severity of the injury. It takes about 4 to 6 months for a fingernail and 12 to 18 months for a toenail to grow back. During this time, it's important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection and promote healing. Treatment may involve removing the nail, especially if there is a fracture or if the tissue under the nail needs repair. Minor nail bed injuries often heal on their own, but receiving professional treatment can help ensure that the nail bed heals smoothly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time for nail bed to heal | 7-10 days |
| Time for a new fingernail to grow back | 4-6 months |
| Time for a new toenail to grow back | 6-18 months |
| Time for a broken bone in finger or toe to heal | 4 weeks |
| Time for full recovery of nail bed injuries | 6-9 months |
| Time between changing bandages | Daily |
| Time between applying ice | 2-3 hours on the first day, then 3-4 times a day |
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What You'll Learn
Healing time for a broken nail
The healing time for a broken nail depends on the type and severity of the injury. Minor nail bed injuries, such as subungual hematomas, often heal on their own without any intervention. More severe injuries may require medical treatment to ensure the nail bed heals properly and the nail grows back smoothly.
If the nail is damaged or torn, a doctor may remove it and repair the nail bed. They may also remove the nail if the underlying tissue needs repair or if there is a fracture. In some cases, the doctor may place a wire in your finger to keep a broken bone in place. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
The time it takes for a new nail to grow back can vary. A fingernail typically takes about 4 to 6 months to grow back, while a toenail can take up to 12 to 18 months. During this time, it is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. Any sharp edges should be filed down or trimmed to prevent catching and further tearing.
The nail bed itself usually heals within 7 to 10 days. However, if there is a broken bone in the finger or toe, the healing time may be extended to about 4 weeks. Proper treatment can help the nail bed heal and promote smooth nail growth.
It is important to note that injuries affect the rate of nail growth, and the new nail may have permanent grooves, ridges, or bumps. Seeking prompt medical attention and following recommended treatments can help optimize the healing process and minimize any long-term effects.
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Preventing infection
A broken nail can take anywhere from six to 18 months to heal, depending on whether it is a fingernail or toenail. During this time, it is important to prevent infection. Here are some ways to do that:
Keep the Area Clean and Dry
Wash any minor cuts or scrapes gently with soap and water. Ensure that the wound is clean and free of debris. Keeping the area dry is crucial, as moisture can promote bacterial growth and increase the risk of infection.
Cover the Nail
Use tape or an adhesive bandage to cover the nail and protect the finger or toe. Change the bandage daily, and if you notice any signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
File or Trim Sharp Edges
If your nail has broken or torn, file or trim any sharp edges to prevent further injury and reduce the risk of catching the nail on something, which could cause more damage and increase the risk of infection.
Remove Artificial Nails
If you have an artificial nail that has separated from your natural nail bed, it is important to remove it. Leaving it on can cause further damage to the nail bed and increase the risk of infection.
Seek Medical Attention
If you have a severe nail injury, such as a deep cut or a broken bone, seek medical attention promptly. Your healthcare provider can assess the wound, stop any bleeding, and clean the area properly to prevent infection. They may also prescribe antibiotics or recommend an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
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Home treatment
If you have broken a nail, there are several home treatment options you can try to relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent infection. Firstly, it is important to keep the area dry to prevent infection. You should also remove any rings, bracelets, or other jewellery from your hands and arms, especially if your finger is swollen. If you have an artificial nail, it should remain in place until your nail bed heals.
For minor cuts or scrapes, gently wash the area with clean, warm water, and apply a bandage if needed. If the nail is chipped, you can trim the nail and apply a small piece of tape, glue, or tea bag material on top to help it grow back evenly. You can also use a tea bag or coffee filter to mend larger breaks in your nail. Wash your nail with clean, warm water and dry it with a clean towel. Cut out a tiny piece of a clean tea bag, big enough to cover the broken area of your nail. Put a thin layer of nail glue or super glue across the broken part of your nail. Using tweezers, lay the tea bag material down flat on your nail and fold part of it under your nail tip. Put another layer of glue over the tea bag material. Once the glue is dry, buff the nail until it looks natural and apply a protective coating.
For more serious breaks, you may need to seek medical attention to prevent infection or further injury. However, if you cannot get to the emergency room right away, you can take some steps to treat the injury at home. If you have lost a large portion of your nail, you can use fingernail glue to reattach the broken part. You can also wrap a bandage or gauze around the nail and secure it with medical tape. If you experience heavy bleeding, talk to a healthcare professional.
To reduce pain and throbbing, apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day after that. Keep your hand or foot above the level of your heart. You can take prescription pain relievers or over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen to reduce pain and swelling.
To prevent broken nails in the future, keep your nails out of water as much as possible, as water naturally softens your nails. Use gloves while washing dishes or handling other wet chores. You can also introduce a nail hardener to your nail polish routine to strengthen weak, brittle nails.
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Medical treatment
Fingernail injuries can be painful and frustrating, and they don't heal quickly. Nails grow at a rate of about 0.1 mm per day, or 0.13 inches per month, and it can take up to six months for a nail to completely grow back. Here are some medical treatments to aid in the healing process:
First Aid for Minor Nail Injuries
For minor nail injuries, such as a chipped nail, you can often manage the injury at home. Here are the steps to take:
- Wash the area with clean, warm water and gently pat it dry.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
- Cover the area with a bandage or gauze and medical tape.
- Change the bandage daily and watch for signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail.
Seek Medical Attention for Serious Injuries
If you experience heavy bleeding, a large portion of your nail is missing, or there is significant damage to the nail bed or matrix, seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection and further injury. At a medical facility, they can:
- Stop the bleeding and clean the wound.
- Numb the finger or toe with medicine before treating the injury.
- Create a small hole in the nail to relieve pressure and drain blood or fluid in cases of large bruises.
- Remove part or all of the nail if necessary and repair the nail bed with stitches or special glue.
- Prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Prescribe pain relievers or recommend over-the-counter medications to reduce pain and swelling.
Prevent Future Nail Injuries
To prevent future nail injuries and promote healthy nail growth:
- Keep your nails neat, short, and trimmed. Long nails are more prone to catching and tearing.
- Avoid biting or picking at your nails, as this can increase the likelihood of tearing.
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to protect your nails and reduce the risk of infection.
- Moisturize your nails with lotions or creams containing humectants to prevent cracking.
- Wear shoes that are wide enough for your toes to move and avoid constricting your toenails.
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Nail separation causes
It takes about six months or longer for a fingernail to grow back, and up to 18 months for a toenail. The recovery time for a broken nail to heal depends on the severity of the injury. For instance, if you broke a bone in your finger or toe along with the nail injury, it would take about four weeks for the bone to heal.
Now, let's discuss the causes of nail separation, a condition known as onycholysis. Onycholysis is a common nail disorder in which the nail plate separates from the nail bed. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, or race, although it is most frequently observed in adult women. Onycholysis can be primary, with no known cause, or secondary to various factors. Here are some possible causes of nail separation:
Injury or Trauma
Nail separation is commonly caused by injury or trauma. For example, people with long fingernails may separate their nails from the nail bed when their nails are hit or jammed. Stubbing your toe or repeatedly tapping your nails can also lead to nail separation.
Skin Conditions
Skin conditions such as psoriasis can cause nail bed separation. People with psoriasis may experience nail changes, including pitting, discolouration, and nail separation. Eczema is another skin condition that can affect the nails.
Fungal Nail Infection
Fungal infections can invade the nails and the skin underneath (nail bed), leading to nail separation. Toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails, and symptoms include cracked, yellow, discoloured, streaked, thickened, or spotted nails.
Chemicals and Nail Products
Exposure to certain chemicals and nail products can contribute to nail separation. For instance, acrylic-based gel polishes and artificial nails can separate from the nail bed. Additionally, some medications can induce photo-onycholysis, a type of nail separation caused by ingesting photosensitisers.
Medical Conditions and Treatments
Underlying medical conditions and their treatments can also cause nail separation. For example, onycholysis can be a symptom of thyroid disease, vitamin deficiency, or autoimmune conditions such as hyperthyroidism and type 1 diabetes. Chemotherapy and antibiotics are medications that have been associated with nail separation.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 6 to 9 months for a fingernail and up to 12 to 18 months for a toenail to grow back. The nail bed itself takes about 7 to 10 days to heal.
For minor nail injuries, you can treat the wound at home by keeping the area clean and dry to prevent infection. Apply ice inside a cloth for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day after that. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and swelling.
If you have a more serious nail injury, such as a large cut or a broken bone, you should go to an urgent care centre or the emergency room. You should also seek medical attention if you notice signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail.
A nail may separate from the nail bed due to injury, fungal nail infection, skin conditions such as psoriasis, or certain medications and illnesses.
To prevent infection, keep the area clean and dry, and change the bandage daily. You may also be given antibiotics by your healthcare provider to prevent infection.
