Noah Sinclair
Dead nails are often caused by blood blisters that develop beneath the nail. This is common in people with long nails who experience trauma, such as a blow to the nail or closing a finger in a door. In such cases, the blister causes the skin underneath the nail to die, leading to nail separation and lifting from the toe. The healing time for a dead nail varies depending on whether it is a fingernail or toenail. Fingernails typically regrow in about two to six months, while toenails can take up to 18 months to fully recover.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healing time for fingernails | 2-6 months |
| Healing time for toenails | 4-18 months |
| Toenail fungal infection healing time | 6-12 months |
| Fingernail growth rate | 0.13 inches per month |
| Toenail growth rate | Half the rate of fingernails |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernails regrow in 2-6 months
Fingernails typically regrow in about two months, while toenails can take up to four months. The regrowth process can vary, with some sources stating that fingernails can take up to six months to regrow completely, and toenails can take up to 18 months.
The time it takes for a nail to heal and regrow depends on various factors, including the extent of the injury and whether there is any damage to the nail bed or matrix. In cases where only a portion of the nail is detached, it is essential to remove the non-adhering portion to prevent infection and allow the nail to regrow normally.
If the entire nail is detached from the finger or toe, there is no way to reattach or repair it. However, with proper treatment and care, the nail should regrow, and the toe or finger will return to normal. It is important to keep the area clean and free of infection during the healing process.
To promote nail health and prevent further issues, it is recommended to keep nails short and well-maintained. Additionally, wearing properly sized shoes can help prevent toenail trauma caused by repetitive stubbing or ill-fitting footwear. Maintaining a well-rounded diet and good general health can also contribute to stronger nails.
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Toenails regrow in 4-18 months
Toenails are prone to damage due to their position at the back of our toes. Longer toenails are more likely to become damaged as they can be levered off the nail bed or jammed into the front of athletic shoes. Poorly fitting shoes are a common cause of toenail trauma, as are fungal infections, skin conditions, and chemicals such as acrylic-based gel polishes.
Toenail trauma can cause the nail to split, crack, or lift away from the nail bed. In some cases, the entire nail may detach from the toe, and there is little that can be done to repair or reattach it. However, if the nail bed and nail matrix are not damaged, the nail should regrow normally. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, typically taking about four to six months to regrow, but it can take up to 18 months for a toenail to fully grow back.
If you have a dead toenail, it is important to treat the underlying cause, such as an infection, and to keep the area clean and dry to prevent further infection. You can trim or file away any detached portions of the nail, but be sure to sterilize your tools first to minimize the risk of infection. Cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage until it has grown out enough to protect the toe.
During the healing process, it is beneficial to keep your toenails short and to avoid any activities that may cause further trauma to the toe. With proper treatment, your toe will be back to normal in six to 12 months.
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Nails can be removed to treat underlying infections
A dead nail is a nail that has separated from the nail bed. This can be caused by trauma, such as a blow to the nail, or by underlying infections, such as a fungal infection. In the case of an underlying infection, it may be necessary to remove the nail to treat the infection effectively.
Nail infections, or paronychia, occur when bacteria or fungi enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, causing an infection. Symptoms of acute paronychia appear over hours or a few days and usually go away with treatment, lasting less than six weeks. Chronic paronychia, on the other hand, develops more slowly and can last six weeks or longer. It is often caused by irritation from occupational or environmental exposures, or by a chronic bacterial or fungal infection.
Fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams and lotions, mentholated salves, or natural antifungals like tea tree oil and snakeroot extract. However, these treatments are not always strong enough to get rid of the fungus, and the infection may return. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to see a doctor, who can remove the nail with a strong chemical or surgery. This can be done in the doctor's office or clinic, and does not require a hospital stay.
Removing the nail can help to get rid of the underlying infection and allow for proper healing. Once the nail is removed, it is important to keep the area dry and clean to prevent further infection. A new nail will eventually grow back in its place, although this can take several months for fingernails and up to 18 months for toenails. During this time, it is important to take steps to avoid getting the nail infected again, such as keeping hands and feet clean and dry, wearing shoes in public places, and changing socks when they become sweaty.
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Blood blisters under the nail cause dead toenails
Blood blisters under the nail, also known as subungual haematoma, are usually caused by trauma to the nail. This could be caused by stubbing your toe, hitting your finger with a hammer, or even slamming your finger in a door or car trunk. Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infections, which can also cause blood blisters.
Subungual haematoma can be extremely painful due to the pressure generated by the pooled blood under the nail. The blood collects between the nail and the nail bed, causing severe throbbing pain. The pain can be so severe that it may require a doctor to perform a simple drainage procedure to relieve the pressure and provide pain relief. This procedure is called trephination and involves using a heated wire or carbon laser to burn a hole in the nail to allow the blood to drain.
If the blood blister is small, you may not need to seek medical attention. You can treat it at home by icing and elevating the area to reduce swelling and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen. However, if the affected area continues to collect blood or you experience extreme pain, it is important to see a healthcare provider. Leaving a severe subungual haematoma untreated can lead to infection and other serious problems.
It is important to note that even with proper treatment, there is a possibility that the new nail may grow back abnormally or may not grow back at all if the nail matrix is damaged. The nail matrix is the tissue inside the cuticle where new nails are formed. Fingernails usually take about two to eight weeks to regrow, while toenails can take up to six months or longer.
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Home treatment helps relieve pain and promote healing
Home treatment can be effective in relieving pain and promoting the healing of a dead nail. Nails can become dead or damaged due to various reasons, including injuries, fungal infections, skin conditions, and biting habits. Here are some ways to treat a dead nail at home:
Soaking and Massaging
Soaking the affected nail in warm or room-temperature soapy water for up to 20 minutes can help reduce swelling and pain. Adding Epsom salts to the water may provide additional relief. Massaging the side where the skin meets the nail is recommended by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons as it can help reduce inflammation.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. While scientific evidence for its effectiveness specifically for ingrown nails is limited, it is unlikely to cause harm when properly diluted.
Moisturizing
Moisturizing the nails daily with oil, serum, or nail-specific cream can help heal damaged nails and keep them healthy. Cuticle oil or cream is especially beneficial, as healthy cuticles lead to healthy nails.
Filing and Trimming
Filing sharp edges or trimming detached parts of the nail can help prevent catching and further tearing. Cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage to protect the finger or toe until the nail grows out.
Removing Artificial Nails
If you have artificial nails, it is important to remove them if they separate from the nail bed. Leaving them on can cause further damage by tearing the nail bed.
Avoiding Nail Painting
Taking a break from painting your nails for 2 to 3 weeks can help them heal and become stronger. Chronic chemical exposure from nail polishes can dry out the nails over time.
Proper Footwear
Wearing properly sized shoes is crucial in preventing toenail trauma. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to repetitive toe stubbing, causing toenails to detach or become injured. Additionally, avoiding tight socks and shoes during the healing process can reduce pressure on the toenails.
While home treatments can be beneficial, it is important to seek medical advice if the condition does not improve or if there are signs of infection.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 6 months or longer for a fingernail to grow back. Fingernails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month.
Toenails take longer to heal than fingernails. It can take up to 18 months for a toenail to grow back. Toenails grow at almost half the rate of fingernails.
If the nail is still attached to the nail bed, it can be left alone. If not, the non-adhering portion of the nail should be removed. The damaged skin should be covered with a clean bandage. Keeping the area dry and clean can help prevent infection.
