Sophia Delgado
Smashing your finger in a door or jamming it in a window can cause a nail injury. A smashed nail may separate from the nail bed, turning black and seeming like it's barely hanging on. While it may be tempting to pull it off, it is best to leave it alone as there is a new nail growing underneath. The new nail will push up the old nail, and it will fall off when it's ready. The time it takes for a smashed nail to fall off and be replaced by a new one varies, with fingernails taking around 4 to 6 months to grow back and toenails taking up to 18 months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for a smashed nail to fall off | 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal and a new nail to push off the old one |
| Time taken for a new nail to grow | 4 to 6 months for a fingernail and 12 to 18 months for a toenail |
| Treatment | Keeping the area dry, applying ice, taking pain relievers, covering the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage, removing the nail, draining accumulated blood |
| When to seek medical help | When there is a broken bone, intense pain, deep cut, unusual colours on the fingertip, large subungual hematoma, or bleeding that won't stop |
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What You'll Learn
Home treatment for smashed nails
A smashed nail can be extremely painful and may cause a lot of blood to collect under the nail. The treatment for a smashed nail depends on the type and seriousness of the injury. Here are some home treatment options for a smashed nail:
Stop the Bleeding
If there is bleeding, it is important to stop it as quickly as possible. Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth. If there is a lot of blood under the nail, it is recommended to see a doctor within 24 hours, who can drain the accumulated blood by drilling a small hole in the nail plate.
Clean the Wound
Gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes with soap and warm water. Make sure to remove any jewellery from your hand before cleaning the wound. If your finger is swollen, you may need assistance to remove any rings.
Apply a Bandage
Cover the injured nail with a bandage or adhesive tape to protect the nail bed and prevent infection. Change the bandage daily and continue to monitor the area for any signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail.
Trim the Nail
If the nail is still attached to the nail bed, you can carefully trim any sharp or rough edges to prevent further injury and tearing. However, if the nail is completely torn off or partially cut off, do not attempt to reattach it.
Keep the Area Elevated
To reduce throbbing and swelling, keep your hand or foot elevated above the level of your heart. 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.
It is important to note that for more serious nail injuries, you should seek medical attention at an urgent care center or emergency room. Additionally, if you have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an immune system problem, it is recommended to seek professional medical advice, as untreated nail injuries can lead to infection and other serious complications.
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When to seek medical attention
A smashed fingernail can be very painful and will take time to heal. It is important to seek medical attention in the following situations:
When there is severe pain
If a smashed fingernail is causing severe pain, it is advisable to see a doctor. Pain that worsens over time is also a cause for concern and requires medical attention.
When there is noticeable damage
If there is a noticeable break, deep cut, or bleeding that won't stop, it is important to seek medical care. This includes any signs of a broken bone, such as a broken finger bone, which may require a wire to be placed in the finger to keep the bone in place.
When there is a risk of infection
If there are signs of infection, such as red or discoloured skin around the nail, swelling, pus, or a fever, medical attention is necessary. In some cases, an infected nail bed may need to be forcibly removed by a doctor through a procedure called nail evulsion, where the finger is first numbed with a local anaesthetic.
When there is a large subungual hematoma
A subungual hematoma is a bruised nail that occurs when blood pools under the nail plate, causing discolouration. While this is generally not a cause for worry, if the hematoma covers more than 50% of the nail, it is advisable to see a doctor within 24 hours to drain the accumulated blood and relieve pressure. Draining the hematoma involves creating a small hole in the nail to allow blood and fluid to drain out.
When there are concerns about nerve damage
If there is a loss of sensation or feeling in the fingertip, it could indicate nerve damage. Checking for sensation in the fingertip is important, and any unusual colours, such as blue or blanched white skin, warrant medical attention.
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How to prevent infection
A smashed nail can be very painful, and it can take about six to nine months for a fingernail to grow back, and up to 18 months for a toenail. During this time, it's important to take steps to prevent infection. Here are some detailed instructions to prevent infection when dealing with a smashed nail:
Keep the Area Clean and Dry
Wash any minor cuts or scrapes gently with soap and water. Keeping the wound clean is crucial to preventing infection. Ensure that you dry the area thoroughly after washing to keep it dry, as moisture can promote bacterial growth.
Cover the Nail
Use a bandage or adhesive tape to cover the nail and protect the sensitive skin of the nail bed. This will help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of further injury or infection. Change the bandage regularly to ensure it stays clean and dry.
File or Trim Sharp Edges
If your nail is partially detached or has sharp edges, consider filing or trimming them. This will help prevent the nail from catching on things and tearing further. It is important to use proper nail clippers or a nail file to avoid further injury and reduce 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 injury, broken bones, deep cuts, or uncontrolled bleeding, seek medical attention immediately. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and ensure proper wound care.
Remember, it is important to pay close attention to any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. Take the necessary steps to keep the wound clean and protected, and always seek medical advice if you are unsure about the severity of your injury.
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How to protect the nail bed
A smashed nail can take about six months or longer to grow back fully. In the meantime, protecting the nail bed is crucial to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Here are some detailed instructions to protect the nail bed after a smashed nail:
Keep the Nail Bed Clean and Dry
It is essential to keep the exposed nail bed clean and dry. Wash your hands or feet gently with soap and water, ensuring the area remains dry afterward. Keeping the area dry helps prevent infection and promotes healing.
Apply Petroleum Jelly or Antibiotic Ointment
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to the exposed nail bed. This helps keep the area moist and protects the sensitive skin. Alternatively, you can use an antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.
Cover with a Bandage
Use a non-stick or adhesive bandage to cover the area. This protects the nail bed from external factors and helps keep the ointment in place. Change the bandage daily and whenever it gets wet. Avoid using plain gauze or regular adhesive bandages that can stick to the wound and cause pain when removed.
Trim or File the Nail
If the nail is only partially detached, you can trim off the loose part to prevent it from catching on things and causing further damage. Use clean scissors or nail clippers to create a straight edge along the tear. Filing the nail can also help smooth out any sharp edges.
Soak in Cold Water
If there is pain or bleeding, soak the affected finger or toe in cold water for about 20 minutes. This helps reduce pain and stop any minor bleeding.
Remember, if there is a deep cut, significant pain, swelling, or a large amount of blood under the nail, seek medical attention. A doctor can provide appropriate treatment, such as cleaning and numbing the area, and may even put the nail back in place if it is detached but still in good condition.
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How to speed up regrowth
It can take anywhere from 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back, and 12 months or more for a toenail. While there is no scientifically proven method to speed up nail growth, there are several things you can do to strengthen your nails and encourage healthy growth. Here are some tips to speed up regrowth after a smashed nail:
Keep the Area Clean and Protected
If your nail is still attached, ensure you keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. Gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes, and apply a bandage if needed. Cover the damaged nail with tape or an adhesive bandage to protect the nail bed as it heals. Change the dressing daily if advised by your healthcare provider.
Elevate and Ice the Injury
Keep your hand or foot elevated above the level of your heart to reduce throbbing and swelling. 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.
Take Care of Your Nails
Regular nail grooming can help boost nail strength and encourage growth. Keep your nails clean, dry, and moisturized. Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers to trim your nails straight across, then round the tips into a soft curve. Avoid cutting your nails too short or biting them.
File Your Nails
Keep your nails filed into a slightly rounded or squared shape to prevent snagging and breaking. File any sharp edges of the damaged nail smooth, or trim it off if it is largely detached.
Take Care of Your Cuticles
Moisturize your cuticles regularly and avoid cutting them too short, as this may expose the nail matrix or nail bed to bacteria and infection.
Take a Biotin Supplement
Biotin is a type of B vitamin that can help boost nail strength.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Use Nail Hardeners
Nail hardeners can be painted on like polish and help strengthen nails and prevent breakage. However, prolonged use may weaken nails over time.
Remember to seek medical attention for more serious nail injuries, especially if there is a large amount of blood under the nail or any signs of bone breakage.
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Frequently asked questions
If you smash your finger in a door, you should first try to stop the bleeding. Then, if the nail is still attached to the nail bed, gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes and apply a bandage. If you cannot remove a ring because your finger is swollen, call your health care provider.
A subungual hematoma is a bruised fingernail or toenail that may cause throbbing pain. It occurs when blood pools under your nail plate, causing discoloration.
You should seek medical care, especially if you are in any doubt about the severity of your injury. Doctors can drain accumulated blood by drilling a small hole in the nail plate, but this should be done within 24 hours before the blood coagulates.
It takes about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal after losing a nail. A new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow back, while a toenail can take up to 18 months.
It is recommended to protect the sensitive skin of the nail bed with a bandage. Leaving it uncovered can cause dryness and cracking, which may affect how the new nail grows.
