Sophia Delgado
If you've experienced a nail injury, it's important to take the necessary steps to treat it properly and promote healing. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to seek medical attention, especially if there is a significant wound or deep bruising. For minor injuries, you can clean the area, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a bandage. If your nail is still attached, you can use nail glue to adhere it to your finger and then wrap it with a bandage for added protection. It's important to keep the nail bed dry and clean to prevent infection. In terms of regrowth, a new 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's crucial to be cautious and avoid any activities that may cause further damage to the nail bed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for a new fingernail to grow | 4-6 months |
| Time taken for a new toenail to grow | 12 months to 18 months |
| Time taken for the nail bed to heal | 7-10 days |
| Time taken for pain and swelling to clear up | 1 week |
| Time taken for a broken bone in the finger or toe to heal | 4 weeks |
| Time taken to safely remove a bandage without stinging pain | A couple of days |
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What You'll Learn
- Treat the wound and torn nail area with soap and warm water
- Cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage until it has grown out
- Use nail glue and press firmly, then wrap in a bandage
- Trim off the detached part of a large tear, or leave the nail alone
- For a larger bruise, a small hole in the nail will allow blood and fluid to drain out
Treat the wound and torn nail area with soap and warm water
It is important to treat a wound and torn nail area as soon as possible to prevent infection and promote healing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this effectively with soap and warm water:
Prepare the affected area
Before you begin, gather your supplies: soap, warm water, a washcloth or gauze pad, a small nail clipper or scissors, and a nail file. If there is any bleeding, apply direct pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze pad until the bleeding stops.
Clean the wound
Once the bleeding has stopped, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water. Get the affected area wet, and then gently wash it with a soapy washcloth. Make sure to remove any dirt, debris, or dried blood that may be present. This step is crucial in preventing infection and promoting healing.
Trim and file the nail
After cleaning the wound, carefully trim any unattached or loose portions of the nail with a small nail clipper or scissors. Be gentle and avoid pulling or forcing the nail off, as this can cause further damage and pain. Once trimmed, use a nail file to smooth the edges of the nail. This will help prevent the nail from catching on socks or other objects, which can cause further tearing or injury.
Rinse and dry
Rinse the soapy area with warm water to remove any soap residue. Then, gently dry the area with a clean towel or cloth. Make sure to dry the area thoroughly, as excess moisture can lead to fungal growth and infections.
Apply a moisturiser or ointment
Finally, consider applying a thin layer of moisturiser or ointment to the affected area. This can help keep the skin and nail bed hydrated and promote healing. Choose a product that is suitable for wounded skin, such as a healing ointment or a fragrance-free moisturiser.
It is important to keep the wound and nail area clean and dry as it heals. Continue to wash the area with soap and warm water daily, and avoid activities that may cause further trauma to the nail. If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, seek medical advice from your doctor or a podiatrist.
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Cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage until it has grown out
If you have a torn or detached nail, it is important to cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage. This will protect the nail and the underlying skin from catching and tearing, and prevent further injury. The tape or bandage should be kept in place until the nail has grown out enough to protect the finger or toe.
If you have trimmed off the detached nail, you will have less risk of the nail catching and causing further pain. However, if you leave the detached nail in place, it will eventually fall off as the new nail grows in. If the nail is only partly detached, use scissors to carefully trim the nail, and then soak your finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes.
After soaking, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to the affected area. This will help to keep the area moisturized and protected. Then, cover the nail and surrounding skin with a non-stick bandage. You should keep the nail bed dry, clean, and protected with petroleum jelly and a bandage until the nail bed is firm and the nail has grown back.
Soak your hand or foot in a solution of 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of salt dissolved in 4 cups (1 L) of warm water for 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day, for the next 3 days. Reapply petroleum jelly and a fresh adhesive bandage as needed. It takes about 4 to 6 months for a new fingernail to grow and replace the lost nail, and about 12 months for a toenail to grow back.
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Use nail glue and press firmly, then wrap in a bandage
If you have broken your nail, you can use nail glue and a bandage to fix it. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the nail
First, you need to prepare the nail. If the break is quite far down the nail or goes across more than a quarter of the nail, it is recommended to get it repaired professionally. If the break is minor, you can gently file the nail into a rounded curve to prevent further breaking or splitting. If your nail has come away from the skin, trim the part that is not connected to your finger.
Clean the nail
Wash the area with clean, warm water and gently pat it dry. You can also soak your finger in cold water for 20 minutes to promote healing.
Apply the glue
Apply a small amount of nail glue to the affected area. Spread the glue out to form a thin layer. If you don't have nail glue, you can use super glue, but be careful not to get it on your skin.
Press the nail firmly
Press the broken piece of the nail gently but firmly back into place and hold it for 30 to 60 seconds until it stays attached.
Wrap a bandage
Wrap a small piece of gauze or a non-adhesive bandage around the nail to provide padding and protect the nail from further injury. You can secure the bandage with medical tape.
Remove excess glue
Use a Q-tip or cotton ball to remove any excess glue from the surrounding skin and nail.
Buff and file the nail
Once the glue is dry, use a nail file or buffer to smooth out the nail and remove any glue residue.
Apply a protective coating
Apply a thin layer of protective coating, such as a clear base coat of nail polish, to the nail once the glue has dried.
It is important to note that this method is only a temporary solution, and the nail may need to be professionally repaired if the break is severe.
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Trim off the detached part of a large tear, or leave the nail alone
If you have a detached nail, you have two options: trim off the detached part of the nail or leave the nail alone.
If you decide to trim the nail, use sharp nail scissors to cut off the detached part of the nail. Then, soak your finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes. After soaking, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and cover the area with a non-stick bandage. You can also use tape to cover the nail, but be sure to change the tape and bandage regularly. To help the healing process, soak your hand or foot in a solution of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in four cups of warm water for 20 minutes, two to three times a day, for the next three days. Reapply petroleum jelly and cover with a fresh adhesive bandage.
Leaving the nail alone is also an option. If you choose this method, the detached nail will eventually fall off when the new nail grows in. This process can take about four to six months for a fingernail and up to twelve months for a toenail. During this time, you may want to cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage to protect the finger or toe and prevent the nail from catching and tearing.
It is important to note that if you have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an immune system problem, you should not attempt to trim the nail yourself as these conditions can cause reduced blood flow and loss of feeling in the feet. Additionally, untreated nail injuries can lead to infection, foot ulcers, and other serious problems. If you are unsure about how to proceed, it is always best to seek the advice of a medical professional.
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For a larger bruise, a small hole in the nail will allow blood and fluid to drain out
A bruised nail, also known as a subungual hematoma, occurs when there is bleeding and bruising under the nail plate, leading to swelling, nail discolouration, and pain. This is usually caused by direct trauma to the nail, such as crushing or slamming it. While most bruised nails heal without complications, in some cases, a simple drainage procedure may be required to relieve pressure and pain.
For a larger bruise, a healthcare provider will create a small hole in the nail to allow blood and fluid to drain out. This procedure is typically carried out at an urgent care centre or emergency room. It is important to note that you should never attempt to drain a subungual hematoma at home and should always seek medical care.
Following the drainage procedure, it is normal for the nail to continue to appear discoloured for several weeks. The bruise will gradually fade as the nail grows back, which can take approximately 4 to 6 months for a fingernail and 12 months for a toenail. The new nail may have grooves, ridges, and be misshapen, which could be permanent.
If there is additional damage, such as a broken bone or deep cut, further treatment and a longer healing time may be necessary. In some cases, the nail may need to be partially or completely removed, and the nail bed repaired. After the procedure, it is important to keep the area clean and dry and follow the healthcare provider's instructions for changing any bandages.
While waiting for medical attention, it is recommended to remove any jewellery from the affected hand and gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes. If a ring cannot be removed due to swelling, it is important to seek medical help.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 6 months or longer for a fingernail to grow back and up to 18 months for a toenail.
You can either cut the broken part off with sharp nail scissors and cover it with a band-aid, or you can try to tough it out and wait for a nail technician to fix it.
Clean the wound and nail area with soap and warm water. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a band-aid. Change the band-aid daily and watch out for signs of 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 a healthcare professional.
