Ava Monroe
Nails are complex structures that involve three layers: the nail plate, the nail bed, and the eponychium (cuticle). Injuries to the nail can range from bruises to separations from the nail bed. While minor injuries can be treated at home, more serious injuries may require a trip to the emergency room. If a nail has been cut or lacerated, a portion of the nail may need to be removed before the cut can be repaired with stitches and medical-grade glue. The nail bed will then need to be dressed and allowed to heal, which typically takes around 7 to 10 days. A new fingernail will take approximately 4 to 6 months to grow back, while a toenail can take up to 12 to 18 months to fully regrow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time for a nail to heal after a cut | Depends on the severity of the injury; can take several months for a nail that has separated from the nail bed to grow back |
| Treatment for a nail cut | Wash any cuts or scrapes with soap and water, then apply a bandage; for more serious injuries, go to a hospital |
| Pain relief for a nail cut | Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen |
| Regrowing a nail after cutting the quick | Takes up to 10 days for the nail to regrow and protect the nerves and capillaries; a nail that is completely ripped off will take a minimum of two months to regrow |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernail injuries: causes, treatment, and recovery
Fingernail injuries are quite common and can occur due to various reasons, such as crushing forces (car doors, hammers, machinery, etc.), cutting or slicing (knives, box cutters, etc.), or tearing or ripping (stubbing a toe, catching a fingernail, etc.). These injuries can range from a simple bruise under the nail to the complete separation of the nail from the nail bed. In some cases, there may also be a fracture of the bone under the nail, known as a distal tuft fracture.
The treatment for fingernail injuries depends on the type and severity of the injury. Minor injuries can often be managed at home with proper wound care. It is important to clean any cuts or scrapes with soap and water and apply a bandage to protect the area. If there is bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth and elevate the injured area above the heart to reduce blood flow to the wound and promote clotting. For pain and swelling, taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful.
For more serious injuries, such as a completely torn-off nail or a large nail bruise, it is recommended to seek medical attention at an urgent care center or emergency room. The wound will be cleaned and numbed before any necessary repairs are made. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed will be treated and dressed. It is important not to pull or try to remove the nail yourself, as this can cause further damage. Any amputated parts should be wrapped in a moist clean paper towel and placed in ice until you can get to the hospital.
The healing time for fingernail injuries can vary. If you have lost your nail, it will take about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal, and a new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow back. Toenails typically take longer, around 12 months. During the healing process, it is important to keep the area clean and protected. A light dressing, such as a bandage or gauze, can provide padding and protection while the nail heals. Additionally, keeping the injured area elevated and applying ice can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
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Toenail injuries: causes, treatment, and recovery
Toenail injuries are quite common and can be caused by several factors, including dropping a heavy object on the foot, frequent rubbing or friction against shoes, stubbing a toe, or even from athletic activities such as running or hiking. These injuries can range from a simple bruise under the nail to more complex wounds like nail lacerations or avulsions.
Causes
Toenail injuries are often a result of repeated trauma or strain on the nail. This can occur when a heavy object is dropped on the foot, causing trauma that may lead to a subungual hematoma (blood under the nail). Frequent rubbing or friction against shoes can also cause this issue. Additionally, athletes, runners, and hikers may develop "runner's toe," a condition caused by repeated strain resulting in a black toenail.
Other causes of toenail injuries include stubbing your toe, which can lead to tearing or ripping of the nail, or catching the toenail on an object. In rare cases, conditions such as psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to build up rapidly, can lead to toenail detachment.
Treatment
The treatment for toenail injuries depends on the severity of the injury. For minor injuries, home care may be sufficient. It is important to clean any cuts or scrapes with soap and water and apply a bandage. If there is a large bruise under the nail, it is recommended to seek medical attention, as a small hole may need to be created in the nail to drain the blood and relieve pressure and pain.
For more serious injuries, such as lacerations or avulsions, it is best to go to a hospital emergency department. Do not try to pull or remove the nail from the nail bed. Instead, wrap any amputated parts in a moist, clean paper towel and place them in a plastic bag with ice. Elevating the injured area above the heart can help reduce throbbing and pain.
Recovery
The recovery time for toenail injuries can vary. It may take a year or more for the toenail to grow back, and the new nail may have a different appearance, with possible grooves or ridges. During the recovery process, it is important to keep the area clean and change bandages regularly to prevent infection. Applying ice and taking over-the-counter pain medication can help manage pain and swelling. Additionally, antifungal medications may be necessary to treat any fungal infections that may develop after the injury.
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How to treat a torn or detached nail
A torn or detached nail is a common injury that can be painful and take a long time to heal. Nails grow back slowly, with a new fingernail taking about six months or longer to grow back and a new toenail taking up to 18 months. Here are some steps you can take to treat a torn or detached nail and promote healing:
Seek medical attention
For serious nail injuries, such as lacerations, avulsions, large nail bruises, or if the finger or toe is bent or deformed, it is recommended to seek emergency medical care. If you have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, poor circulation, AIDS, are on chemotherapy, or have another condition that affects your healing ability or increases your risk of infection, it is important to see a doctor for proper care and to prevent further complications.
First aid and pain management
For minor nail tears or detachments, first aid involves washing any cuts or scrapes with soap and water, then applying a bandage. 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 the injured hand or foot elevated above the level of your heart. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen can help with pain and swelling.
Prevent infection
Keep the area around the nail dry to prevent infection. If you have an artificial nail, leave it in place until the nail bed heals. If there is a large nail bruise, your healthcare provider may create a small hole in the nail to drain blood and fluid, relieving pressure and pain.
Treat the nail
If the nail is still attached, you can tape the torn part back into position and trim it as the nail grows. Alternatively, you can clip off the torn portion at a slight outward angle to promote normal nail growth. If the nail is completely detached, you can either remove it and bandage the exposed nail bed or leave it in place until it falls off on its own as the new nail grows. File any sharp edges to prevent further catching and tearing.
Address underlying causes
Nail injuries can be caused by various mechanisms, including crushing, cutting, or tearing forces. They can also be related to underlying conditions such as nail psoriasis, fungal infections, skin conditions, or certain medications and illnesses. Addressing these underlying causes is important to prevent recurrent nail injuries.
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Home remedies for nail injuries
Most nail injuries heal on their own, but they can be complex wounds to repair. The fingernail is an important part of fingertip function, providing support and improving sensation. Toenails function similarly.
Wash and bandage the wound
For minor cuts or scrapes, gently wash the wound with soap and warm water, then apply a bandage. If there is a large nail bruise, or if the finger or toe is deformed, seek medical attention.
Treat nail bruises
A subungual hematoma, or nail bruise, is a collection of blood under the nail. It is usually red or purple-black, fading to blue over a few weeks. For a small bruise, your doctor may create a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and fluid, relieving pressure and pain.
Treat nail tears
If the nail is torn, use sterile scissors to cut off any rough edges to prevent further injury. Clean the wound and apply an antibiotic ointment, then bandage.
Reduce swelling and pain
Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3-4 times a day after that. Prop the injured area above the level of your heart to reduce throbbing and swelling. Take prescription pain relievers or over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain and reduce swelling.
Prevent further injury
Keep a light dressing on the nail, such as an adhesive bandage or gauze, to provide padding and protection while the nail heals. Keep your nails short to prevent them from bending or catching on objects.
Healing times for nail injuries vary. It takes about 7-10 days for the nail bed to heal if you lose a nail. A new fingernail will take about 4-6 months to grow back, while a toenail can take up to 12 months. The new nail may have grooves or ridges and be misshapen, which could be permanent.
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When to seek medical attention for nail injuries
Most nail injuries can be treated at home. However, if you experience any of the following, you should seek medical attention:
- Lacerations, avulsions, or a large nail bruise (subungual hematoma)
- A bent or deformed finger or toe
- Infection, redness, or drainage at the site of the injury two to seven days later
- Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation, AIDS, chemotherapy, or any other reason for poor healing or increased risk of infection
- Inability to remove jewellery, such as a ring, due to swelling
In the case of a severe nail injury, it is recommended to go to an urgent care centre or the emergency room. The medical staff will stop the bleeding, clean the wound, and numb the affected area before treatment. If the bone is broken or the bruise is very large, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed repaired. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
If you have broken a bone in your finger or toe, it will typically take about four weeks to heal. A new fingernail will take approximately four to six months to grow and replace the lost nail. During this time, the wound should be cared for as directed by your healthcare provider.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take about six months or longer for a fingernail to grow back after being cut or torn.
It can take up to 18 months for a toenail to grow back after being cut or torn.
If your nail is cut or torn but still attached to the nail bed, you should gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes with soap and warm water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a bandage. Change the bandage daily and watch for signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail.
If you have a nail bruise, also known as a subungual hematoma, you can expect the colour to fade from red or purple-black to blue over a few weeks. You should treat any associated cuts or scrapes as described above. If the bruise is large, your healthcare provider may create a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and relieve pressure and pain.
If your nail has separated from the nail bed, you should keep the area dry to prevent infection and wait for a new nail to grow. You can cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown out enough to protect the finger or toe. You should also treat any associated cuts or scrapes as described above.
