Ava Monroe
Nail injuries are common and can be caused by a variety of accidents, such as slamming a finger in a door, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or getting a sports injury. Treatment for nail injuries depends on the type and severity of the injury. Minor nail injuries can often be treated at home with basic wound care, while more severe injuries may require medical attention to ensure proper healing and smooth nail growth. Home care for minor nail injuries includes stopping any bleeding, gently cleaning the wound, applying a bandage, and keeping the injured area elevated. More severe injuries, such as lacerations, avulsions, or fractures, may require a trip to the emergency room for further treatment and numbing medication.
How to care for a cut quick nail injury
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Depends on the type and seriousness of the injury |
| Home treatment | Stop bleeding, remove jewelry, gently wash cuts/scrapes, apply a bandage, use ice for swelling, use over-the-counter pain medication |
| Hospital treatment | Stop bleeding, clean wound, numb finger/toe, repair wound |
| Healing time | 7-10 days for nail bed to heal, 4-6 months for fingernail to grow back, 12 months for toenail |
| Prevention | Keep nails trimmed short |
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What You'll Learn
Stop bleeding with a clean cloth and elevate the injured area
If you have a cut quick nail injury, the first thing to do is stop the bleeding. Find a clean cloth and apply pressure to the wound. Keep the pressure steady until the bleeding stops. Once the bleeding has stopped, carefully remove the cloth and examine the injury.
If the nail is torn, use sterile scissors to trim any parts not connected to your skin. Avoid pulling off any hanging parts of the nail, as this can cause further injury. If there is any dirt around the wound, gently wash the area with soap and warm water. Do not put a dry bandage or gauze on an open wound, as this will stick to the wound when the bleeding stops. Instead, apply petroleum jelly to the wound to keep it moist, and then cover it with a bandage or gauze.
If the injury is on your finger, it's important to keep the hand elevated above the level of the heart. This will help with throbbing and reduce swelling. You can also apply a cool, damp washcloth to the wound to help with this. If you are experiencing pain, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve) if you are not allergic to these medications.
If the injury is severe, with a large amount of blood covering the nail, or if the nail is black or purple, seek emergency medical care.
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Clean cuts/wounds with soap and water
Cleaning cuts and wounds is an important step in preventing infection. It is crucial to clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser before you tend to a wound, and to wear disposable gloves if possible.
If you have sustained a nail injury, you should first stop the bleeding. If the nail is cut or torn, and still attached to the nail bed, you should seek medical attention. If the nail is torn, use sterile scissors to cut off any rough edges to prevent further injury.
To clean the wound, rinse the area with clear, warm water to loosen and remove dirt and debris. You can use tweezers to remove any remaining dirt, but be sure to clean the tweezers with isopropyl alcohol first. Do not pick at the wound. Use a soft washcloth and mild soap to clean around the wound, but do not put soap in the wound as this can cause irritation.
After cleaning the wound, you can apply an antibiotic cream or ointment, and a bandage. Change the bandage daily, and be sure to look out for signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat around the wound. If the wound becomes infected, seek medical attention.
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Apply antibiotic ointment and bandage
If you have a cut quick nail injury, you should first stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth. Once the bleeding has stopped, remove the cloth and examine the injury. If the wound is bleeding, do not put a dry bandage or gauze on top, as it will stick to the wound. Instead, gently clean the wound with soap and water, and then apply a bandage.
If there are any lacerations, avulsions, a large nail bruise, or if your finger or toe is bent or deformed, you should go to a hospital emergency department. If you are treating the wound at home, you can apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to keep the dressing from sticking. Change the bandage daily, and if the wound is still bleeding, apply petroleum jelly to keep it moist.
If signs of infection develop, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail, contact your healthcare provider. You may need a tetanus shot or booster, depending on when you last received one. If you have a cut quick nail injury, it is important to keep the wound clean and protected to prevent infection. Antibiotic ointment and bandages can help to keep the wound moist and protected as it heals.
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Use ice packs to treat swelling and pain
If you experience pain or swelling after a nail injury, you can use ice packs to help treat these symptoms. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Repeat this process every two to three hours as needed. Elevating the injured area above the level of your heart can also help reduce throbbing and swelling.
If you have a cut or laceration on your nail, gently clean the wound with soap and warm water. You can use a mild soap or a liquid bandage to clean the area. If there is any bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth until it stops. Once the bleeding has stopped, avoid covering the wound with a dry bandage or gauze, as this can stick to the wound. Instead, apply petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist, and then cover it with gauze or a non-stick bandage. Change the bandage daily.
If you have a more serious nail injury, such as a nail avulsion or a large subungual hematoma, you may need to go to a hospital or urgent care centre. A nail avulsion occurs when a portion of the nail is lifted off the nail bed or cuticle, often with blood visible around the nail. A subungual hematoma is a collection of blood between the nail bed and the fingernail, causing intense pain. If you are unsure whether your injury requires medical attention, it is always best to seek professional advice.
To prevent nail injuries, it is recommended to keep your nails trimmed short so they do not bend or catch on objects. Short nails are also less likely to harbour dirt and bacteria, reducing the risk of infection.
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Seek medical attention for serious injuries
While many nail injuries can be treated at home, some require prompt medical attention to ensure the wound heals properly and the nail grows back smoothly. If you experience any of the following, seek medical attention:
- Lacerations or avulsions: If you experience any lacerations (cuts) or avulsions (the nail, either partially or entirely, pulling away from the nail bed), seek medical attention. Lacerations may require stitches, and the nail bed will need to be repaired. In the case of avulsions, the doctor may need to remove the nail to treat the wound.
- Large nail bruises or subungual hematomas: If you have a nail bruise that takes up more than 25% of the total nail, or you would like it to be drained, seek medical attention. A doctor may treat a severe subungual hematoma by making a small hole in the nail and draining the blood.
- Suspected fractures or bone breaks: If you suspect a fracture or broken bone in your finger or toe, go to a hospital emergency department. A doctor will be able to determine the extent of the injury and perform an X-ray to check for bone fractures.
- Signs of infection: If you notice signs of infection, such as pus, redness, heat around the nail, or a red streak extending from the wound, contact your healthcare provider. You may need a tetanus shot or booster, depending on your medical history.
- Inability to remove jewellery: If you are unable to remove rings due to swelling, call your healthcare provider for advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. If the wound is bleeding, avoid putting a dry bandage or gauze on top as it will stick once the bleeding stops. Instead, apply petroleum jelly to keep your wound moist, then cover with gauze or a bandage.
If you cannot bend your finger or toe, if there is blood covering more than half of your nail, if your nail is black or purple, or if your injury is particularly painful, seek medical attention.
If any part of your nail is hanging off, gently trim away the part not connected to your skin. Then, gently clean the wound using soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage. Change the bandage daily.
