Caleb Foster
Nails are made from keratin, a protein that also makes up skin and hair. They protect the soft tissue beneath them and, occasionally, they may fall off due to trauma, infection, or other scenarios. Toenails, in particular, can take up to 18 months to grow back, while fingernails can take up to 6 months. During the regrowth process, a new nail may grow underneath the old nail, pushing it off as it grows. In such cases, the old nail can be cut away and removed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment for nail injuries | Drain trapped blood through nail trephination, a procedure that must be performed within 48 hours of injury. |
| Surgery may be required for subungual melanoma, with chemotherapy or radiation as additional treatments. | |
| Cut nails properly, especially toenails, trimming straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. | |
| Protect the nail bed by keeping it clean, moisturized, and covered with a bandage to prevent infection. | |
| Apply a cold compress for up to 20 minutes to reduce swelling and inflammation. | |
| Take biotin supplements to promote cell growth and faster nail growth. | |
| Keep the wound dry and covered, and clean and dry the nail bed daily. | |
| Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. | |
| Use nail clippers or nail scissors to cut away the separated nail as it grows out. | |
| Oral antifungal medication or topical antifungal medication may be prescribed to treat fungal infections. | |
| Nail growth timeline | Fingernails typically take 4 to 6 months to grow back, while toenails can take up to 12-18 months. |
| Factors affecting nail growth | Age, climate, season, dominant hand, trauma or injury, overall health, and hormones. |
| Preventing nail issues | Ensure proper-fitting footwear to prevent nail thickening and ingrown toenails. |
| Avoid biting nails and be careful when cleaning underneath nails to prevent infection. | |
| Avoid chemicals and products that can irritate nails or the surrounding skin. |
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What You'll Learn
Monitor the natural process of new nail growth
Monitoring the natural process of new nail growth is important, especially after an injury or trauma to the nail. Nails grow from the area under the cuticle, and it can take several weeks or months for new nail growth to appear. In the case of toenails, regrowth can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
There are several factors that can affect the speed of nail regrowth. Nails tend to grow slower in older adults and in colder climates. Nails grow faster in the summer and on the dominant hand, which may be due to increased blood flow. Overall health and nutrition also impact nail growth. For example, nail growth can slow down if you're sick, malnourished, or experiencing hormonal changes. Pregnancy, for instance, can cause an increase in nail growth.
Certain health conditions and injuries can also interfere with nail growth. A serious illness, such as a heart attack, COVID-19, or pneumonia, can cause horizontal ridges in the nails, known as Beau's lines. Injuries to the nail matrix, such as pinching or crushing the finger, can result in bruising, ridges, or discolouration, and in some cases, the nail may fall off.
It's important to be patient during the nail regrowth process and to take steps to protect the nail bed. Keeping the nail area clean, dry, and covered can help prevent infection. Applying a cold compress can reduce swelling and inflammation, and taking biotin supplements can promote cell growth and faster nail regrowth. Additionally, trimming the nails short can prevent them from catching on objects and lifting further from the nail bed.
In some cases, the new nail may grow underneath the old nail. As the new nail grows out, it will gradually lift the old nail until it is completely replaced. This natural process can be monitored, and if needed, the loose nail can be carefully cut away to reduce the risk of it catching and causing further injury.
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Cut away loose nails
If you have a damaged nail, it's important to address the cause of the injury. For instance, if your shoes are too tight, you may need to get a bigger size. Nails can also be damaged by manicures, so it's important to be careful when getting your nails done.
If you have onycholysis, which is when your nail separates from its nail bed, you may need to cut away the separated nail as it grows out. You can use nail clippers or nail scissors to carefully remove the affected nail. It is important to keep the wound clean and moisturized. You can also soak your nail in a saltwater solution to prevent infection.
If you have a severe injury, you may need to get medical attention. Your healthcare provider can determine the best course of treatment and help you manage the pain. They may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection or recommend using an antibiotic ointment on the injured nail bed.
If you have a fungal infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral or topical antifungal medication. It's important to finish the full course of medicine to effectively treat the infection.
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Protect the nail bed
Protecting the nail bed is crucial during the treatment of onycholysis, a condition where the nail separates from its nail bed. Here are some measures to safeguard the nail bed during the healing process:
Keep the Nail Bed Clean and Moisturized
It is essential to maintain hygiene and hydration at the site of the injury. Rinse the affected nail with cool water for 20 minutes after trimming any jagged edges to prevent further pain and injury. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel, and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the nail bed.
Bandage the Injured Nail
Cover the injured nail with a non-stick bandage to protect the nail bed and prevent infection. Change the bandage daily or whenever it gets wet or dirty. Each time you change the bandage, reapply a fresh layer of petroleum jelly to the nail bed.
Avoid Chemicals and Irritants
Stay away from products that can irritate the nails or the skin surrounding them. This includes nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardener, nail polish remover, and artificial nails. These products can contribute to onycholysis and hinder the healing process.
Wear Protective Gear
Shield your nails from potential damage by wearing gloves when engaging in activities that may harm your nails, such as washing dishes, playing sports, gardening, or other outdoor work. Additionally, wear clean, comfortable socks and protective shoes to safeguard your nails from injury and infection.
Seek Medical Attention
For serious nail injuries, it is advisable to seek professional medical assistance. A doctor can assess the severity of the injury and provide appropriate treatment. They may recommend or perform procedures such as stitching, reattachment of the nail, or application of a synthetic nail to protect the nail bed. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent or treat infections.
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Prevent infection
To prevent infection when cutting an old nail that grows over a new nail, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, it is important to keep your nails trimmed and smooth, avoiding cutting them too short. Short nails can prevent them from catching on objects and pulling off the nail bed. However, cutting nails too short can increase the risk of injury and infection.
Maintaining good nail hygiene is also essential. This includes regularly washing your hands and keeping your nails clean. When cleaning underneath your nails, be cautious as tools like cuticle sticks and nail brushes can break the skin, leading to potential infection. It is advisable to use gentle soaps that are not irritating to the skin and to avoid biting or chewing on your nails, hangnails, or cuticles.
Additionally, consider using a saltwater solution to soak your nails. This can help moisturize the area and prevent infection. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the nail bed can also promote faster healing and prevent scabbing. Bandaging the injured toe or finger can provide further protection and prevent the sensitive skin from rubbing against socks or shoes.
If you work with chemicals or your hands are frequently wet, it is recommended to wear waterproof gloves. Changing your socks and shoes daily can also aid in preventing infections, as it allows adequate drying time.
Finally, be cautious when using nail products like nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardener, and nail polish remover. These products can contain chemicals that irritate the nails and surrounding skin, potentially leading to infections.
By following these steps, you can effectively reduce the risk of infection when dealing with an old nail that grows over a new nail.
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Treat underlying causes
Onycholysis, or nail lifting, is the separation of the fingernail or toenail from the nail bed. It is often caused by some form of injury to the nail, such as bumping or hitting the nails, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or keeping nails submerged in water for too long. Regular manicures and the use of certain chemicals in nail products can also cause onycholysis.
If you suspect that your nail condition is caused by onycholysis, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. Treating the underlying cause is crucial for resolving the issue. Here are some measures you can take to address the underlying causes of onycholysis:
- Injury or trauma: If onycholysis is caused by an injury, such as a bruise under the nail, a procedure called nail trephination can be performed to drain the trapped blood and provide pain relief. This procedure must be done within 48 hours of the injury. As the nail heals, keep the exposed nail bed clean and moisturized. You can also soak your nail in a saltwater solution to prevent infection.
- Fungal infections: If onycholysis is caused by a fungal infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral or topical antifungal medications. Oral medications may include terbinafine (Lamisil®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), or fluconazole (Diflucan®). Topical medications come in the form of creams, ointments, or gels that are applied directly to the nails. It is important to complete the full course of medication to effectively treat the fungal infection.
- Allergic reaction: If onycholysis is caused by an allergic reaction to certain chemicals in nail products, it is important to avoid these irritants. Avoid using nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardener, nail polish remover, and fake nails. Consider using diluted vinegar to prevent infections and keep your nails clean and dry while they heal.
- Underlying medical conditions: In some cases, onycholysis may be caused by underlying medical conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, thyroid disease, or certain infections. If you suspect that your nail lifting is related to an underlying medical condition, consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. They may prescribe appropriate treatments or medications to address the underlying condition.
Remember, it is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the specific cause of your onycholysis. With proper treatment and care, your nails will slowly regrow, and new nail growth can be kept attached to the nail bed.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use nail clippers or nail scissors to cut away the separated nail as it grows out.
This condition is called onycholysis, which occurs when your nail separates from its nail bed. It often appears after an injury to your nail, but it may also be due to fungi.
Treatment may involve taking antifungal medication or stopping the use of certain nail products. Keeping your nails short can also prevent them from catching on objects and pulling further off your nail beds.
It can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months for a toenail to grow back completely, while a fingernail may take 4 to 6 months.
You can promote faster healing by keeping the wound moist with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and preventing scabbing. Applying a cold compress for up to 20 minutes can also help reduce swelling and inflammation.
