Noah Sinclair
Nails can separate from the nail bed due to injury, fungal infections, skin conditions, or reactions to chemicals in nail products. Treatment options include cutting away the separated nail, taking antifungal medications, or removing artificial nails. To promote healing and prevent infection, it's important to keep the area clean and dry. You can also use nail glue to fix a broken nail at home as a temporary solution. Additionally, maintaining shorter nails can help prevent damage, and regular nail care practices, such as oil soaks and moisturization, can improve nail health.
How to fix a removed nail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Injury, fungal infection, skin conditions, chemical reaction, medication, severe illness |
| Treatment | Cut away separated nail, antifungal medication, stop using certain nail products, home treatment, nail glue, petroleum jelly, adhesive bandage, nail clippers/scissors, nail filing, nail polish |
| Prevention | Keep nails short, wear gloves during damaging activities, wear comfortable protective shoes, be careful when putting down heavy objects |
| Healing time | 6 months or longer for fingernails, 18 months or longer for toenails |
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What You'll Learn
Treat the underlying cause: fungal infection, skin conditions, or chemical reactions
If you have a fungal infection, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medication, such as creams and ointments, or oral antifungal drugs. Keep your nails trimmed and filed to minimize damage to the surrounding skin. Additionally, it is important to maintain good hand hygiene by washing your hands regularly and keeping your nails clean. You should also avoid biting your nails or picking at your cuticles.
For skin conditions like paronychia, a bacterial nail infection, antibiotics are typically prescribed to kill the infection. In some cases, pus may need to be drained, and the fluid may be cultured to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection. To prevent paronychia, it is important to maintain good nail hygiene, including trimming your nails regularly, avoiding cutting them too short, and using gentle, non-irritating soaps. If you work with chemicals or have wet hands frequently, wear waterproof gloves to protect your hands and nails from irritation and infection.
Chemical burns can occur when the skin is exposed to irritants such as detergents and other chemicals, causing redness, irritation, and skin damage. If you experience a chemical burn near your nails, it is important to rinse the affected area with cool water for at least 20 minutes to neutralize the burn and prevent further damage. Seek medical attention if the burn is severe or if symptoms persist. To prevent chemical burns, wear waterproof gloves when working with chemicals or detergents, and avoid using products that contain a high percentage of allergens.
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Cut away the separated nail
Onycholysis, or nail separation, can occur due to various reasons, including injury, fungal infection, skin conditions, and reactions to certain chemicals. Treatment for onycholysis may involve cutting away the separated nail as it grows out. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to safely cut away a separated nail:
Prepare the Necessary Tools and Supplies
Before you begin, gather clean and sterilized nail clippers or nail scissors, a bowl of cold water, petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline), and non-stick or adhesive bandages. Having these items ready will make the process more efficient and help prevent infection.
Trim the Separated Nail
Using nail clippers or nail scissors, carefully trim and cut away the separated portion of the nail. Take your time and be gentle to avoid causing further damage or injury to the surrounding skin. If the nail is only partially attached, use scissors to carefully detach it from the nail bed.
Soak the Finger or Toe
After trimming the nail, soak the affected finger or toe in cold water for about 20 minutes. This will help soothe the area, reduce any discomfort, and prevent irritation.
Apply Petroleum Jelly and Cover with a Bandage
Once the soaking is complete, gently dry the area and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to moisturize and protect the nail bed and surrounding skin. Then, cover the area with a non-stick or adhesive bandage to keep it clean and protected.
Maintain Proper Nail and Skin Care
It is important to keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and a bandage until the nail bed is firm or a new nail has grown back. Change the bandage whenever it gets wet. Additionally, be cautious of any signs of infection, such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus. If infection is suspected, consult a healthcare professional.
Remember, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options, especially if you are experiencing severe pain or other concerning symptoms.
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Take antifungal medication
If you have a fungal nail infection, there are several treatment options available, including antifungal medication. Fungal nail infections are characterized by thick, discoloured, and brittle nails that are easy to break. While it is not a serious infection, it can take a long time to treat.
Antifungal Medication
Antifungal medication can be taken orally or applied topically to the nail. Oral antifungal pills, such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil), are prescribed for severe infections and have high success rates. However, these medications can have side effects and interact with other drugs, so it is important to consult a doctor before taking them. Liver function tests are often required before and during treatment.
Topical antifungal treatments include creams, gels, sprays, and patches that can be applied directly to the nail. These treatments are available over the counter or by prescription and are most effective for mild toenail fungus. Topical nail polishes containing antifungal ingredients, such as amorolfine or ciclopirox, are also available. While these treatments may take longer to show results, they can be used in conjunction with oral medication for better outcomes.
In addition to these treatments, urea-based creams can be used to soften thick nails, making it easier for the antifungal medication to penetrate and work more effectively. This combination may be particularly useful for severe infections with large collections of fungi beneath the nail.
It is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or dermatologist when using antifungal medication. Treatment duration can vary from a few weeks to several months, and discontinuing treatment early may result in the infection returning. Proper nail care and hygiene practices should also be maintained to prevent future infections.
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Stop using certain nail products
Onycholysis, or nail separation, can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, fungal infections, and reactions to certain chemicals in nail products. While treatment options vary depending on the cause, one recommended course of action is to stop using certain nail products that may be contributing to the condition.
Nail products such as nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardeners, nail polish removers, and fake nails can contain chemicals that irritate the nails and the skin surrounding them. These chemicals can lead to onycholysis, and discontinuing their use can help alleviate the issue. It is important to note that this reaction is not limited to cosmetic nail products; even chemicals in medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, have been known to cause nail separation.
Fungal infections are another common cause of nail separation. Fungi can invade the space between the nail and the nail bed, leading to thickened, yellow nails with white spots and streaks. In addition to oral and topical antifungal medications, addressing nail separation caused by fungi may require refraining from using nail products that can trap moisture and create an ideal environment for fungal growth. This includes avoiding nail polish and artificial nails, which can create a favourable environment for fungi to thrive.
In addition to discontinuing the use of certain nail products, there are other measures that can be taken to promote nail health and prevent further issues. Keeping nails trimmed and shorter can reduce the likelihood of nail damage, as shorter nails are less prone to splitting, peeling, and breaking. Proper nail care practices, such as regular cleaning underneath the nails and wearing gloves during activities that may damage the nails, can also help prevent nail separation and promote overall nail health.
While repairing a damaged nail is not possible, there are temporary solutions to mend broken nails at home, such as using nail glue to attach the broken piece back into place. However, for more permanent solutions and to address any underlying conditions, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
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Use nail glue to fix a broken nail
If you've broken a nail, don't panic! Nails are made up of keratin, a protein also found in your skin and hair. Just like skin and hair, nails can dry out and become brittle, leading to breakage. While you wait for your nail to grow back, there are several temporary solutions you can try to fix the damage.
One option is to use nail glue to repair the break. First, file off any sharp edges or trim the nail to prevent further tearing. Then, apply at least one coat of nail glue to the affected area and buff it smooth. You can also use a 5-minute resin for a stronger hold.
It's important to note that some experts advise against using nail glue due to the potential for irritation to the nail bed. As an alternative, you can try the tea bag method. Cut a small rectangle or triangle out of a tea bag, then apply a base coat to your nail. Place the tea bag patch over the crack, wrapping the corners under your nail for added security. Finally, apply a top coat and buff out any rough patches.
In addition to these temporary fixes, you can promote nail health and prevent future breakage by keeping your nails moisturized. Coconut oil is an excellent natural option, as it helps to strengthen nails and moisturize cuticles. You can also use creams containing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, petrolatum, and dimethicone to seal in moisture. Maintaining a balanced diet with adequate protein intake is also crucial for strong, healthy nails.
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