Noah Sinclair
Nail bed injuries are common and can occur when a heavy object crushes or hits the fingers or toes. Depending on the severity of the injury, the nail may still grow back with small ridges or bumps. Minor damage will produce minor defects in the nail, while more significant defects can result in a permanently deformed nail. If there is no permanent damage to the nail matrix or nail bed, the nail should entirely regrow and appear completely normal. Fingernails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month and can regrow entirely in 3-6 months. Toenails, on the other hand, grow at half the rate of fingernails and may take longer to regrow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Bandages and ice packs can help treat nail bed injuries. Professional treatment can ensure the nail bed heals appropriately. |
| Healing Time | It can take 3-6 months for fingernails to regrow entirely and 12-18 months for toenails. It may take up to 9 months for a normal nail to return. |
| Prevention | Keep nails trimmed short to prevent them from catching on objects and pulling off nail beds. |
| Complications | Damage to the nail matrix can cause issues with nail growth and appearance. Infections, swelling, increasing pain, and pus may develop and require a visit to a physician. |
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What You'll Learn
Treatments for nail bed injuries
Nail bed injuries are common and can occur when a heavy object crushes or hits the fingers or toes, or when a person sustains a cut from a sharp object. Many injuries to the nail bed can be fully repaired, and the nail should return to normal. However, some severe injuries can lead to deformed nails.
Treating Nail Bed Injuries
- Minor injuries: Minor nail bed injuries, including subungual hematomas, often heal on their own, especially when no other injuries are present. Bandages and ice packs can help treat these injuries.
- Professional treatment: Receiving professional treatment can help ensure that the nail bed heals appropriately, forming a smooth surface for the new nail to grow.
- Treating hematomas: Doctors treat subungual hematomas by making a small hole in the nail and draining the pooling blood. This procedure is called trephination and provides pain relief. If the hematoma covers more than half of the nail bed, the doctor may remove the nail and repair the nail bed.
- Lacerations: Nail bed lacerations may require stitches. If the cut is serious, the nail might have to be removed.
- Avulsions: For nail bed avulsions, the nail must be removed. If there is a finger fracture, it will need to be splinted.
- Antibiotics: People with nail bed injuries may need a course of antibiotics to prevent infection.
- X-rays: Doctors may request an X-ray to check for any bone fractures.
- Surgical procedures: In some cases, a minor surgical procedure on the nail bed can improve the nail's appearance.
- Preventing infection: Local precautions to prevent infection should be taken, such as covering the damaged skin with an appropriate dressing.
- Home care: Many nail bed injuries are minor and can be treated at home. However, some require prompt medical attention to ensure proper healing and smooth nail growth.
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Home remedies for nail bed injuries
Many nail bed injuries are minor and can be treated at home. However, severe injuries may require medical attention to ensure that the nail bed heals properly and the nail grows back smoothly. If you cannot bend your finger or toe, if blood covers more than half of your nail, if your nail is black or purple, or if the injury is very painful, seek medical attention.
If you have a mild nail injury, follow these steps:
- Treat the wound: If any part of your nail is hanging off, gently trim away the part that is not connected to your skin. Then, gently clean the wound using soap and water.
- Remove any jewellery from your hand: Apply soap if necessary to help rings slip off your fingers.
- Apply a cool, damp washcloth to the wound to reduce swelling. Prop the injured arm or leg on pillows so that the nail is higher than your heart.
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Protect your nail while it heals: Keep a light dressing on the nail, such as an adhesive bandage or a small piece of gauze, to provide padding and protection.
- Keep your nails short to prevent further injuries.
Full recovery from a nail bed injury may take 6-9 months, depending on the severity of the injury. Fingernails typically take 3-6 months to grow back entirely, while toenails can take up to 12 months. Nails with damage to the nail matrix may grow back with defects, such as small ridges or bumps.
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When to seek professional help
While many nail bed injuries are minor and can be treated at home, others require prompt medical attention to ensure the nail bed heals properly and the nail grows back smoothly. Here are some scenarios where it is advisable to seek professional help:
- Infection or Bone Fractures: If there are any signs of infection, such as swelling, increasing pain, or pus, it is important to visit a physician as soon as possible. Additionally, if you suspect a bone fracture, a doctor may take an X-ray to assess the extent of the injury.
- Subungual Hematoma: This occurs when blood pools between the nail and the nail bed, often due to a crush injury or heavy impact. While small hematomas may resolve on their own, if the blood covers more than half of the nail bed, a doctor may need to drain the blood through a procedure called trephination. They may also remove and repair the nail bed if it is severely damaged.
- Nail Avulsion: A nail avulsion occurs when the nail and part of the nail bed are pulled away from the finger, causing intense pain and swelling. In such cases, a doctor may need to remove the nail and attach a synthetic nail to protect the nail bed as a new nail grows.
- Damage to Adjacent Structures: If there appears to be significant damage to the tissues or structures surrounding the nail bed, it is important to seek medical advice. This includes damage to the nail matrix, which can result in permanent nail deformities if left untreated.
- Persistent or Severe Symptoms: If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or other abnormal symptoms during the healing process, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess the extent of the injury and provide guidance on managing the symptoms.
Remember, it is always better to seek professional advice if you are uncertain about the severity of your nail bed injury or if you notice any unusual changes to your nails.
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Preventing nail damage
Nail bed injuries are common, and they can occur in various ways, including crushing, cutting, or piercing the nail and nail bed. To prevent nail damage and keep your nails healthy and strong, there are several measures you can take:
Keep your nails trimmed short: Maintaining short nails can prevent them from catching on objects and reduce the risk of pulling or tearing them off the nail beds. Short nails are less likely to sustain severe damage when struck by a heavy object.
Avoid nail biting: Biting your nails can weaken them and make them more susceptible to damage. It can also transfer bacteria from your mouth to your nails, increasing the risk of infection.
Be gentle when cleaning your nails: Tools like cuticle sticks and nail brushes can be abrasive and cause microscopic tears in the skin underneath your nails, creating an entry point for bacteria and potential infection. Be gentle and use soft, clean tools when cleaning your nails and the surrounding area.
Avoid harsh chemicals and products: Certain products can irritate your nails and the skin surrounding them, making them more prone to damage. Avoid using nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardeners, nail polish remover, and fake nails. Choose gentle, natural alternatives or limit the use of these products if you can't avoid them entirely.
Protect your nails during activities: Wear gloves when doing chores like washing dishes, gardening, or any activity that involves harsh chemicals or potential contact with heavy objects. Gloves act as a protective barrier and can significantly reduce the risk of nail bed injuries.
Be cautious with heavy objects: When handling or placing heavy objects near your hands or feet, be extra cautious. Avoid dropping or hitting your nails with these objects, as the impact can cause nail bed injuries.
Additionally, if you notice any signs of nail separation, such as onycholysis, where the nail lifts away from the nail bed, consult a healthcare professional. It may be a sign of an underlying condition or a fungal infection.
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How to speed up nail growth
Growing out damaged nail beds can be a long process, taking anywhere from three to nine months for nails to fully recover and regrow. While there is little that can be done to speed up the regrowth process, there are ways to ensure that your nails grow back healthy and strong. Here are some tips to help you grow out your damaged nail beds:
Seek Professional Treatment
In the case of severe nail bed injuries, it is important to seek professional medical treatment. A doctor can assess the damage and repair the nail bed if necessary. They may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and provide advice on how to care for your nails during the healing process.
Nourish Your Nails
Nails are primarily made up of a protein called keratin. Therefore, consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can contribute to healthier nail growth. Incorporate foods like eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and leafy greens into your diet to provide essential nutrients for your nail health. You can also take keratin supplements or apply it topically as an oil to strengthen your nails.
Practice Good Grooming
Good grooming habits can help protect your nails from breakage. Regularly trim your nails to prevent them from snagging and breaking. Additionally, massage your nails and cuticles with nourishing oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil to promote growth and strengthen them. Keep your nails smooth and filed to further reduce the risk of breakage.
Protect Your Nails
If you work with tools, machinery, or chemicals, take precautions to protect your nails and hands. Wear gloves when advised, and be mindful of "pinch points" that could injure your fingers. If you play sports or work with heavy objects, wear proper footwear, such as correctly sized shoes or steel-toe boots, to safeguard your toes.
While there is no guaranteed way to speed up nail growth, following these tips will help create a healthy environment for your nails to grow and ensure that your damaged nail beds recover and regrow strong and healthy nails.
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Frequently asked questions
A nail bed is the skin on which your fingernails or toenails rest.
Damage to the nail bed can be caused by a heavy object crushing or hitting the fingers or toes, or by cuts from sharp objects. It can also be caused by wearing shoes that are too small, keeping nails in water for too long, or frequent manicures.
For minor nail bed injuries, you can treat them at home with bandages and ice packs. If there is damage to the nail, it should be removed, and the nail bed should be cleaned with soap and water. If there is any damage to the surrounding tissues or signs of infection, you should seek medical attention.
It typically takes around 3 months for a new, but abnormal, nail to grow out. A return to a normal nail can take up to 9 months.
To prevent nail bed damage, it is important to protect your hands and nails. When working with tools or machinery, be aware of potential hazards and wear gloves if necessary. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight, and change out of wet shoes and socks as soon as possible.
