Ava Monroe
A broken fingernail can be a painful and unsightly experience, but there are several ways to treat it at home and promote healing. This article will explore the different methods for treating a broken fingernail, from the use of household items to medical treatments, and provide advice on preventing further injury and infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Home treatment often helps relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent infection. Treatment may involve removing the nail, keeping the area dry to prevent infection, and waiting for a new nail to grow. |
| Healing Time | It takes about 6 months or longer for a fingernail to grow back. |
| Prevention | File any sharp edges smooth or trim the nail to prevent catching the nail and tearing it more. Cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown out enough to protect the finger. |
| First Aid | Wash the injury with clean, warm water. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth. Clean the wound with soap and warm water. Apply antibiotic ointment and bandage. For swelling, ice the area and elevate the injured area above the heart. For pain, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen. |
| When to Seek Medical Attention | If you lose a large portion of your nail or experience heavy bleeding. If there are signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail. If the person sees a healthcare provider, they may need a tetanus shot or booster. |
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What You'll Learn
How to treat a broken fingernail at home
A broken nail can be disappointing and even painful, but there are several easy solutions to fix it at home. It's important to note that if you lose a large portion of your nail or experience heavy bleeding, you should consult a healthcare professional. If you have a mild nail injury, you can follow these steps:
Trim the hanging part
If any part of your nail is hanging off, gently trim away the part that is not connected to your skin. This ensures that the broken nail doesn't catch on anything and cause more pain.
Clean the wound
Gently clean the wound using soap and water, especially if it is bleeding. If there is no bleeding, you can apply petroleum jelly to keep your wound moist, and then cover it with gauze or a non-adhesive bandage. Repeat these steps daily while your wound heals.
Protect the nail
To protect your nail while it heals, keep a light dressing on it, such as an adhesive bandage or a small piece of gauze. This provides padding and protection. You can also apply ice (inside a cloth) for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day after that to reduce throbbing and swelling.
Reattach the broken nail
You can use fingernail glue to reattach the broken part of your nail. Apply a small amount of nail glue to the broken area, press the nail piece into place with a nail file, and hold for 10 seconds. Once the glue dries, lightly buff the surface of your nail to smooth out any bumps.
Alternatively, you can try the tea bag method. Start by cutting a tea bag to the right size to cover the broken part of the nail. Place a thin layer of glue on the broken area and lay the tea bag flat over the glue with tweezers.
Promote nail growth
Nails grow very slowly, so it can take up to six months for a fingernail to grow back completely. To promote nail growth, focus on proper protein intake and optimising your nutrition. Coconut oil is also a great way to strengthen nails and moisturise cuticles, which can help keep your nails healthy.
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When to seek medical attention for a broken fingernail
Fingernail injuries are common and can usually be remedied at home. However, there are instances where you should seek medical attention.
If you lose a large portion of your nail or experience heavy bleeding, you should talk to a healthcare professional. Serious breaks can injure the nail bed and nail matrix, where the cells that make up the nail are produced. If the nail bed is injured, you should seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection or further injury.
In some cases, a doctor may need to remove the nail and repair the nail bed and matrix. They may use stitches or a special glue to reattach the nail. If the nail cannot be reattached, a special type of material will be used to cover the nail bed as it heals. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
If you have broken the bone in your finger, your provider may need to place a wire in your finger to keep the bone in place. This type of injury will take about four weeks to heal.
It is important to note that untreated nail injuries can lead to infection, foot ulcers, and other serious problems, especially if you have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an immune system problem.
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How to prevent infection in a broken fingernail
A broken fingernail can lead to a nasty infection if not treated properly. Here are some ways to prevent infection and promote healing:
Keep the Area Clean and Dry
It is important to keep the affected area clean and dry to prevent infection. Gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes with soap and water, and pat the area dry with a clean towel. Ensure that you keep the nail bed dry as well.
Apply Petroleum Jelly and Cover with a Bandage
After cleaning the area, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to the affected area. This will help keep the skin moisturized and protected. Then, cover the area with a non-stick, adhesive bandage to keep the wound protected and clean. Change the bandage daily or whenever it gets wet.
Soak the Finger in Warm Salt Water
Soak your injured finger in a solution of warm water and salt two to three times a day for the next 3 days. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 4 cups of warm water. Soaking the finger will help to draw out any fluid and reduce swelling and redness.
File Down Sharp Edges
If there are any sharp edges or uneven surfaces on the broken fingernail, use a nail file to gently smooth them out. This will help prevent the nail from catching on things and causing further damage or injury.
Take Pain Relievers and Apply Ice
To manage any pain and swelling, take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen. You can also apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured finger for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then reduce to 3-4 times a day after that.
Seek Medical Attention if Needed
If the injury is severe, or if you notice signs of infection such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus, seek medical attention promptly. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to prevent and treat infections.
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How to relieve pain from a broken fingernail
A broken fingernail can be very painful and is often the result of a torn, chipped, split, or smashed nail. In some cases, the nail may even get completely torn off, crushed, or pinched, which can cause blood to pool beneath the nail, a condition known as a subungual hematoma. If you experience heavy bleeding, a large portion of your nail breaking off, or a black or purple discolouration, seek medical attention.
If your injury is mild, there are several ways to relieve pain and treat the wound at home. First, if any part of your nail is hanging off, gently trim away the part not connected to your skin. Then, wash your hands with soap and warm water, being careful not to touch the injured area directly, and gently pat it dry with a clean towel. To reduce swelling, apply a cool, damp washcloth to the wound and prop your arm up on pillows so that your nail is higher than your heart. You can also take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Once the wound has stopped bleeding, apply petroleum jelly to keep it moist, and then cover it with gauze or an adhesive bandage. You can also use fingernail glue or super glue to reattach the broken part of your nail. If you choose to use glue, first, soak your nail in warm water to soften it. Then, apply a thin layer of glue to the broken part of your nail and lay a piece of tea bag material on top. Finally, apply another layer of glue and let it dry.
It takes about 4 to 6 months for a new fingernail to grow and replace the lost nail. During this time, keep your nails short to prevent them from catching on objects and causing further injury.
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How to speed up healing for a broken fingernail
A broken fingernail is a common injury that can usually be treated at home. However, if a large portion of your nail is missing or there is heavy bleeding, it is best to seek medical advice.
If you are treating the injury at home, the first step is to trim the nail, filing down any sharp edges to prevent further injury. If there is any bleeding, gently clean the wound with soap and water, and apply petroleum jelly to keep the area moist. Then, cover the wound with gauze or a bandage. Repeat these steps daily while the wound heals, changing the bandage each day.
To speed up the healing process, you can soak your finger in cold water for 20 minutes after trimming the nail. Then, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly and cover the area with a non-stick bandage. Soak your hand in a solution of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in four cups of warm water for 20 minutes, two to three times a day for the next three days. Reapply petroleum jelly and cover with a fresh bandage each time.
It is important to keep the nail bed dry, clean, and protected with a bandage until the nail has grown back. This can take several weeks, and the new nail will likely have a different shape and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
If you've broken or torn your fingernail, you should first assess the damage. If you've lost a large portion of your nail or are experiencing heavy bleeding, seek medical attention. Otherwise, you can try to reattach the broken piece with nail glue, or cover the area with tape or an adhesive bandage.
To prevent further injury, you should file or trim any sharp edges of the nail. You can also apply an antibiotic ointment to the area and cover it with a bandage. Change the bandage daily and watch for signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail.
If your fingernail has separated from the nail bed, it's important to seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection or further injury. Remove any jewellery from your hands and arms, and gently wash the area with warm water. Avoid touching the injured area directly, and gently pat it dry with a clean towel.
It typically takes about six months or longer for a fingernail to grow back, so patience is key! In the meantime, you can promote healing and prevent infection by keeping the area clean and dry. You can also cover the nail with tape or a bandage until it has grown out enough to protect your finger.
