Noah Sinclair
A broken nail can be very painful and can result from various causes, including catching your nail on something, finger trauma, or even a fungal infection. Nails can also detach from the nail bed due to injuries, long fingernails, or tight-fitting shoes. To stop the pain from a broken nail, immediate home treatment can help relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent infection. This involves cleaning the wound, applying antibiotic ointment, covering the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage, and keeping the area dry. In more severe cases, such as when the nail bed is injured, it is crucial to seek medical attention to prevent infection and further injury.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment for a broken nail | Home treatment, urgent care, or emergency room visit |
| Home treatment options | Trim sharp edges, cover with tape or adhesive bandage, use fingernail glue, tea bag material, and super glue, keep the area clean and dry, apply antibiotic ointment, buff and file the nail |
| Medical treatment | Stop bleeding, clean wound, numb the area, drain blood and fluid, repair nail bed, reattach nail with glue or stitches, prescribe antibiotics, apply splint or special shoe |
| Nail growth | Fingernails: 4-6 months, Toenails: 6-18 months |
| Prevention | Keep nails trimmed, wash hands frequently, avoid biting or picking at nails, wear gloves when working with hands, use own nail clippers, choose a reputable salon |
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What You'll Learn
Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with tape or a bandage
If your nail is chipped on the side, wash the area with clean, warm water and gently pat it dry. Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the affected area. This will help prevent infection and promote healing. You can then cover the nail with a bandage or gauze and secure it with medical tape. Make sure that the tape covers the entire broken area of the nail. Press it down gently but firmly to ensure that it is affixed to the nail. Use a pair of nail scissors to trim off any leftover tape around the nail.
If you have an artificial nail, you should keep it in place until your nail bed heals. Your doctor may advise you to change the dressing daily. If your nail is chipped below the tip, trim the nail down and apply a small piece of tape, glue, or tea bag material on top of the chip to help it grow back evenly.
It is important to keep your nails trimmed and filed to prevent them from breaking or getting injured. Wash your hands frequently and keep them dry. Avoid biting or picking at your nails, and wear gloves or other protective gear when working with your hands.
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Reattach the nail with glue or super glue
Reattaching a broken nail with glue or super glue can be a quick fix for a broken nail. However, it is important to note that this method may not be suitable for everyone, and there is a risk of bacterial infection if the nail or nail bed is not properly cleaned. It is always recommended to consult a medical professional for more serious nail injuries.
If you choose to use glue or super glue to reattach your nail, here is a general step-by-step guide:
- Clean the nail and nail bed area: Use hand sanitiser or alcohol to clean both the natural nail and the detached part of the nail. Allow it to dry for a minute.
- Prepare the glue: Have a small amount of nail glue, super glue, or a special type of tissue adhesive glue ready.
- Apply the glue: Apply a thin layer of glue to the broken area of the nail and/or the detached nail.
- Reattach the nail: Hold the detached nail in place for several seconds until the glue sets.
- Secure with a bandaid: For extra security, you can place a bandaid over the glued area and change it daily.
- Buff and polish (optional): Once the glue is completely dry, you can buff the nail for a natural finish and even apply nail polish if desired.
This method can be a temporary solution until you can visit a salon or manicurist for a more permanent fix. It is important to note that reattaching a nail with glue may be more suitable for minor breaks or cracks, and more serious injuries may require medical attention and professional treatment.
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Use a tea bag, coffee filter, or artificial nail to protect the nail
If you've broken a nail, you can use a tea bag, coffee filter, or artificial nail to protect it. Here's how to do it:
First, cut out a small piece of a clean tea bag, making sure it's big enough to cover the broken area of your nail. Coffee filter material will also work. Then, put a thin layer of nail glue or super glue across the broken part of your nail. Using tweezers, carefully lay the tea bag or coffee filter material flat on your nail, and fold the edges under your nail tip. Apply another layer of glue over the tea bag material.
Once the glue is dry, use a nail file or buffer to smooth out any bumps or uneven areas. Buff the nail until it looks natural and feels smooth to the touch. Finally, apply a thin layer of protective coating, such as a clear, base coat of nail polish, to help protect your nail and promote healing.
Keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection, and consider using an antibiotic ointment if necessary. With proper care, your nail should heal slowly over time, and a new nail will grow in its place.
Alternatively, if you have an artificial nail, you can use it to protect your natural nail as it heals. Keep the artificial nail in place until your nail bed has healed, which typically takes about 7 to 10 days. Change the dressing daily if recommended by your healthcare provider, and apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to prevent the dressing from sticking if advised.
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Trim the nail and file any sharp edges
Trimming the nail and filing any sharp edges is an important step in treating a broken nail. This can help prevent further damage and promote healing. Here is a step-by-step guide to doing this safely and effectively:
Step 1: Prepare Your Nails
Start by washing your hands with soap and warm water to remove any dirt or bacteria that could potentially lead to an infection. Gently pat your nails dry with a clean towel. Keep your nails dry throughout the healing process to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause nail softening and splitting.
Step 2: Trim the Nail
Using clean and sharp nail clippers or scissors, carefully trim the broken nail. If the nail is only slightly chipped, trim the affected area to create a straight edge. If the break is more severe, you may need to trim the nail shorter to avoid catching it on something and causing further damage. Take care not to trim too close to the skin, especially if the nail bed is exposed, as this can be painful and lead to further injury.
Step 3: File the Nail
Use a nail file to gently smooth out any sharp edges left after trimming. File in one direction, following the natural growth pattern of your nails, to avoid causing further damage or splitting. Pay close attention to the edges of the broken nail and file them down until they are smooth and no longer jagged. This will help prevent the nail from catching on things and reduce the risk of further tearing.
Step 4: Maintain Nail Health
To promote healthy regrowth and prevent further breakage, it's important to maintain proper nail care. Keep your nails trimmed and filed regularly, avoiding metal tools when pushing back cuticles. Avoid biting your nails or using them as tools to open things. Additionally, buff your nails gently and apply a protective coating, such as a clear nail polish, to strengthen them and prevent splitting.
Step 5: Monitor for Complications
In some cases, a broken nail can lead to a more serious nail bed injury or infection. If you experience symptoms such as persistent pain, swelling, redness, or discharge, seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can assess the injury and provide appropriate treatment to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of long-term nail damage.
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Seek medical attention for serious injuries or infections
While minor nail breaks can be treated at home, it is important to seek medical attention for more serious nail injuries or infections. Here are some scenarios where you should seek professional help:
Serious Injuries
- Large Bruise: If you have a large bruise under your nail, your healthcare provider will need to create a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and fluid and relieve the pressure and pain.
- Bone Fracture: If you have fractured a bone in your finger or toe, your doctor may need to place a wire in your digit to keep the bone in place. They will also address any nail injuries that may have occurred simultaneously.
- Nail Bed Injury: If your nail has been completely torn off or crushed, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection and ensure proper healing of the nail matrix, from which nails grow.
- Heavy Bleeding: If your broken nail is causing heavy bleeding, you should seek medical attention. This could indicate a serious injury to the nail or surrounding area.
- Inability to Remove Rings: If you cannot remove a ring because your finger is swollen, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Infections
- Signs of Infection: If you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pain around the nail, seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can prescribe antibiotics to prevent and treat infections.
- Fungal Nail Infection: Toenails are more commonly affected by fungal infections, which can cause symptoms such as cracked, yellow, discolored, streaked, thickened, or spotted nails. A doctor can provide the necessary treatment to address the infection and prevent further complications.
- Ingrown Toenail: Ingrown toenails can lead to redness, swelling, pain, and infection. If left untreated, they may recur. A podiatrist can provide proper treatment and guidance on nail care to prevent further issues.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have a broken nail, you can take the following steps to minimise pain and discomfort:
- Wash your nail with clean, warm water and dry it with a clean towel.
- Soak the nail in warm water to soften it.
- Apply a small amount of nail glue to the area where the nail broke off and spread it out to form a thin layer.
- Gently but firmly press the broken piece of nail onto the area where it broke off for 30 to 60 seconds until it stays attached.
- Remove any extra glue with a Q-tip or cotton ball.
- Use a file or buffer to smooth out the nail.
- Apply a thin layer of protective coating, such as a clear base coat of nail polish, once the glue has dried.
If the nail is seriously injured, especially if the nail bed is injured, you should seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection or further injury.
To prevent your broken nail from getting caught and causing further injury, you can cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown out enough to protect the finger or toe. You can also trim off the detached part of the nail to reduce the risk of it catching and tearing.
It typically takes about 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back and up to 12 to 18 months for a toenail to regrow.
