Sophia Delgado
Acrylic nails can be a fun way to express yourself, but they can also be a hassle when they break or cause an injury. If you've injured your natural nail under an acrylic nail, it's important to take the proper steps to remove the acrylic nail safely and prevent further damage or infection. In this guide, we will cover the steps to remove an injured acrylic nail, as well as provide tips for caring for your natural nail to ensure it heals properly. We will also discuss the signs of infection and when to seek medical attention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First steps | Wash hands and injured nail with mild soap and warm water to remove dirt and debris. Pat the area dry with a clean towel and rinse with a mild antiseptic solution or disinfectant to prevent infection. |
| Next steps | Trim any jagged edges of the broken nail with nail clippers and use a nail file to gently smooth out the edges to prevent further damage. |
| General care | Be gentle with your hands and avoid activities that could further damage the injured nail, such as picking, pulling, or biting. Keep nails short to reduce the risk of additional breakage. |
| Cleaning | Keep the nail clean with a gentle cleanser, wash, rinse, and oil. |
| Healing time | In a few weeks, depending on how far up the nail the damage was, it will heal. Gradually, a new nail will form. |
| Medical attention | If the injury is severe or if you experience pain, swelling, or signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus, etc.), seek medical attention. |
| Onycholysis | Onycholysis is when your nail separates from its nail bed, often appearing after an injury. Treatment may involve cutting away the separated nail as it grows out or taking antifungal medication. |
| Bleeding | If there is bleeding under the nail, a paper clip can be heated with a lighter and gently pressed into the center of the blackness to allow blood to be squeezed out. Alternatively, acetone can be used to remove the fake nail, and the blood will eventually be reabsorbed. |
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What You'll Learn
Clean and disinfect the injured nail
To clean and disinfect an injured acrylic nail, start by washing your hands with mild soap and warm water to remove any dirt or debris. Be sure to gently clean the injured nail as well. You can use a soft-bristled nail brush to scrub gently under your nails and remove any dirt. Just be careful not to press too hard against the underside of the nail to avoid weakening the glue.
Once you've scrubbed the nail, dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel. It's important to keep the injured nail dry to prevent fungus and bacteria buildup, which can lead to infections. You can also use a cuticle pusher to scrape out any remaining dirt.
After cleaning and drying the nail, rinse the area with a mild antiseptic solution or disinfectant to prevent infection. Avoid soaking the nail in a water bath, as this can encourage pathogens. Instead, gently rinse or sweep the antiseptic solution over the injured nail.
If the injury has exposed the nail bed, you can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to protect it and cover it with a band-aid. You can also soak the nail in a saltwater solution (1 teaspoon of salt in 4 cups of warm water) for several days until the nail hardens and is no longer sensitive.
Keep the injured nail clean and dry, and avoid activities that could further damage it, such as picking, pulling, or biting. Shortening the nail can also help reduce the risk of additional breakage. With gentle care and patience, the nail should heal within a few weeks.
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Trim and file the nail
Trimming and filing your injured acrylic nail is an important step in maintaining your nails and preventing further damage. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you safely trim and file your injured acrylic nail:
Start by gently trimming any jagged edges of the broken nail with nail clippers. Be careful not to cut too much length off your nail at once, as this can cause tension in the centre of the nail, leading to vertical cracks. Instead, trim a little at a time, starting from the outer corners of the nail. Cut in a V-shape, following the natural curve of your nail, to maintain its strength.
After trimming, use a nail file to gently smooth out the edges. Filing will help prevent snagging and further damage to the nail. Use gentle, smooth strokes with the file, always moving in one direction. Avoid applying too much pressure, as this can weaken the nail and lead to breakage.
If you have access to an electric file, it can be a safer and more effective option for shortening and shaping your nails. Electric files, also known as e-files, operate with a power bit that spins quickly, making the process faster and more precise. However, always be cautious when using an electric file, as the high speed requires close attention to avoid accidental over-filing.
Remember, your natural nails continue to grow underneath the acrylics. Therefore, regular trimming and filing are essential to maintain your desired length and prevent your acrylic nails from becoming too long and vulnerable to breakage.
By following these steps, you can safely trim and file your injured acrylic nail, reducing the risk of further damage and promoting the health and strength of your nails.
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Be gentle with your hands
If you have injured your nail, it is crucial to keep the area clean to prevent infection. Gently wash your hands and the injured nail with mild soap and warm water to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid soaking your nails in a water bath as this can encourage pathogens to take hold. Instead, pat the area dry with a clean towel, and rinse with a mild antiseptic solution or disinfectant.
If your nail has broken, use nail clippers to trim any jagged edges, then use a nail file to gently smooth out the edges to prevent snagging and further damage. Keep the injured nail clean and dry, and consider applying a gentle cleanser, wash, rinse, and oil to promote healing.
In the case of a severe injury, or if you experience pain, swelling, or signs of infection (such as redness, warmth, or pus), it is important to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional or dermatologist. They can provide proper treatment and advice based on your specific situation.
Remember, patience and nurturing are key when dealing with an injured acrylic nail. With gentle care and attention, your nail will gradually heal and recover.
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Don't use superglue or artificial nail glue
While it may be tempting to use superglue or artificial nail glue to fix an injured acrylic nail, it is important to avoid doing so. These types of glue are not designed for use on nails and can cause a variety of issues.
Firstly, superglue is a multi-purpose adhesive designed to bond various materials, including plastics and metals. It is much stronger than nail glue and can cause skin irritation, chemical burns, and even infections if used on nails. The chemical composition of superglue includes cyanoacrylates, which may cause allergic reactions and produce toxic fumes upon application. These fumes can be harmful if inhaled and may lead to respiratory issues.
Nail glue, on the other hand, is specifically formulated to be safe for use on nails and skin. It contains ingredients such as ethyl cyanoacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and butyl acetate, which create a strong bond between the artificial nail and the natural nail. While nail glue is also an adhesive, it is designed to be weaker than superglue, making it ideal for smaller repairs and applications that require some flexibility.
Additionally, using superglue to fix an injured acrylic nail may exacerbate the issue. If the skin around the nail is broken, the strong adhesion of superglue can increase the risk of infection and prolong the healing process. It is also more difficult to remove superglue, requiring specialized solvents that may further damage the natural nail.
Instead of reaching for the superglue or artificial nail glue, it is best to opt for products specifically designed for nail repairs, such as nail glue or alternative methods like nail tabs, acrylic mixtures, or gel nail polish. These options provide a safer and more effective solution for repairing injured acrylic nails while minimizing the risk of further damage or infection.
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Seek medical attention if pain or swelling occurs
If you experience any pain or swelling after removing an injured acrylic nail, it is important to seek medical attention. While minor discomfort and tenderness around the nail bed are normal, more severe symptoms may indicate an infection or a more serious injury.
Pain and swelling could be a sign of an infected nail bed. An infection can occur when bacteria enter through a break in the skin, such as when an acrylic nail is removed or damaged. Symptoms of an infected nail bed include redness, warmth, and pus. If left untreated, an infection can spread and cause further complications.
In some cases, a damaged acrylic nail may also result in a broken bone in the finger or toe. This type of injury would typically cause severe pain and swelling. If you suspect a broken bone, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Additionally, if you are unable to remove a ring due to swelling in your finger, it is important to contact your healthcare provider for advice. They may recommend that you seek urgent medical attention to safely remove the ring and assess the extent of the injury.
When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional medical advice. A healthcare professional or dermatologist can provide proper treatment and advice based on your specific situation. They may recommend a course of antibiotics or other treatments to promote healing and relieve discomfort.
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Frequently asked questions
If your acrylic nail gets injured, it is important to keep the affected area clean to prevent infection. Wash your hands and the injured nail with mild soap and warm water, then pat the area dry with a clean towel. Do not soak your nails in water as this can encourage pathogens to take hold. Avoid activities that could further damage the nail, such as picking, pulling, or biting. If you experience pain, swelling, or signs of infection, seek medical attention.
If there is bleeding underneath your acrylic nail, the blood will eventually be resorbed and the swelling will go down. If there is a lot of pain from the pressure under the nail, you can try an old-fashioned technique: unbend a paper clip, heat the tip with a lighter, then gently but firmly press the tip into the centre of the nail until it penetrates and allows the blood to be squeezed out. Alternatively, acetone can be used to remove the acrylic nail without causing harm.
If your nail has separated from the nail bed due to injury, the detached part will eventually grow out and can be cut away with nail clippers or nail scissors. If the separation is due to a fungal infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral or topical antifungal medication. It is important to finish the full course of medication to prevent the fungus from returning.
