Sophia Delgado
A nail bed injury is common and can occur when a heavy object crushes or hits the fingers or toes, resulting in a subungual hematoma, which looks like a bruise. Treatment for a nail bed injury depends on the severity of the injury. Minor nail bed injuries can be treated at home by removing any unattached parts of the nail, keeping the area clean and dry, and waiting for a new nail to grow. This process can take 6 to 18 months, depending on whether it is a fingernail or toenail. More severe injuries may require medical attention, such as a minor surgical procedure or stitches to repair the nail bed and reattach the nail.
Characteristics and their values regarding nail separation from the nail bed
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Keep nails trimmed short, avoid biting nails, wear gloves when doing activities that may damage nails, wear clean socks and comfortable, protective shoes, be careful when putting down heavy objects near your feet |
| Treatment | Cut away the separated nail as it grows out, take antifungal medications, stop using certain nail products, use nail clippers or nail scissors to remove the affected nail, use topical antifungal medication, keep the area dry to prevent infection, file any sharp edges smooth, cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage, soak the affected area in warm water for 20 minutes 2-3 times a day for 3 days, apply petroleum jelly, watch for signs of infection, remove artificial nails, seek medical advice |
| Healing time | 6 months or longer for a fingernail, 9 months for a normal nail to grow back, up to 18 months for a toenail to grow back |
| Medical treatment | Minor nail bed injuries can be treated at home, more severe injuries may require stitches, surgery, or antibiotics |
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What You'll Learn
Treating nail separation
Onycholysis is the medical term for nail separation, when the nail plate separates from the nail bed. It is usually not painful but can be uncomfortable and unsightly. It can be caused by an injury, fungus, or an allergic reaction to certain chemicals in nail products, such as nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardeners, and fake nails. In some cases, it may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.
If nail separation is caused by an injury, treatment is often not necessary, and the nail will grow out over time. However, if the nail separation is due to a fungal infection, it may require oral or topical antifungal medication. It is important to finish the full course of medication to effectively treat the infection.
- Keep your nails trimmed short to prevent them from catching on objects and pulling further off the nail bed.
- File any sharp edges to smooth them out and reduce the risk of tearing.
- Soak your nails in a solution of warm water and salt a few times a day for several days to help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the affected area and cover it with a non-stick bandage to keep the nail bed moist and protected. Change the bandage whenever it gets wet.
- Avoid biting your nails and picking at the affected area.
- Wear gloves when doing activities that may damage your nails, such as washing dishes, playing sports, or gardening.
- Avoid nail products and chemicals that can irritate your nails or the skin around them, such as nail polish, nail polish remover, and fake nails.
- Keep the nail bed dry to prevent infection.
- Cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage to protect the nail bed and prevent further damage.
- Treat any underlying conditions or infections that may have contributed to the nail separation.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing nail separation, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, as it may indicate a more serious condition. They can advise you on the best course of treatment and help manage any underlying causes.
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Trimming and removing the nail
If you have onycholysis, it is recommended to trim the affected nail as it grows out. You can use nail clippers or nail scissors to remove the nail carefully. It is important to keep the nail short to prevent it from catching on objects and causing further separation or injury. Additionally, you should avoid biting your nails and be cautious when cleaning underneath them to prevent any infection.
In the case of a partially detached nail, you can soak the affected finger or toe in cold water for about 20 minutes after trimming. This helps soothe the area and reduce any inflammation. Afterward, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to keep the nail bed moisturized and protected. Cover the area with a non-stick or adhesive bandage to keep it clean and secure.
For fungal infections, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral or topical antifungal medications to treat the underlying cause of onycholysis. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional and complete the full course of treatment to effectively eliminate the fungal infection.
To prevent further nail bed damage and promote healing, it is recommended to keep your nails trimmed short and avoid any activities or products that may irritate your nails or the surrounding skin. This includes wearing protective gloves during certain activities, such as washing dishes or playing sports, and avoiding nail polish, nail hardeners, and artificial nails, as these can irritate the nail bed and hinder the healing process.
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Home remedies
If your nail is partly attached, use scissors to remove the detached part. File down any sharp edges to prevent the nail from catching and tearing further. If the nail bed is exposed, cover it with tape or an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown out enough to protect the finger or toe.
Soak your finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes after trimming the nail. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and cover the area with a non-stick bandage.
Soak your hand or foot in a solution of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in four cups of warm water for 20 minutes, two or three times a day, for the next three days. Reapply petroleum jelly and cover with a fresh adhesive bandage. Keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail bed is firm or the nail has grown back.
Apply a nail-strengthening product to improve overall nail health. These products come in oils and polishes and give your nail an extra layer of protection.
Eat foods such as olive oil, eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, milk, strawberries, broccoli, and seafood to help strengthen your nails and cuticles. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration, brittle nail beds, and dry cuticles.
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Medical treatments
Onycholysis, or nail separation, occurs when the nail separates from its nail bed. This can be caused by injury, fungal infections, reactions to chemicals, or certain medications. While the detached nail won't reattach, there are several medical treatments that can help manage the condition and promote nail regrowth.
If you have onycholysis due to an injury, you can simply allow the nail to grow out and use nail clippers or scissors to carefully remove the affected nail. Keeping your nails trimmed short can prevent them from catching on objects and causing further separation. It is important to be gentle when cleaning underneath your nails, as tools like cuticle sticks and nail brushes can break the skin and cause infection.
For fungal infections, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral or topical antifungal medications. Oral medications can include terbinafine (Lamisil®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), or fluconazole (Diflucan®). Topical treatments come in the form of creams, ointments, or gels that are applied directly to the nails. It is important to complete the full course of antifungal medication to effectively treat the infection.
In more severe cases of nail bed injuries, such as subungual hematomas (bruising under the nail), professional medical treatment may be required. A doctor may perform trephination, which involves making a small hole in the nail to drain the pooled blood. This procedure helps relieve pain and promotes proper healing.
If you are experiencing nail separation, it is important to seek medical advice, especially if there are signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pain. Your healthcare provider can assess the condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment options to facilitate nail regrowth and prevent further complications.
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Preventing nail damage
Keep Nails Trimmed and Clean: It is important to maintain proper nail hygiene. Keep your nails clean and dry. Trim your nails regularly, using sharp manicure scissors or clippers. It is recommended to trim nails after bathing when they are softer and easier to cut. Trim them straight across, gently rounding the tips. For those with brittle or weak nails, keep them short to avoid breakage.
Moisturize Nails and Cuticles: Use lotion or moisturizer on your nails and cuticles to keep them hydrated. Moisturized nails are less prone to breakage and splitting.
Avoid Biting and Tearing: Do not bite, tear, or pull on your nails or hangnails. Biting and tearing can damage the nails and surrounding skin, leading to potential infections and abnormalities.
Protect Nails from Injury: Nail bed injuries are common, often occurring from crushing or impact injuries. To prevent such injuries, avoid using your nails as tools to pry or lift objects, and wear protective gloves when handling sharp objects or heavy items.
Be Mindful of Artificial Nails: Artificial nails can cause nail damage, leaving your natural nails thin, brittle, and dry. If you choose to wear artificial nails, opt for soak-off gel nails instead of acrylics, as they are more flexible and less likely to cause cracking. Reserve artificial nails for special occasions, giving your nails time to recover in between applications. Additionally, avoid cuticle trimming, as cuticles protect your nails from infection.
By following these preventive measures, you can help keep your nails strong, healthy, and less susceptible to damage and abnormalities.
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Frequently asked questions
If your nail has detached from the nail bed, it will not reattach. You should keep the area dry to prevent infection and wait for a new nail to grow. You can also trim off the detached part of the nail and cover the area with tape or an adhesive bandage.
Fingernails typically take 3-6 months to grow back, while toenails can take up to 18 months. Nails grow at a rate of about one-tenth of an inch per month.
Nails can detach from the nail bed due to various reasons, including injuries, fungal infections, and reactions to chemicals in nail products.
You can treat a detached nail at home by trimming off the detached part of the nail, filing any sharp edges, and keeping the area clean and dry. You can also apply petroleum jelly or neomycin ointment to the nail bed and cover it with a clean bandage.
If there is significant damage to the nail bed or surrounding areas, or if there are signs of infection, swelling, increasing pain, or pus, you should seek medical attention. In some cases, a doctor may need to remove the nail and repair the nail bed.
