Isla Bennett
Fingernail injuries are common, and they can be very painful and uncomfortable, sometimes limiting finger movement. They can occur in many ways, such as catching your finger between two objects or cutting yourself with a knife. The most common complications of nail bed injuries are hook nails and split nails. To treat a fingernail injury at home, you must be able to stop the bleeding quickly. You should also remove all jewellery from your hand. If you cannot remove a ring because your finger is swollen, call your healthcare provider.
How to Take Care of a Fingernail Bed
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Avoid biting nails or cuticles, wash hands and keep nails clean, wear gloves when working with chemicals or water |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, draining pus, removing the nail, stitches, X-ray, anesthesia, elevation, ice, pain relievers |
| Healing Time | 7–10 days for nail bed to heal, 4–6 months for a new fingernail to grow back |
| Exercises | Touch the tips of each finger with the thumb, move the wrist forwards and backwards |
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What You'll Learn
- Avoiding nail biting and picking cuticles to prevent bacteria from entering
- Wearing gloves to protect your nail beds from chemicals and water
- Keeping your nails clean and washing your hands to maintain hygiene
- Using gentle, non-irritating soaps and lotions to prevent dryness and cracking
- Exercising your fingers to prevent stiffness during recovery from a nail injury
Avoiding nail biting and picking cuticles to prevent bacteria from entering
Nail biting and picking cuticles can create tiny cracks in the nails or cuts in the skin, allowing bacteria to enter and cause infections. Paronychia, a common nail infection, occurs when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold. It can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and pus accumulation under the skin. To prevent bacteria from entering through nail biting and cuticle picking:
Identify triggers: Recognize physical triggers, such as hangnails, or emotional triggers like boredom, stress, or anxiety. Understanding your triggers can help you develop a plan to avoid or manage them effectively.
Gradual cessation: Instead of quitting all at once, try a gradual approach. Start by stopping nail biting on one set of nails, such as your thumbnails, and gradually work towards eliminating other nails.
Keep nails trimmed: Maintaining short nails provides less nail to bite and can be less tempting. However, be careful not to cut your nails too short, as this can create openings for bacteria.
Apply bitter-tasting nail polish: Using a safe, bitter-tasting formula can serve as a deterrent by creating an unpleasant taste sensation when you bite your nails.
Maintain nail hygiene: Keep your nails clean and dry. Wash your hands regularly, and if you work with chemicals or come into frequent contact with water, wear gloves to protect your nails from irritation and potential bacterial entry.
Moisturize: Regularly moisturize your nails and cuticles to keep them hydrated. Apply moisturizing cream or oil and massage gently to promote healthy nails and cuticles.
Choose nail products wisely: Opt for gentle, non-toxic nail polishes and removers that are free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP.
Seek professional help: If you notice any signs of nail infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, don't hesitate to consult a dermatologist or nail specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Wearing gloves to protect your nail beds from chemicals and water
If you work with chemicals or your job requires your hands to be wet for long periods, it's important to wear gloves to protect your nail beds. This includes jobs such as bartending and dishwashing, which can increase your risk of developing paronychia, a nail infection that affects the nail fold and cuticle.
Nitrile gloves are a popular choice for protection against chemicals and water. They act as a great barrier and are less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to latex gloves. However, they may struggle against certain reagents, such as concentrated acetone. If you're using nitrile gloves, consider changing them every hour, especially if your hands tend to sweat.
To further protect your nail beds, you can paint the underside of your nails so that both sides are protected. Applying a strong top coat that goes over the end of the nail can also help seal and protect your nails. Additionally, consider using glove liners underneath your gloves, especially if you plan to wear the same pair for an extended period.
Before putting on gloves, you can apply jojoba oil or cuticle balm to your fingertips. This helps protect your nails from water damage by preventing them from absorbing water. Oiling your nails can also be beneficial if you experience nail polish peeling due to glove use.
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Keeping your nails clean and washing your hands to maintain hygiene
Keeping your nails clean and washing your hands is essential for maintaining good hygiene and preventing nail infections. Here are some tips to help you keep your nails clean and your hands hygienic:
Firstly, it is important to wash your hands regularly with gentle soap and water. Avoid using harsh, irritating soaps as they can dry out your skin and cuticles, leading to cracking and potential entry points for bacteria. When washing your hands, pay close attention to your nails and fingertips, ensuring that you clean under the nails to remove any dirt or bacteria that may be harboured there.
If you work with chemicals or come into frequent contact with water, it is crucial to protect your hands and nails. Wear waterproof gloves to create a barrier between your skin and these irritants, reducing the risk of nail bed infections. Detergents, chemicals, and frequent water exposure can all increase the likelihood of developing paronychia, a type of nail inflammation or infection.
Additionally, refrain from biting your nails or cuticles. Nail biting can create tiny cracks in the nails and cuts in the skin, providing an easy entryway for bacteria to enter and cause infections. Keep your nails trimmed, but avoid cutting them too short, as this can also lead to skin cracks and potential infection.
In the event of a nail injury, such as a cut or crush injury, immediate care is important. Stop any bleeding, clean the wound, and consider applying ice to reduce swelling and pain. If the injury is severe, such as a deep cut or a broken bone, seek medical attention promptly. In some cases, you may need to have an X-ray to check for broken bones or more serious injuries.
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Using gentle, non-irritating soaps and lotions to prevent dryness and cracking
To care for your fingernail bed, it's important to use gentle, non-irritating soaps and lotions to prevent dryness and cracking. This is crucial, as excessive dryness can cause the skin around your nail bed to crack, leading to potential bacterial infections such as paronychia.
When choosing a soap, opt for mild and gentle options that are free from harsh chemicals or fragrances, which can irritate the skin. Look for soaps with moisturising ingredients such as glycerin, aloe vera, or natural oils that nourish the skin while cleansing. Avoid antibacterial soaps, as these can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria on your skin and lead to dryness.
For lotions, select products that are designed for sensitive skin and are free from fragrances and dyes. Ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and natural oils such as jojoba or avocado oil can deeply moisturise the skin around your nail bed, preventing dryness and cracking. Apply lotion generously throughout the day, especially after washing your hands, to lock in moisture.
Additionally, consider using natural and home-based remedies such as coconut oil, olive oil, or aloe vera gel, which can effectively hydrate the skin and promote nail health. These products are gentle and packed with nutrients that can support the overall health of your nail bed and cuticles.
Remember, keeping your hands and nails clean is essential, but it's equally important to avoid over-washing, as this can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Always pat your hands dry after washing and apply a generous amount of lotion to maintain healthy and hydrated skin around your nail bed.
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Exercising your fingers to prevent stiffness during recovery from a nail injury
To care for a fingernail bed, it's important to maintain good hygiene by keeping your hands and nails clean. Use gentle, non-irritating soap and ensure you keep your skin moisturised. Be careful not to cut your nails or cuticles too short, as this can create tiny cracks in the nails or cuts in the skin, providing an entryway for bacteria. If you work with chemicals or water, wear gloves to protect your hands.
If you've suffered a nail injury, your finger may become stiff, sore, or stop functioning as it usually would. To prevent stiffness and promote healing, you can try some simple physical therapy exercises to improve your finger's range of motion and flexibility, as well as to strengthen it. Here are some exercises you can try:
- Place your hand flat on a table with your palm facing down. Slowly straighten your fingers as flat as you can without forcing them, then hold this position for 30-60 seconds. Repeat this exercise four times with each hand.
- Place your hand flat on a table with your palm facing down. Slowly lift and lower one finger at a time off the table. Repeat this exercise 8-10 times on each hand.
- Hold your hand out with your fingers and thumb straight. Bend your thumb across your palm and use each finger to touch your thumb in succession.
These exercises can help improve mobility, flexibility, and strength in your fingers, aiding in the recovery process and preventing stiffness. It is always recommended to consult a doctor or a hand therapist for specific exercises and treatments tailored to your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
A nail bed injury occurs when any part of your nail, including the nail, nail bed, cuticle, or surrounding skin, becomes injured. This can be caused by cuts, tears, smashing, or bruising, and can be very painful and uncomfortable.
For minor injuries, you can treat a nail bed injury at home by cleaning the wound and stopping any bleeding. Apply a bacteria-fighting solution or medication to prevent infection and promote healthy regrowth. Bandage the nail bed to keep it clean and protected.
If you are experiencing severe bleeding, a deep cut, or a broken bone, you should seek medical attention. A doctor will be able to treat the injury, prescribe antibiotics, and repair the nail bed to ensure the nail grows back smoothly.
The most common complications are hook nails and split nails. Hook nails occur when the nail doesn't have enough support and curves around the finger. Split nails happen when the nail can't grow over scar tissue.
It can take around 7-10 days for the nail bed to heal initially, and a new fingernail will take around 4-6 months to grow back. Full recovery, including the return of a normal nail, can take up to 9 months.
