Caleb Foster
Fingernails can fall off due to various reasons, including injuries, trauma, or infections. If your fingernail is damaged or loose, it's important to assess the situation and take appropriate action to ensure proper care and prevent further complications. In some cases, you might need to seek medical attention, especially if there are signs of infection or if the injury involves the nail bed or matrix. Here are some key considerations to help you understand the situation and determine your next steps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour of nail | Black, purple, green, white, or blue |
| Symptoms | Pus, redness, hot, swelling, pain |
| Loss of sensation | Loss of feeling in the tip of the finger |
| Capillary refill | Pressing on the injured nail/finger to check if blood is flowing |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, analgesics, band-aids, surgery |
| Regrowth | 4-6 months for fingernails, 12 months for toenails |
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What You'll Learn
- Fingernail injuries can cause blood to become trapped under the nail, a condition called a subungual hematoma
- If the nail is loose, don't hesitate to see a healthcare provider
- If the nail is bothering you, a healthcare provider can safely remove it
- A new nail will grow in but it will take several months
- Keep the injured area clean and dry to prevent infection
Fingernail injuries can cause blood to become trapped under the nail, a condition called a subungual hematoma
Subungual hematomas can cause intense pain and throbbing due to the pressure of the blood collecting under the nail. This pressure can be extremely painful and affect daily activities. The pain from a subungual hematoma can take weeks to subside unless treated by a healthcare professional.
Treating a subungual hematoma typically involves draining the accumulated blood by creating a small hole in the nail plate, a procedure known as trephination. This can be done using various techniques, such as cautery, a heated wire, or a needle. Draining the hematoma relieves the pressure and pain associated with the condition.
It is important to seek medical attention within two days of noticing a subungual hematoma. While small hematomas may not require medical treatment, larger ones can increase the risk of the fingernail falling off. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed repaired with stitches. A new fingernail can regrow in as little as eight weeks, although it may take longer if there has been damage to the nail bed or surrounding tissues.
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If the nail is loose, don't hesitate to see a healthcare provider
Fingernail injuries are common, and in many cases, the nail will grow back without any issues. However, if the nail is loose, it is important to see a healthcare provider to ensure proper care and treatment.
A loose fingernail can be a result of nail trauma, such as a heavy object falling on the nail, a nail getting crushed, or a door slamming on it. Such incidents can cause bleeding beneath the nail, leading to increased pressure and, in some cases, the nail loosening or falling off. It is crucial to seek medical attention within two days of the injury to address any potential complications.
In addition to trauma, a loose fingernail can also be a sign of an underlying infection, such as a fungal infection (onychomycosis). Fungal infections can cause nail separation and may require oral or topical antifungal medications. If left untreated, these infections can persist and lead to nail deformities or permanent nail loss. Therefore, consulting a healthcare provider is essential to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
Moreover, nerve damage in the fingers can also result in loose fingernails. Nerves in the fingers are essential for daily functions like picking up objects or typing. An injury to the nail matrix, the area under the base of the nail, can cause permanent nail deformity and affect nail growth. Minor nerve damage may require rest and splinting, while more severe cases might need physical therapy or surgery. As such, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. A loose nail, especially with exposed nail beds, can increase the risk of infection. Therefore, keeping the area clean and dry, and covering it with a bandage for protection, is recommended until you can see a healthcare provider.
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If the nail is bothering you, a healthcare provider can safely remove it
Fingernails can fall off when they are damaged, such as when they get stuck in a car door. This has to do with the matrix, or the spot at the bottom of your nail that's responsible for its growth. When your finger experiences shock, the matrix temporarily pauses the growth of the fingernail, meaning the new part of the nail that starts growing isn't connected to the old part. This is why your fingernail falls off.
If your fingernail is bothering you, a healthcare provider can usually safely remove it. A new nail will grow in, but it will take about six months. If your nail comes off, you likely have an opening on your finger or toe where an infection could start. Signs of infection include pus, redness, heat, and swelling. If you see red streaks on your hand or forearm, or feel feverish or nauseated, these could be signs that the infection has spread to the bloodstream, which can lead to sepsis.
If you have stitches, do not remove them on your own. Your doctor will tell you when to come in to have them removed. Take any prescribed pain medications as instructed. If you are not taking prescription pain medication, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter alternative. If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed and do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course.
If you experience bleeding, press firmly on the wound with a clean gauze pad for 15 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, press firmly for another 15 minutes. If the bleeding still does not stop, call your healthcare provider. You can take acetaminophen to help with pain or discomfort, but do not take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, unless your healthcare provider says it's okay.
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A new nail will grow in but it will take several months
Fingernails are made of a protein called keratin. When your finger experiences a shock, like getting it stuck in a car door, the matrix, or the spot at the bottom of your nail that's responsible for its growth, temporarily pauses the growth of the fingernail. This pause means the proteins are no longer connected, and the new part of the nail that starts growing isn't connected to the old part that you could already see — which is why your fingernail falls off.
If your fingernail falls off, a new nail will grow in, but it will take several months. Nails grow at an average rate of 3.47mm per month or about a tenth of a millimeter per day. This works out to about one-tenth of an inch per month. It can take up to six months for your fingernail to grow back to its full size. The nails on your dominant hand grow faster than the rest, as do the nails on your longer fingers. Your fingernails also grow faster during the day and during the summer.
While you wait for your nail to grow back, it's important to keep the area clean and dry. A nail injury can lead to infection if germs enter your body through a break in your nail or skin. If your nail comes off, you likely have an opening on your finger where an infection could start. Keep an eye out for signs of infection, including fever or feeling unwell. If you see any pus, if the area becomes very red and hot, or there is a lot of swelling, it's a sign of infection.
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Keep the injured area clean and dry to prevent infection
Keeping the injured area clean and dry is crucial to prevent infection and promote proper healing. Here are some detailed steps to achieve this:
Clean the Wound
Gently clean the wound with soap and water, especially if the nail is hanging off. This is important to remove any dirt or bacteria that may cause infection. Ensure you use gentle soaps that are not irritating to the skin. Avoid using sticky products directly on the nail, as they can irritate the injury.
Dress the Wound
Once the wound is clean and dry, apply a light dressing, such as an adhesive bandage or a small piece of gauze, to provide padding and protection. This will help keep the injured area clean and protected from further trauma. Change the dressing regularly, especially if it gets wet or soiled.
Keep the Area Dry
While it's important to initially clean the wound with water, keeping the area dry after dressing is essential to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, which thrive in moist environments. Avoid getting the injured nail wet when washing your hands or doing dishes. You may want to wear waterproof gloves to protect your nail from water and potential irritants.
Hand and Nail Hygiene
Maintain good hand and nail hygiene by regularly washing your hands and keeping your nails clean. Trim your nails regularly, but be careful not to cut them too short, as this can increase the risk of injury and infection. Avoid biting or chewing on your nails or hangnails, and refrain from picking at your cuticles.
Seek Medical Attention
If the injury is severe or shows signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pain, seek medical attention promptly. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to prevent and address infections. Remember, it is always better to be cautious and consult a medical professional if you have any concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
If your nail has experienced trauma, such as getting stuck in a door, it may turn black and seem like it's barely hanging on. This is a sign that your fingernail may fall off.
If your fingernail falls off, it's important to protect the sensitive skin of the nail bed. You can cover it with a band-aid or bandage to keep it protected and prevent it from drying out and cracking. It's also important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
A new fingernail will usually take about 4 to 6 months to grow back and replace the lost nail. The new nail may have grooves or ridges and be somewhat misshapen, and this may be permanent.
