Sophia Delgado
Fingernail injuries are common and can usually be treated at home. They can occur when a heavy object crushes or hits the fingers, resulting in cuts, tears, or bruises. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. Minor injuries can be managed with home care, while more severe cases may require medical attention. Home care includes cleaning the wound, applying antibiotic ointment, using ice packs, and taking pain relievers. For more serious injuries, such as deep wounds, intense pain, or fractures, it is recommended to seek medical help.
How to treat an injured fingernail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to see a doctor | If you can't bend your finger or toe, if there is a lot of blood, if your nail is black or purple, or if your injury is very painful, seek medical attention. |
| Treatment at home | If the nail is hanging off, gently trim away the part not connected to your skin. Clean the wound with soap and water. Apply petroleum jelly and cover with gauze or a bandage. Repeat daily. |
| Swelling | Apply a cool, damp washcloth to the wound and prop your arm or leg on pillows so the nail is higher than your heart. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and swelling. |
| Prevention | Keep your nails short, wear well-fitting shoes with a wide toe box, and wear protective gear when playing sports. |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the wound and apply antibiotic ointment
If you have injured your fingernail, the first step is to assess the damage and stop any bleeding. If the wound is bleeding, do not put a dry bandage or gauze on top, as this will stick to the wound. Instead, apply petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist, then cover it with gauze or a bandage. Repeat these steps daily as the wound heals.
Next, you should clean the wound with soap and warm water. This will help prevent infection. If there are any rough edges or parts of the nail that are hanging off, use sterile scissors to gently trim them away. This will prevent further injury.
Once the wound is cleaned and trimmed, you can apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the affected area. This will help prevent infection and keep any dressing from sticking to the wound. If your healthcare provider recommends it, you may change the dressing daily.
Finally, to reduce swelling, ice the area and elevate your hand above your heart. Over-the-counter pain medication can also be used to manage any pain or discomfort. It is important to monitor the wound for any signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail. If an infection develops, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
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Bandage the wound
Bandaging an injured fingernail is an important step in the healing process, providing padding and protection for the nail as it recovers. Here are the steps to properly bandage a wounded fingernail:
Select the Right Materials:
Use an adhesive bandage or medical tape specifically designed for wound care. These products are sterile and made to protect injuries while promoting healing. Avoid using regular tape or other non-medical adhesives, as they may irritate the skin or interfere with the nail's natural repair process.
Prepare the Fingernail:
Before applying the bandage, ensure your hands are clean and dry. If there is any debris or dirt around the nail, gently remove it with a sterile gauze pad or cotton swab. Do not attempt to clean the area directly under the nail, as this can be delicate and sensitive. If there is bleeding, allow it to stop naturally before proceeding.
Apply the Bandage:
Start by cutting the adhesive bandage or medical tape to an appropriate length. It should be long enough to cover the entire nail and extend onto the surrounding skin for a secure hold. Gently place the centre of the bandage over the nail, then carefully smooth out the edges onto the skin around the nail. Ensure that the bandage adheres properly to the skin, avoiding any air bubbles or loose areas that might catch and cause the bandage to lift.
Adjust for Comfort:
Be careful not to wrap the bandage too tightly around your finger, as this can restrict blood flow and cause discomfort. The bandage should feel snug but not tight. If you're using an elastic bandage, be especially mindful of this, as elastic materials can easily be wrapped too tightly if applied with too much tension.
Change the Bandage Regularly:
Keep the bandage clean and dry. Change it at least once a day or whenever it becomes wet or soiled. Inspect the nail regularly to ensure it is healing properly. Even after the nail has stopped bleeding and appears to be healing, continue to keep a light dressing, such as a small piece of gauze, on the nail for added protection.
By following these steps, you can effectively bandage a wounded fingernail, promoting proper healing and protecting the nail from further injury or infection.
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Use ice to reduce swelling
Ice is a great way to reduce swelling and pain from an injured fingernail. It is a simple, at-home treatment that can help speed up recovery. When you injure your fingernail, it can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and bruising. To counter these symptoms, you can apply ice to the injured area.
To do this, rest your finger on top of a covered ice compress or pack. This will ensure that the injury is not aggravated. You can also elevate your finger above the level of your heart. This slows down the blood flow to the injury site, reducing inflammation and easing throbbing pain.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medications can also help. Medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin can reduce inflammation and pain. You can also apply OTC antibiotic ointments or creams to the wound after cleaning it to prevent infection.
If the injury is severe and involves more than just the fingertip, you should seek medical help. If you experience extreme pain, or if there is a deep wound that may require stitches, you should see a doctor or nurse.
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Take pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
If you have injured your fingernail, you may be experiencing pain and swelling. To help alleviate these symptoms, you can take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications can help to reduce pain and swelling when your nail injury is new. Ibuprofen, a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), works by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that promote inflammation and pain. By blocking the enzyme that produces prostaglandins, ibuprofen helps to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation at the site of the injury. On the other hand, acetaminophen works differently and targets the pain pathways in the brain. It increases the pain threshold, meaning you feel pain less intensely and for a shorter duration. This is why acetaminophen is effective in relieving pain but does not address the underlying swelling or inflammation.
You can buy these pain relievers without a prescription, but it is important to use them as directed on the packaging and not exceed the recommended dosage. Additionally, if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or a history of stomach ulcers or internal bleeding, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider before taking these medications.
It is worth noting that pain relievers are just one aspect of managing a fingernail injury. You should also care for the wound itself by gently cleaning it with soap and water, applying petroleum jelly to keep it moist, and covering it with gauze or a bandage. This process should be repeated daily while the wound heals.
If your nail injury is severe, with symptoms such as a cut or torn nail, exposed bone, or a large amount of blood covering the nail, it is important to seek medical attention. A medical professional will be able to assess the extent of the injury and provide appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics to prevent infection or even surgery in more severe cases.
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See a doctor for serious injuries
Fingernail injuries can be painful and often require immediate medical attention. While some injuries can be treated at home, it is important to know when to seek professional help.
If you experience any of the following, it is recommended to go to an urgent care center or the emergency room:
- Intense or continuing pain
- Deep or long wounds that may require stitches
- Discoloration or bruising under the nail that covers more than a quarter of the nail
- The nail is completely torn off or partially cut off
- Inability to straighten or bend your finger normally, indicating a possible fracture or tendon injury
- Deformity of the finger or toe, which may also indicate a fracture or dislocation
- Bone fractures will require X-rays and possibly a wire to be placed in your finger to keep the bone in place
- If the nail bed matrix is damaged, part or all of the nail may need to be removed
- If the nail is damaged or torn, it may need to be removed and the nail bed repaired
- For larger bruises, a doctor will create a small hole in the nail to drain blood and fluid, relieving pressure and pain
- Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection
- If you have a synthetic nail, it is recommended to keep it in place until the nail bed heals
- If you are unable to remove a ring due to swelling, contact your healthcare provider
- If you notice any changes in the color, texture, or shape of your nails, see a dermatologist to rule out any underlying conditions
It is always better to seek professional help if you are unsure about the severity of your injury. Prompt treatment can help ensure that the nail bed heals properly, and the nail grows back smoothly.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are experiencing heavy bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth. If your nail is torn, use sterile scissors to cut off rough edges to prevent further injury.
Gently clean the wound using soap and water. If the wound is bleeding, do not put a dry bandage or gauze on top — once the bleeding stops, this will stick. Instead, apply petroleum jelly to keep your wound moist, then cover with gauze or a bandage. Repeat these steps every day while your wound heals.
You can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and swelling.
If you are unable to bend your finger, or if your nail is black or purple, or if your injury is particularly painful, you should seek medical attention.
