Noah Sinclair
Fingernail injuries are a common occurrence, often the result of blunt force trauma or a bad bruise. In some cases, a fingernail may fall off as a result of the injury, either right away or weeks later. This can be painful and may leave the sensitive skin underneath vulnerable to infection. So, is it bad for your fingernail to fall off?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is it bad? | Losing a fingernail is not ideal, but it is common after an injury. |
| Recovery time | It can take 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back, and 12 months for a toenail. |
| Treatment | If the nail is still attached, basic first aid includes: stopping any bleeding, cleaning the wound, applying a bandage, and taking painkillers. |
| If the nail is detached, it is recommended to leave it alone and let the new nail grow underneath. The detached nail will eventually fall off. | |
| To aid regrowth, keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and a bandage. | |
| If the nail bed is infected, a doctor may need to perform a nail evulsion to remove the nail. | |
| If there is a broken bone, a wire may be placed in the finger to keep the bone in place. | |
| Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. | |
| Prevention | To prevent nail detachment, avoid repetitive trauma and manage any conditions that may cause onycholysis (detached nails). |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernail injuries and their causes
Fingernail injuries are quite common and can usually be treated at home. However, in rare cases, they can cause permanent nail deformities.
A nail injury occurs when any part of the nail, including the nail bed, cuticle, or the skin around the nail, is injured. This can be caused by cutting, tearing, smashing, or bruising the nail or tearing it away from the skin. For instance, this can happen when a finger is smashed in a door, hit with a hammer, or cut with a knife.
If the nail is torn or jagged, it should be trimmed to prevent further injury. If the nail has completely lifted off the nail bed, it may be more comfortable to replace the nail and secure it with a bandage. Nails will not reattach to the nail bed after they have separated. However, in most cases, a new nail will slowly regrow, although it may be misshapen. It takes approximately a week for a fingernail to start growing back and three to six months for it to grow back completely.
For more serious nail injuries, it is important to seek urgent medical attention. Medical professionals will stop the bleeding, clean the wound, and numb the area before treatment. They may create a small hole in the nail to relieve pressure and drain blood or fluid buildup. If the bone is broken or the bruise is very large, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed may need to be repaired with stitches. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
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What to do if your fingernail falls off
Fingernails falling off is a common occurrence, and it can happen due to several reasons, including injury, fungal infection, or skin conditions. While it is not a severe condition, losing a fingernail can be painful and may require some care to ensure proper healing and prevent infection. Here is what you can do if your fingernail falls off:
First Aid and Immediate Care:
- Basic wound care is essential. If there is bleeding, apply pressure to the area to slow it down.
- Clean the wound with soap and water to prevent infection.
- Apply a bandage to cover the affected area.
- Ice your finger to reduce swelling and pain.
- Assess the damage and decide if you need to see a doctor.
Managing Pain and Promoting Healing:
- Take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and swelling.
- Keep your hand elevated above the level of your heart to reduce throbbing.
- File or trim any sharp edges of the nail to prevent catching and tearing it further.
- Leave the nail alone if it is only partially detached. Let the new nail grow underneath and push off the old nail. Trimming the detached portion can also help manage the nail until it falls off on its own.
Preventative Measures:
- Keep the nail short and trimmed to prevent catching and tearing.
- Avoid activities that may cause nail injuries or trauma.
- Avoid possible irritants and nail products that may affect the nail or cause allergies.
When to See a Doctor:
- Signs of infection or unusual colours in the fingertip, such as blue or white, warrant a doctor's visit.
- Large subungual hematomas or blood blisters under the nail may require a doctor's attention. They can drain the accumulated blood by creating a small hole in the nail.
- If you have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an immune system problem, seek medical advice, as these conditions may impact healing and increase the risk of infection.
- Severe injuries or broken bones may require urgent care or a visit to the emergency room.
Remember, it is essential to identify and treat the underlying cause of the fingernail falling off, as it could be a sign of a more serious condition.
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How to treat a bruised nail
A bruised nail, or a subungual haematoma, occurs when the small blood vessels under the skin are crushed by blunt force. This can happen due to an injury or trauma, such as stubbing a toe or jamming a finger in a window or car door. It can also be caused by an underlying condition such as a fungal infection, certain skin conditions, or an overactive thyroid.
To treat a bruised nail, here are some steps you can take:
First Aid
If there is bleeding, apply pressure to the area to slow it down. Clean the wound with soap and water, and apply a bandage. Take an analgesic to help manage the pain. If there is swelling, you can ice your finger or toe.
Allow the Nail to Heal
Avoid picking or trimming the nail until it has fully healed. Keep the nail short with regular trimming, but be careful not to clip the corners too short, as this could cause the nail to grow into the skin. Avoid tight-fitting shoes or socks, as these can irritate the wound and delay healing.
Soothe the Pain
Prepare a foot soak with warm water and Epsom salts, which can help alleviate pain and improve circulation to the affected area.
Seek Medical Attention
If there is a large amount of blood under the nail, a doctor may recommend draining the blood by drilling a small hole in the nail plate. If there are signs of infection, such as pus or inflammation, surgery may be required. If the nail does fall off, a doctor can perform a nail evulsion to remove the nail and numb the finger or toe.
It is important to be patient during the healing process, as it can take several weeks for the bruising and tenderness to subside.
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Preventing infection after a fingernail falls off
Fingernails falling off is called onycholysis. It can occur due to several reasons, including injury, infection, or skin conditions. While it is not a severe condition, it is essential to take care of the exposed nail bed to prevent infection. Here are some ways to prevent infection and promote healing:
Keep the Area Clean and Dry
It is crucial to keep the exposed nail bed clean and dry to prevent bacterial growth and infection. Wash the area with soap and water, then gently pat it dry with a clean towel. Avoid soaking the affected finger for an extended period, as this can soften the skin and lead to further irritation.
Cover the Area
Apply a bandage or dressing to the affected finger to protect the exposed nail bed. This will help keep the area clean and free from germs and other irritants. Change the bandage regularly, especially if it gets wet or soiled.
Trim the Nail
If possible, trim the detached portion of the nail. This will help prevent further damage and promote new nail growth. Use clean nail clippers, and be careful not to clip too close to the skin to avoid causing further injury.
Avoid Irritants
Stay away from potential irritants that can slow down the healing process or cause further damage. Avoid nail products, such as polishes and removers, as well as any chemicals or substances that may irritate the sensitive skin of the nail bed.
Wear Gloves
If you need to use your hands for tasks that involve water or chemicals, it is advisable to wear gloves. This will protect the exposed nail bed from potential irritants and help keep the area dry. Choose gloves that are comfortable and breathable to minimise discomfort.
Consult a Doctor
If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, seek medical advice promptly. Your doctor can prescribe appropriate treatments, such as antibiotics or antifungal medications, to clear the infection and promote healing.
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When to seek medical attention for a fingernail injury
Fingernail injuries are quite common, and many can be treated at home. However, there are certain instances where you should seek medical attention.
Firstly, if you experience a fingernail injury, check for any loss of blood flow or sensation in the affected finger. Press on an uninjured part of the finger, and if the area turns white and then pink upon releasing pressure, it indicates good capillary refill and blood flow. Also, ensure that you can feel your fingertip; a lack of sensation may indicate nerve damage. If you suspect blood flow issues or nerve damage, seek medical attention.
Secondly, if you notice unusual colours on your fingertip, such as blue or white, it could be a sign of something more serious, and you should consult a doctor. Discolouration of the nail itself, such as black-and-blue or black-and-purple, is typical of a subungual hematoma, a type of bruised nail. While this usually resolves on its own, if the pain worsens or persists, or if there is a deep cut or other injuries, seek medical attention.
Additionally, if you experience a large subungual hematoma, where there is a lot of blood under your nail bed, it is advisable to see a doctor. A doctor may perform a procedure called trephination, which involves making a small hole in the nail to drain the accumulated blood and relieve pressure. This procedure helps the nail heal appropriately and supports new nail growth.
Lastly, if your fingernail injury is due to an underlying condition, such as psoriasis, hyperthyroidism, or type 1 diabetes, it is important to manage these conditions to reduce the risk of nail detachment and potential scarring of the nail bed. Regularly monitor your nails for any changes, and if you notice any other symptoms or unusual nail appearance, consult a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
If your fingernail falls off, cover the area with a bandage to protect the sensitive skin of the nail bed. Keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
It can take 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back.
If you notice unusual colours on your fingertip, such as blue or white, or signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, or pain, you should see a doctor.
Fingernails can fall off due to various reasons, including injury, fungal infections, skin conditions, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions.
To prevent your fingernail from falling off, avoid activities that can result in nail injuries, minimise exposure to irritants and nail products, and maintain overall nail health.
