Noah Sinclair
Fingernail injuries are common, and it's important to know how to treat them to prevent infection and promote healing. If you've injured your fingernail, you may be wondering if you should pull it off or leave it alone. The answer depends on the type and severity of the injury. In most cases, it's best to leave the nail alone and let a new nail grow underneath. Trimming the detached part of the nail can help prevent it from catching and tearing, but pulling it off forcefully is not recommended as it can damage the nail bed and cause further issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you pull your fingernail off? | It is not recommended to pull your fingernail off. |
| What to do if your fingernail is injured? | If the nail is still attached to the nail bed, try to stop the bleeding and clean the wound. Apply ice inside a cloth for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3-4 times a day after that. |
| What if the nail is no longer attached? | If the nail is no longer attached to the nail bed, it is recommended to cut away the affected portion of the nail and keep the remaining nail short to prevent further injury. |
| What if the nail is infected? | If the nail is infected, seek medical attention. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection, and the doctor may cut away the infected portion of the nail. |
| How long does it take for a fingernail to grow back? | It typically takes 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back completely. |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernail injuries and treatment
Fingernails can be injured in several ways, including being cut, torn, smashed, bruised, or separated from the skin. The treatment for fingernail injuries depends on the type and seriousness of the injury. Minor cuts or scrapes can be washed and bandaged at home, but more serious injuries may require a visit to an urgent care centre or emergency room.
If a fingernail is completely torn off or partially cut off, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. If the nail is torn, use sterile scissors to cut off any rough edges to prevent further injury. Clean the wound and the torn nail area with soap and warm water, and apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. Cover the wound with a bandage. For swelling, ice the area and elevate the injured finger above the level of your heart. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be taken to reduce pain and swelling.
In some cases, the fingernail may need to be removed, especially if there is a large bruise or a broken bone. A healthcare provider will create a small hole in the nail to drain blood and fluid, relieving pressure and pain. If the nail cannot be reattached, it may be replaced with a special type of material that will remain on the nail bed as it heals. The nail bed usually takes about 7 to 10 days to heal, and a new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow back, although this process can take longer.
To prevent fingernail injuries, it is recommended to keep your nails short and avoid biting them. Be cautious when cleaning underneath your nails to prevent breaking the skin and causing infection. Avoid chemicals and products that can irritate your nails or the skin around them, such as nail polish, nail hardener, and nail polish remover. When engaging in activities that may damage your nails, such as washing dishes or playing sports, consider wearing gloves for protection.
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Toenail injuries and treatment
Toenail injuries can be painful and may cause your nail to tear, split, or fall off completely. Treatment for toenail injuries depends on the type and seriousness of the injury. If the injury is minor, you may be able to care for it at home by stopping any bleeding and ensuring that the nail is not cut or torn and is still attached to the nail bed. You should also bandage the nail and avoid trimming or caring for it on your own. If the injury is more serious, you should seek medical attention.
If you experience a toenail injury, it is important to keep the injured area clean and free of infection. Clean the wound and the torn nail area with soap and warm water, and apply an antibiotic ointment. You should also bandage the nail and change the band-aid regularly to prevent infection. If you are unable to stop the bleeding or if the nail is cut or torn, you should seek medical attention.
In some cases, you may need to seek medical attention for a toenail injury, even if the injury is not serious. For example, if you have neuropathy, diabetes, or any other condition that affects healing or circulation, it is important to have your healthcare provider evaluate your injury. Additionally, if you experience any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pain, you should seek medical attention.
If you experience a toenail injury, it is important to be patient with the healing process. Toenail growth can slow down significantly after an injury, and it can take anywhere from six months to two years for the nail to completely grow back. The new nail may also have grooves, ridges, or be misshapen, which may be permanent.
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Onycholysis (nail separation)
Onycholysis is a common condition where the nail separates from its nail bed. It typically only affects one nail and can last for several months or over a year. Nails affected by onycholysis may be discoloured or feature a wavy white line. The condition is usually painless but can be contagious if caused by a fungal infection.
Onycholysis can be caused by trauma or injury to the nail or nail bed, such as bumping or hitting the nail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or even keeping your nails in water for too long. Regular manicures can also cause onycholysis, as can the daily tapping of long fingernails on a keyboard or hard surface. Certain chemicals in nail products, such as nail polish, nail hardener, and nail polish remover, can also irritate the nails and lead to onycholysis.
Fungal infections are another common cause of onycholysis. Fungi can get between the nail and the nail bed through cracks or cuts in the finger or toe, causing the nails to thicken and turn yellow, with white spots and streaks. Onycholysis caused by fungal infections may be painful or irritating.
Certain medications, such as chemotherapy, tetracycline, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can also cause onycholysis by making the nail more sensitive to light. Medical conditions such as nail psoriasis, iron deficiency, and hyperthyroidism can also lead to onycholysis by changing the nail's shape or the contour of the soft tissue beneath it.
Treatment for onycholysis depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, cutting away the separated nail as it grows out may be sufficient. For fungal infections, antifungal medications may be necessary. If medications are the cause, stopping or changing the medication may resolve the issue. In cases of iron deficiency or hyperthyroidism, treating the underlying condition can help promote normal nail regrowth.
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Artificial nails and nail bed injuries
Artificial nails can be hard on your natural nails. To get acrylic nails, the surface of your natural nails is filed until they feel rough, which weakens them. The chemicals in the products used to apply artificial nails can also irritate the skin around your nails.
Nail injuries can occur when the nail is cut, torn, smashed, bruised, or torn away from the skin. Artificial nails can cause nail injuries, including avulsion injuries, which can result in the partial loss of the nail bed. Self-inflicted injuries can also occur through conditions like nail biting, insertion of artificial nails, or improper manicures.
Onycholysis, or nail separation, is when your nail separates from its nail bed. It can be caused by trauma or injury to the nail, a fungal infection, or a more serious underlying condition. Onycholysis typically only affects one nail and can last several months or over a year. Nails affected by onycholysis may be discolored or feature a wavy white line.
If you experience a nail injury, treatment depends on the type and seriousness of the injury. For minor cuts or scrapes, gently wash the wound and apply a bandage if needed. For more serious injuries, go to an urgent care center or emergency room. They will stop the bleeding, clean the wound, and numb the area before treatment. If the bone is broken or the bruise is very large, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed repaired.
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Home treatment for nail injuries
It is not advisable to pull off your fingernail or toenail if it is injured or separated from the nail bed. Doing so may cause unnecessary pain and bleeding and may lead to infection or permanent deformity. Instead, you can try the following home treatments for nail injuries:
For minor nail injuries:
- Remove any jewellery from your hand, applying soap if necessary to help rings slip off.
- Gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes with soap and warm water.
- Apply a bandage if needed.
- Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured area for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day after that.
- Keep your hand or foot above the level of your heart to reduce throbbing.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and swelling, or acetaminophen for pain relief.
- Keep your nails short to prevent them from catching on objects and pulling off further from the nail bed.
- Avoid biting your nails and be careful when cleaning underneath them.
- Avoid nail brushes, cuticle sticks, and other tools that can break the skin underneath your nails and cause infection.
- Avoid nail polish, nail hardeners, nail polish removers, and other chemicals or products that can irritate your nails or the skin around them.
- Wear gloves when doing activities that may damage your nails, such as washing dishes, playing sports, or working outdoors.
For more serious nail injuries, it is recommended to seek medical attention at an urgent care centre or emergency room. They will be able to provide appropriate treatment, such as stopping the bleeding, cleaning the wound, and repairing the nail bed if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
If your fingernail is hanging off, do not pull it off. You can cut it down, but it is best to leave the injury alone and let the new nail underneath grow and push off the old nail.
It takes about 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back, and 12 to 18 months for a toenail.
If you have injured your fingernail, you should gently clean any minor cuts or scrapes and apply a bandage if needed. If you notice signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pain, contact your healthcare provider.
