Isla Bennett
Nail injuries are common and can occur due to various reasons, such as a heavy object crushing or hitting the fingers or toes, fungal infections, or sharp objects cutting the skin. While some nail injuries can be treated at home, others may require medical attention to prevent infections or other complications. In cases where the nail bed or nail matrix is damaged, a doctor may need to remove part or all of the nail and repair the nail bed with stitches. Therefore, it is essential to assess the severity of the nail injury and seek appropriate treatment to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of further problems.
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What You'll Learn
Seek medical attention to prevent infection and other complications
While some minor nail injuries can be treated at home, it is important to seek medical attention for more serious injuries to prevent infection and other complications.
Nail injuries can be extremely painful and unsightly, and they can occur in various ways, such as when a heavy object crushes or hits the fingers or toes, or when a sharp object pierces the nail and nail bed. In some cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed, either partially or entirely. This can be caused by injury, fungal nail infection, or skin conditions such as psoriasis.
If you have a damaged nail, it is important to resist the temptation to remove it yourself. Removing a damaged nail at home could lead to serious complications and increase the risk of infection. A doctor can safely and quickly remove the nail in an office-based procedure. They will first determine the cause and full scope of the problem and explain all your options. The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
If you have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an immune system problem, it is especially important to seek medical attention for nail injuries. These conditions can cause reduced blood flow and loss of feeling in the feet, which can lead to untreated nail injuries and serious problems such as infection and foot ulcers.
In summary, while some minor nail injuries can be treated at home, it is important to seek medical attention for more serious injuries to prevent infection and other complications. A doctor can safely remove the nail, determine the full scope of the problem, and provide appropriate treatment to ensure proper healing.
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Treatments for nail bed injuries
Nail bed injuries are common and can occur when a heavy object crushes or hits the fingers or toes, or when a person sustains a cut from a sharp object. Treatment for nail bed injuries will depend on the type of injury. Many injuries to the nail bed can be fully repaired, but some severe injuries can lead to deformed nails.
Subungual Hematoma
A subungual hematoma looks like a bruise and occurs when small blood vessels under the nail bed leak, and blood pools between the nail and the nail bed. This can be drained through a small hole in the nail, usually made with a needle. This procedure is known as trephination. If the subungual hematoma covers more than half of the nail bed, the nail may need to be removed so that stitches can be applied.
Nail Bed Lacerations
Lacerations to the nail bed may require stitches. If the cut is severe, the nail may have to be removed. It should grow back within 6 months to a year.
Nail Bed Avulsions
Avulsions involve the nail and part of the nail bed pulling away from the rest of the nail bed, either partially or entirely. This typically results from the nail being crushed or sustaining a high-impact injury. Avulsions can be very painful. If the nail is too damaged to be reattached, a doctor may attach a synthetic nail, which will be pushed forward as the new nail grows. In more severe cases, a surgeon may use reconstructive techniques such as grafting.
Home Treatment
Minor nail bed injuries often heal on their own and can be treated at home. Home treatment can help relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent infection. Treatment may involve removing the nail, keeping the area dry, and waiting for a new nail to grow. It is important to file any sharp edges smooth and cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown out enough to protect the finger or toe. Soaking the injured area in a solution of salt and warm water can also help promote healing.
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Home remedies for minor nail bed injuries
Whether or not you should remove a damaged nail depends on the type and severity of the injury. Many nail bed injuries are minor and can be treated at home, but some require prompt medical attention to ensure that the area heals and the nail grows back smoothly.
Subungual Hematoma
A subungual hematoma looks like a bruise and occurs when small blood vessels under the nail bed leak, causing blood to pool between the nail and the nail bed. This usually happens when the tips of the fingers or toes are crushed or subjected to a heavy impact. Tight-fitting shoes can also cause this type of injury.
For minor subungual hematomas, you can relieve pain and pressure by draining the blood through a small hole in your nail, usually made with a needle. If the hematoma is small (one-fourth the size of your nail or less), you don't necessarily need to see a doctor.
Minor Nail Bed Lacerations
Minor cuts or lacerations to the nail bed can often be treated at home. Start by gently washing the injury, especially if it's bleeding. Apply a bandage if necessary. Keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with a bandage until the nail has grown back. Watch for signs of infection, such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus.
Preventing Further Injury
To prevent further injury and promote healing, it's important to keep your nails trimmed and filed smooth. This will help prevent catching the nail and tearing it further. If your nail is partially detached, you can use scissors to trim off the detached part. Soak your finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes after trimming the nail. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly and cover the area with a non-stick bandage.
Soaking Solution
Soak your hand or foot in a solution of 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 4 cups of warm water for 20 minutes, 2-3 times a day for 3 days. This can help keep the area clean and promote healing. Reapply petroleum jelly and cover with a fresh bandage after each soak.
It's important to note that more severe nail bed injuries may require medical attention. If you have a deep cut in your nail bed that doesn't stop bleeding, or if you suspect a broken bone, you should seek medical help.
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How to safely remove a damaged toenail
A damaged toenail can be caused by several factors, including injuries, fungal infections, allergies to nail product ingredients, psoriasis, and diseases that cause poor circulation. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to treat it at home, or you may need to seek medical attention.
If you experience any of the following, it is recommended to consult a doctor or podiatrist:
- The tear is too far down for you to trim safely.
- The base or sides of the nail are pulling away or have detached from the nail bed.
- There is a deep cut that might require stitches.
- You have severe pain, swelling, throbbing, or tightness in the toe.
- Your toe appears crooked or mangled.
- You observe significant blood pooling under a large portion of the remaining nail.
In less severe cases, you can treat a damaged toenail at home by following these steps:
- Soak your toe in cold water for 20 minutes to reduce any pain and swelling.
- Use clean scissors or nail clippers to trim off any loose or detached parts of the nail. This will help prevent the nail from catching on something and tearing further.
- File any sharp edges to smooth them out.
- If the nail has cracked without leaving rough edges, you may not need to trim it.
- Soak your foot in a solution of warm water and salt two to three times a day for the next three days. This will help keep the area clean and promote healing.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to the affected area.
- Cover the area with a non-stick or adhesive bandage to keep it protected and clean.
- Change the bandage whenever it gets wet, and continue applying petroleum jelly until the nail bed is firm or a new nail has grown back.
- Keep the nail bed dry to prevent infection while it heals.
- Watch for signs of infection, such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus.
It is important to note that if you have any underlying conditions, such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or immune system problems, it is crucial to seek medical advice to avoid potential complications.
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What causes nails to become damaged
Healthy nails are typically smooth and evenly coloured. However, several factors can cause nail damage, including:
Injury or Trauma
Injuries to the fingers and hands can cause nail abnormalities such as spots and discolouration. This includes physical trauma to the nail, such as accidentally shutting a door on your finger or cleaning under your nails with a sharp object. Nails can also be damaged by using them as tools, pressing into them too firmly, or removing acrylic nail polish.
Infection
Infections can cause changes in nail colour, texture, and shape. Bacterial infections may cause nail discolouration, usually a greenish-black hue, and painful areas of infection under or around the nail. Fungal and yeast infections can also alter the colour, texture, and shape of the nail. Viral warts may cause changes in nail shape or ingrown skin under the nail.
Medical Conditions
Nail abnormalities can indicate underlying medical conditions, including kidney disease, lung diseases, heart problems, liver disease, and thyroid problems. Iron deficiency anaemia can cause koilonychia, where nails are spoon-shaped and curved inward. Beau's lines, or deep grooves across the nail, can indicate malnutrition or be a side effect of chemotherapy. Small dents or pits in the nail, known as pitting, can be a sign of nail psoriasis, eczema, or alopecia.
Medications
Certain medications, such as those used for chemotherapy, can cause nail abnormalities, including discolouration and nail separation.
Aging
As people age, their nails may become more brittle and develop vertical ridges. Horizontal ridges, also called Beau's lines, may indicate underlying health conditions, especially in older individuals.
Chemicals and Cosmetics
Long-term exposure to moisture, nail polish, and other cosmetic products can cause nails to peel and become brittle. Yellow nails are often caused by a reaction to nail polish or smoking.
Nutrition
Nutritional deficiencies, such as low levels of iron, zinc, and calcium, can contribute to nail damage. Ensuring adequate nutrition and taking supplements, if necessary, can help maintain nail health.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not advisable to remove a damaged fingernail yourself. Removing a damaged fingernail could lead to serious complications. Consult a doctor to examine or remove a damaged fingernail to prevent infection or other problems.
It is not recommended to remove a damaged toenail yourself. Removing a damaged toenail could lead to infections and other complications. Consult a doctor to examine or remove a damaged toenail to prevent infection or other problems.
If the nail is only partially attached, you can use scissors to remove the detached part of the nail. If the nail is completely detached, you can trim off the detached part or leave the nail alone. If there is damage to the nail bed or the nail matrix, consult a doctor.
After removing a damaged nail, keep the area dry to prevent infection and wait for a new nail to grow. Cover the area with a bandage until the nail has grown out enough to protect the finger or toe. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to keep the area moisturized and promote healing.
