Sophia Delgado
Nail injuries are common and can occur due to various reasons, such as crushing, cutting, or piercing the nail and the nail bed beneath. Treatment for nail injuries depends on the type and severity of the injury. Minor nail injuries can often be treated at home with proper first aid and cleaning, while more severe injuries may require medical attention to ensure the nail grows back smoothly and to prevent infection. Here is a guide to understanding the various types of nail injuries and the appropriate treatments for each.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Depends on the type and seriousness of the injury |
| Home treatment | Wash cuts or scrapes with soap and water, apply a bandage, use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for pain |
| Hospital treatment | Stitches, removal of the nail, repair of the nail bed, antibiotics, tetanus shot, splint |
| Healing time | 7-10 days for the nail bed to heal, 4-6 months for a new fingernail, 12 months for a toenail |
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What You'll Learn
When to seek medical attention
In most cases, nail injuries can be treated at home. However, depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to seek medical attention. Here are some scenarios where it is advisable to see a doctor or go to an urgent care center or the emergency room:
Deep or Large Wounds
If the cut or wound is deep or large, especially if it reaches the bone, you may need stitches. Seek medical attention if the wound is more than a quarter of an inch deep or if it is on the face.
Intense or Persistent Pain
If the injury results in continuing and intense pain that does not subside with over-the-counter pain medication, you should consult a doctor.
Swelling and Deformity
If your finger or toe is swollen, deformed, or you are unable to straighten or bend it normally, this could indicate a fracture or tendon injury. Seek medical attention to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Bruising and Discoloration
If the bruise or discoloration under the nail covers more than a quarter of the nail, it is advisable to see a doctor. They may create a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and relieve pressure and pain.
Infection and Drainage
If the injury site shows signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, fever, or pus-like drainage, seek medical attention. Additionally, if it has been more than ten years since your last tetanus booster shot, you should see a doctor.
Underlying Health Conditions
If you have certain underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, poor circulation, AIDS, or if you are undergoing chemotherapy, you are at an increased risk of infection and may require medical attention to prevent complications.
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How to treat the injury at home
If you've been cut by a nail, you should first try to stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean cloth. If the wound is on your hand, remove any rings or other jewellery. If the nail is torn, cut off any rough edges with sterile scissors to prevent further injury.
Next, clean the wound and nail area with soap and warm water. If there is a large amount of blood under the nail, you may need to go to a doctor to have it drained. However, if the injury is minor, you can treat it at home by cleaning and bandaging the wound. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the cut and cover it with a bandage. If there is swelling, apply ice to the area and elevate it above the level of your heart. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve), to help manage any pain or throbbing.
If the nail has been completely torn off, you may not need to see a doctor if the nail bed and the rest of the finger are uninjured. However, if there is a deep cut in the nail bed that won't stop bleeding, or if there are signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pain, seek medical attention.
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What to do if the nail is torn off
If a nail is torn off, it is important to first assess the damage and determine if medical attention is required. If there is a fracture or severe injury to the surrounding tissues, a visit to a healthcare provider is necessary. In the case of a torn-off nail, there may be bleeding and pain, and the priority is to prevent further injury and infection. Here are the steps to take if a nail is torn off:
- Stop the bleeding: Apply direct pressure to the affected area using a clean cloth. This will help to control the bleeding and reduce the risk of infection.
- Trim and clean the area: Use sterile scissors to carefully trim any rough edges of the torn nail, preventing further injury. Then, clean the wound and the surrounding area with soap and warm water to remove any dirt or foreign objects.
- Apply antibiotic ointment: After cleaning the area, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Bandage the wound: Cover the injured nail and surrounding area with a bandage or adhesive tape to keep the area clean and protected. This will also help to reduce the risk of catching the torn nail on clothing or other objects.
- Elevate and ice the area: Keep the injured area elevated above the level of the heart to reduce throbbing and swelling. Additionally, apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the affected area to help with pain and swelling.
- Take pain medication: Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help manage pain and discomfort associated with a torn-off nail.
- Monitor for infection: Keep an eye on the wound for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, increasing pain, or pus development in the days following the injury. If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly.
- Regrowth and recovery: In most cases, a torn-off nail will not reattach. However, with proper care, the nail bed will heal, and a new nail will grow in its place. Fingernails typically take 4 to 6 months to regrow, while toenails can take up to 12 months.
Remember, if there is significant damage to the nail bed, surrounding tissues, or bone, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
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How to prevent infection
If you've been cut by a nail, it's important to take steps to prevent infection and promote healing. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do that:
Clean the wound:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap or an antibacterial cleanser before and after treating the wound. Clean the wound itself with mild soap and warm water to remove any dirt, debris, or bacteria. If there is a foreign object embedded in the wound, do not remove it yourself; seek medical attention.
Control bleeding:
Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop any bleeding. If the bleeding is severe or does not stop within 15 minutes, call for emergency medical assistance.
Apply topical treatment:
Once the wound is clean and the bleeding has stopped, apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment or cream to the affected area. This will help prevent infection and promote healing.
Bandage the wound:
Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or dressing to keep it clean and protected. Change the bandage daily or as instructed by your healthcare provider.
Elevate the injured area:
Keep the injured finger or toe elevated above the level of your heart to help reduce throbbing and swelling. This is especially important during the first 24 hours after the injury.
Take over-the-counter medications:
Oral over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve) can help manage pain and reduce swelling.
Seek medical attention:
If the wound is deep, long, or shows signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling, fever, or pus-like drainage), seek medical attention promptly. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics or perform a procedure to drain blood and relieve pressure, depending on the severity of the injury.
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What to do if there is an object stuck in the wound
If a nail has cut you and there is an object stuck in the wound, it is important to act quickly and carefully to prevent further injury and infection. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do:
Inspect the Wound
Before touching anything, visually inspect the wound to identify any debris or foreign objects stuck in it. Look but don't touch. If there is nothing visible and no large debris or foreign objects, you can proceed with basic wound care.
Remove Large Debris
If there is large debris stuck in the wound, such as a piece of the nail or fabric, you should attempt to remove it. Clean a pair of tweezers with rubbing alcohol and use them to carefully extract the debris from the wound. Be gentle and avoid causing further trauma to the wound. If the object is deeply embedded and difficult to remove, do not force it out as this could cause more damage. In such cases, it is best to leave the object in place and seek medical attention.
Clean the Wound
Proper wound cleaning is crucial to prevent infection. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to ensure you don't introduce new bacteria to the wound. Clean the wound by rinsing it with clean water for about 5 to 10 minutes to remove any remaining small debris and dirt. Gently clean the surrounding skin with soap, warm water, and a clean washcloth.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment
After cleaning, apply a thin layer of topical antibiotic ointment or cream, such as Neosporin, to help prevent bacterial infection. This will create a protective barrier and promote healing.
Bandage the Wound
Cover the wound with a clean bandage, ensuring that the padding is large enough so that the adhesive does not stick to the wound. Change the bandage daily, or as needed if it becomes wet or soiled.
Monitor for Infection
Keep a close eye on the wound over the next few days for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or increasing pain. If any of these symptoms develop, seek medical attention promptly.
Seek Medical Attention
If the object is deeply embedded, the wound is severe, or you are unable to remove the debris, seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, if the nail was rusty or dirty, or if you are not up to date with your tetanus vaccination, it is crucial to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible to prevent potential complications.
Remember, these steps are general guidelines, and it is always best to seek advice from a medical professional, especially if you have any concerns or if the wound does not appear to be healing properly.
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Frequently asked questions
A nail injury occurs when any part of the nail, nail bed (skin underneath the nail), cuticle (base of the nail), or the skin around the nail is injured.
If the cut is minor, you can treat it at home by washing the wound with soap and water, applying ointment, and bandaging the wound. If the cut is deep or bleeding severely, you should seek medical attention.
If the nail is completely torn off or partially cut off, you should see a doctor. Other indications that you should seek medical attention include a large bruise under the nail, a deformed finger or toe, a deep wound, or if you think it's fractured.
The treatment will depend on the type and severity of the injury. The doctor will examine the injury and may remove the nail to repair the nail bed. They may also make a small hole in the nail to drain blood and give a tetanus shot if needed.
The recovery time for a nail injury can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. A new fingernail typically takes about 4 to 6 months to grow back, while a toenail can take up to 12 months.
