Isla Bennett
Healthy nails are smooth and evenly coloured, and they play an important protective role for the nail bed. However, nails are susceptible to splitting, cracking, and tearing, which can expose the nail bed to bacteria and infection. Nail injuries can occur from a variety of causes, including accidents, manicures, and nervous habits such as nail biting or picking. These injuries can result in nail splits, which may require medical treatment or home remedies such as nail glue or lacquer to hold the nail together while it heals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Nail injury, nail infection, nail biting, nail picking, skin conditions, overexposure to moisture, nutrient deficiencies, anxiety, nail polish, aging, pregnancy, fake nails |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, tenderness, redness, warmth, pus, abscess, abnormal nail growth, ridges, grooves, discolouration, dryness, brittleness, nail detachment |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, drainage, bandaging, removal of artificial nail, nail glue, nail lacquer, tea bag, gel and silk wrap, fake nail, moisturizer, nail hardening products, petroleum jelly, saline water |
| Prevention | Moisturizer, nail hardening products, avoiding nail biting and picking, wearing gloves, refraining from ripping hangnails, using non-acetone nail polish remover |
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What You'll Learn
Nail injuries
A nail injury occurs when any part of the nail is injured, including the nail, nail bed (skin underneath the nail), cuticle (base of the nail), and the skin around the sides of the nail. This can happen when the nail is cut, torn, smashed, or bruised, or when the nail is torn away from the skin. Common causes of nail injuries include smashing the finger in a door, hitting it with a hammer or another heavy object, or cutting it with a knife or another sharp object.
In addition to direct trauma, nail injuries can also be caused by moisture, which can weaken nails over time, making them more prone to breaking, bending, or splitting. Frequent hand washing, doing dishes, and repeated nail polish use can contribute to overexposure to moisture. Certain habits, such as nail biting, cuticle biting, or picking at the nails, can also lead to nail trauma and increase the risk of infection.
Nail infections, such as paronychia, can develop when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold. Symptoms of paronychia include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail, as well as redness and warmth of the surrounding skin. Pus may build up under the skin, forming a white to yellow, pus-filled abscess that may require drainage. Most nail infections can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
To prevent nail injuries and maintain nail health, it is important to keep nails and cuticles moisturized and avoid biting or picking at them. Wearing gloves during household chores and properly sized shoes can also help protect the nails. If you experience frequent nail splitting or other nail health concerns, it is recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options.
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Nail infections
Symptoms of paronychia include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail. The skin around the nail may be red and warm to the touch, and pus can build up under the skin, forming a white to yellow, pus-filled abscess that may require drainage. If left untreated, the nail can start to grow abnormally, becoming dry, brittle, and misshapen, with ridges or waves. It may also become discoloured, appearing yellow or green. In some cases, the nail can detach from the nail bed and fall off.
Most nail infections are treated with antibiotics to kill the infection. In addition to draining the pus, healthcare providers may culture the fluid to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection. While paronychia usually does not cause serious health problems, the infection can sometimes persist or recur after treatment.
Fungal nail infections are another common type of nail infection. They are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as the feet, and can spread from person to person. These infections often affect the toenails but can also occur in the fingernails. The nail becomes thick, discoloured, and brittle, crumbling or breaking easily. Treatment involves using antifungal nail medicine or taking antifungal tablets prescribed by a doctor.
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Nail biting
Additionally, maintaining proper nail care can help reduce the urge to bite nails. Keeping nails trimmed and filed can make them less tempting to bite. Regularly moisturizing nails and cuticles can also improve their appearance and texture, making them less likely to be bitten. It is also important to avoid picking or pulling at hangnails, as this can weaken the nail and lead to splitting or breaking.
In some cases, individuals may benefit from behavioral interventions to stop nail biting. This could include conscious efforts to avoid nail biting, such as keeping hands occupied with a stress ball or fidget toy, or wearing gloves while the hands are idle to serve as a physical reminder. For those who struggle to stop nail biting on their own, behavioral therapy or counseling can provide additional support and strategies to break the habit.
Overall, nail biting can have negative consequences for nail health and may require conscious effort, behavioral interventions, or therapeutic support to discontinue the habit. By addressing the underlying causes, maintaining proper nail care, and seeking appropriate assistance, individuals can improve their nail health and reduce the risk of nail-related infections.
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Artificial nails
There are two main types of artificial nails: glue-on nails and press-on nails. Glue-on nails, as the name suggests, are attached to the natural nail using nail glue. They typically come in sets that include the artificial nails, glue, a manicure stick, a mini file, and an instruction sheet. This option offers a secure hold but requires more skill and time for application and removal. Press-on nails, on the other hand, are designed with a self-adhesive base that allows for easy application and removal. They are often favoured for their convenience and lower commitment level.
While artificial nails provide an aesthetically pleasing solution for those who wish to enhance their nails, it is important to note that they can also pose certain risks. Artificial nails have been associated with nail injuries and weakening of the natural nail. Additionally, they may increase the risk of nail infections, particularly if proper care and hygiene practices are not maintained. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider if any concerns or issues arise with the use of artificial nails.
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Home remedies
If your nail is cut in the middle, it is likely due to a nail injury. This could be a crush injury, a cut, or a tear. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may be able to treat it at home. Here are some home remedies for nail injuries:
Stop any bleeding
If your nail is bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth. If there is blood pooling beneath the nail, a doctor may recommend draining it by making a small hole in the nail.
Clean the wound
Wash any cuts or scrapes with soap and warm water. Gently pat the area dry.
Apply a bandage
Cover the wound with a bandage to keep it clean and protected. Change the bandage daily or as needed.
Elevate the injured area
Keep your hand or foot elevated above the level of your heart to help reduce throbbing and swelling.
Apply ice
Use an ice pack or a cloth-covered ice pack to the injured area for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day after that. Ice can help reduce pain, swelling, and throbbing.
Take pain relievers
Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve) can help manage pain and reduce swelling.
Mend or hide the nail
If your nail is partially detached, you can use a home remedy to mend it or hide the damage. For mending, apply a small amount of nail glue to the broken area and hold it in place until the glue dries. You can also use a tea bag cut to nail size, glued in place, and then buffed and painted over. To hide the injury, you can apply a fake nail or use a gel and silk wrap to hold the nail in place.
It is important to note that not all nail injuries can be treated at home. If you have a severe injury, such as a deep cut, a fracture, or a large nail avulsion, you should seek medical attention. Additionally, if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, heat, or pus around the nail, you should contact your healthcare provider. They may prescribe antibiotics or perform minor procedures to treat the infection.
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Frequently asked questions
Your nail might be cut in the middle due to physical trauma, such as a crush injury or a cut with a sharp object.
If your nail is cut in the middle, you should assess the severity of the injury. If it is a minor cut, you can gently wash the wound and apply a bandage. For more serious injuries, you should seek medical attention at an urgent care center or emergency room.
Yes, there are several home remedies to fix a nail that is cut in the middle. You can use nail glue or a clear nail polish to hold the nail together until it grows out. Alternatively, you can try using a tea bag, a gel and silk wrap, or a fake nail to hide the break.
To prevent your nail from cutting in the middle, avoid physical trauma to your nails and maintain proper nail care. Keep your nails and cuticles moisturized, refrain from nail biting or picking, and wear gloves during activities that involve water or chemicals.
