Liam Carter
Losing a thumbnail can be a painful and worrying experience. The good news is that, in most cases, your nail will grow back, but it may take some time – usually between 4 to 6 months for fingernails and up to 12 to 18 months for toenails. The new nail may have grooves or ridges and could be somewhat misshapen, but this is often temporary. If there is damage to the nail matrix or nail bed, the growing nail may have defects, and more severe damage can result in permanent deformation. It is important to be cautious of potential infections and to seek medical advice if you are concerned about any pain, swelling, or other symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail regeneration | Nails have good regeneration capacity but grow slowly |
| Time taken for a new nail to grow | It takes about 6 months or longer for a fingernail and up to 12-18 months for a toenail to grow back |
| Nail matrix | The nail matrix is where your fingernails and toenails form. It has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix |
| Nail injuries | A nail may separate from the nail bed due to injury, fungal nail infection, skin conditions, chemicals, medicines, or severe illnesses |
| Treatment | 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 |
| Nail trephination | A procedure that drains trapped blood under the nail, providing pain relief and helping the new nail grow in correctly |
| Post-operative care | Doctors usually recommend postoperative care after a nail removal procedure, including elevating the affected area and taking prescribed medication |
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What You'll Learn
Nail injuries and treatment
A nail injury occurs when any part of the nail becomes injured, including the nail, nail bed, cuticle, and the skin around the sides of the nail. This can be caused by cutting, tearing, smashing, or bruising the nail, or by tearing the nail away from the skin. Treatment for a nail injury depends on the type and seriousness of the injury.
For mild nail injuries, board-certified dermatologists recommend treating the wound by gently trimming away any part of the nail that is not connected to the skin. Then, gently clean the wound using soap and water. If the wound is bleeding, do not put a dry bandage or gauze on top, as this will stick to the wound. Instead, apply petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist, then cover with gauze or a bandage. Repeat these steps daily while the wound heals. Do not put sticky products on the nail itself, only on the skin around the nail. Wrapping the wound with an elastic bandage is another option, but do not wrap the bandage too tightly. To reduce swelling, apply a cool, damp washcloth to the wound. Propping the injured arm or leg on pillows so that the nail is higher than the heart can also help to reduce swelling. Non-prescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
For more serious nail injuries, it is recommended to go to an urgent care center or emergency room. They will stop the bleeding and clean the wound, usually numbing the nail and finger or toe with medicine before treating it. For larger bruises, a provider will create a small hole in the nail to allow blood and fluid to drain out and relieve pressure and pain. If the bone is broken or the bruise is very large, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed repaired. Part or all of the nail may be removed, and cuts in the nail bed will be closed with stitches. The nail will then be reattached with a special glue or stitches. If the nail cannot be reattached, it may be replaced with a special type of material. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. If a bone is broken, a wire may be placed in the finger to keep the bone in place.
In the case of a bruise under the nail, a procedure called nail trephination can be performed to drain the trapped blood, providing pain relief and helping the new nail to grow in correctly. This procedure must be performed within 48 hours of the injury, before the blood clots.
If left untreated, nail injuries can lead to infection, foot ulcers, and other serious problems, especially in those with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an immune system problem. These conditions can cause reduced blood flow and loss of feeling in the feet.
Even with proper treatment, a new nail that grows back after an injury may have grooves or ridges and be somewhat misshapen. This may be permanent. However, with the right treatment, healthy nails will often grow back. It may take several weeks for a new nail to appear, and up to 6 months or longer for a fingernail and 18 months for a toenail to fully grow back.
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Nail matrix damage
The nail matrix is the "factory" where new nails are made. Fingernails and toenails start to grow in the nail matrix, which is located at the base of the nail. The nail matrix has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. About 90% of nail growth comes from the germinal matrix, which gives nails their natural curvature. The remaining 10% of cells come from the sterile matrix, which is more important for keeping the nail attached to the skin.
Injuries and certain health conditions can damage the nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. Minor damage to the nail matrix can temporarily change the appearance of the nail. You might notice dents, horizontal ridges, pain, soreness, splits, cracks, spots, streaks of colour, thickening, or a crumbly texture. In the case of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of the nail may not grow back.
If you have a bruise under your nail, a procedure called nail trephination can drain the trapped blood, providing pain relief and helping the new nail grow in correctly. This procedure must be performed within 48 hours of the injury. Severe trauma, such as crushing injuries or deep cuts, may result in long-term or permanent effects if the nail matrix is significantly damaged.
It is rare for the nail matrix to be permanently damaged, but if this does happen, you can still live a full and active life without a fingernail or toenail.
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Nail separation from the nail bed
A nail may separate from the nail bed (detach) for many reasons, including injury, infection, or certain skin conditions. The medical term for this condition is onycholysis. It is somewhat common and typically not painful, but depending on the cause, the affected nail may change colour to yellow, greenish, purple, white, or grey. Onycholysis can also be caused by trauma to the nail or an allergic reaction.
If left untreated, onycholysis can cause the nail bed to disappear and lead to the nail plate becoming shorter or narrower. In more severe cases, it can also result in scarring of the nail bed. Onycholysis can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as an autoimmune disease (e.g., psoriasis, hyperthyroidism, or type 1 diabetes), a serious yeast infection, or thyroid disease. It can also indicate a deficiency in essential vitamins or minerals, such as iron.
The treatment for onycholysis depends on the underlying cause. The first step is to determine what is causing the nail to lift from the nail bed. Once the cause is identified, treating the underlying issue will help resolve the condition. General measures to support nail health and prevent infection include keeping the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown back. It is also essential to clip the affected portion of the nail and keep the nails short with frequent trimming.
With effective treatment, the nail can reattach to the nail bed as new growth occurs. Nails grow back slowly, and it typically takes 4 to 6 months for fingernails to regrow and 8 to 18 months for toenails. In cases of severe nail bed damage, some or all of the nail may not grow back. However, with proper medical care, healthy nails can often grow back.
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Home remedies for nail issues
If your thumb nail has fallen off due to an injury, don't worry—it will usually grow back within six months for a fingernail and up to 18 months for a toenail. In the meantime, you can care for your nail with some simple home remedies.
Firstly, keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown back. Apply a new bandage whenever the old one gets wet. You can also file any sharp edges smooth or trim the nail, which will prevent it from catching and tearing. If you trim off the detached nail, you won't have to worry about it tearing further. However, if you leave it, the nail will eventually fall off when the new nail grows in.
Nail issues can also arise due to fungal infections, which can cause nails to become cracked, yellow, discoloured, streaked, thickened, or spotted. To treat a fungal infection, you can try natural home remedies such as tea tree oil, menthol-camphor ointments, oregano, clove oil, garlic oil, or henna and ginger. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of these remedies is not well-supported by research, and you should always consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Additionally, vitamin E oil can help improve nail health by stimulating nail growth, improving the health of your cuticles, and restoring moisture. Simply massage the oil into your nails and cuticles for 2-3 minutes and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it away.
Remember, while home remedies can be helpful, it's always a good idea to seek medical advice if you're concerned about any nail issues or injuries.
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Preventing nail issues
Nail issues can occur due to injury, overexposure to moisture, or other health conditions. Here are some tips to prevent nail issues and keep your nails healthy:
Keep Nails Clean and Dry
It is important to keep your nails clean and dry. Wash your hands regularly and ensure that your nails are thoroughly dried afterward. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause nail infections. Keep your nails away from harsh chemicals and moisture as much as possible.
Trim Nails Properly
Use sharp manicure scissors or nails clippers to trim your nails straight across, rounding the tips gently. Trim your nails after bathing when they are softer and easier to cut. Cut your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Avoid biting, tearing, or pulling on your nails, as this can weaken them and lead to nail damage.
Moisturize Nails and Cuticles
Use lotion or petroleum jelly on your nails and cuticles to keep them moisturized. This helps prevent brittle and weak nails, which are more prone to breakage and tearing. Well-moisturized nails are also less likely to develop vertical ridges, which can be a sign of aging.
Address Any Discoloration or Spots
If you notice any discoloration, such as yellow nails, it could be due to an infection or a reaction to nail products. Stop using any potentially irritating products and try natural treatments like tea tree oil or vitamin E to tackle the infection. If the issue persists, consult a doctor. For white spots or lines on the nail, known as leukonychia, give your nails a break from polish and other products. If the issue persists or recurs, seek medical advice.
Seek Medical Attention for Persistent Issues
If you notice horizontal lines, black lines, or other persistent nail abnormalities, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. These issues could indicate underlying health conditions, vitamin deficiencies, or nutritional deficiencies. A doctor can help diagnose and address any underlying causes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, nails have good regeneration capacity. However, it may take up to 6 months for fingernails and 12-18 months for toenails to grow back.
If your thumbnail falls off, keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail bed is firm or the nail has grown back. Apply a new bandage if the old one gets wet.
The new nail will probably have grooves or ridges and be somewhat misshapen. This may be permanent. However, if the injury was to the nail matrix, the deformity will eventually disappear as the nail regrows.
Unfortunately, there is no way to speed up nail growth. Nails grow slowly, at a rate of about one-tenth of a millimeter per day.
