An injured toenail bed can cause serious problems. For instance, you're at a greater risk for infection and the nail might fall off. Even worse, if the damage to the toenail bed is severe, the nail may never grow back.
How do you repair a damaged nail bed?
Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Building Healthier Nails
- Forgo polish for a few weeks. Dermatologist Mohiba Tareen suggests minimizing nail polish and removal, since chronic chemical exposure can dry you out over time.
- Clip and file your nails down short. It may seem counterintuitive, but keeping your nails trimmed can actually help them to grow in strength and length.
- Moisturize constantly. ...
- Do a nail soak. ...
How do you treat a damaged nail bed?
Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Addressing Any Immediate Injuries
- Assess the extent of injury. Before you decide how to treat your nails, you'll want to take a closer look to determine in what ways they were damaged.
- Treat any wounds. If your nail is split open or cut, then wash the area carefully under water with soap.
- Make a doctor's appointment. ...
- Avoid spreading fungal infections. ...
- Get emergency help. ...
What happens when you lose a toenail?
- Pain gets worse or lasts for more than a couple of days
- Fever
- Pus
- Bleeding
- More redness or swelling around the toe or spreading into your foot
What is nail bed, causes, treatments of damaged nail bed?
Types of nail bed injury
- Subungual hematomas. A subungual hematoma looks like a bruise. ...
- Lacerations. Another type of nail bed injury is a cut, or laceration, that pierces the nail and nail bed beneath.
- Avulsions. A nail bed avulsion involves the nail and part of the nail bed pulling away from the rest of nail bed, either partly or entirely.
Can a damaged toenail bed be fixed?
Some nail bed injuries can be fully repaired, and your nail could return to normal. However, some severe injuries may result in a deformed nail. Deformities are likely to happen if the base of the nail bed (where it is crescent-shaped) is injured.
Will a damaged nail bed grow back?
After a nail separates from the nail bed for whatever reason, it will not reattach. A new nail will have to grow back in its place. Nails grow back slowly. It takes about 6 months for a fingernail and up to 18 months for a toenail to grow back.
How long does it take for a damaged nail bed to heal?
If you lose your nail, it will take about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal. A new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow to replace the lost nail. Toenails take about 12 months to grow back. The new nail will probably have grooves or ridges and be somewhat misshapen.
How do you treat nail bed damage?
Treatment of nail bed injuriesremoving all jewelry.washing the injured area gently with fragrance-free soap.bandaging the injury gently, if there is an open wound.applying an ice pack for about 20 minutes at a time.elevating the injured hand or foot.applying gentle compression to reduce any throbbing.More items...
How do I know if my toenail bed is damaged?
It's usually caused by a saw or knife but can also be caused by a crushing injury. If you have a nail bed laceration, it's likely to bleed. You'll be able to see the cut through your nail. As it heals, you might have a large bruise.
How do you restore a nail bed?
Try these three tips:Grow out your nails. First step is to let your nails grow out. ... Use a nail brush for cleaning instead of a nail scraper. You can also make your nail beds appear longer by cleaning underneath your nails with a nail brush instead of metal nail tools. ... Push back your cuticles.
How can I hide my missing toenail?
2:263:55OMG My Toenail Fell off on Vacation Heres my quick fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I have to make sure my toes look nice I have that glued on and I was showing you the dollarMoreSo I have to make sure my toes look nice I have that glued on and I was showing you the dollar polish that I bought at Kmart - it's just a neutral color and I paint my toenail.
Should I cover an exposed nail bed?
Protect any exposed part of the nail bed for 7 to 10 days until this skin hardens and isn't sensitive anymore. Coat the area with antibiotic ointment and top with a nonstick bandage. Change the bandage every day and whenever it gets wet.
Why is my toenail growing back weird?
If there's a problem with the toe, the nail growing cells have been partially damaged, or something like a fungal nail infection or other problem is present, then the nail may grow back distorted.
Can a toenail be permanently damaged?
Over time due to wear and tear or trauma can cause toenails to become thickened, grow upwards or sideways and even become permanently detached. Thick, multilayered toenail, lifted/detached from the nail bed, misshaped, hard to cut.
How do you know if your nail matrix is damaged?
If the matrix is destroyed it will not be able to create the nail. If there is minor damage it will be seen by a ridge or groove in the emerging nail. This can heal and the nail will grow without any noticeable damage. More serious damage can result in a permanent fault seen in the nail plate.
Should I cover an exposed nail bed?
Protect any exposed part of the nail bed for 7 to 10 days until this skin hardens and isn't sensitive anymore. Coat the area with antibiotic ointment and top with a nonstick bandage. Change the bandage every day and whenever it gets wet.
Do nails grow back if completely removed?
Sometimes a toenail or fingernail may be removed because of injury, pain from an ingrown nail, infection, or to look at the abnormal tissue below the nail. After your nail has been removed, it will take a few weeks for the nail to start to grow back. It will take about 3 to 6 months for a fingernail to fully grow back.
Why are my nails lifting off nail bed?
Nail lifting may occur with other skin conditions, such as various forms of eczema (including hand dermatitis), psoriasis, and lichen planus. Nail lifting may also occur with underlying medical problems, including thyroid disease, pregnancy, some forms of infection, and rarely some forms of cancer.
How to treat a nail bed injury?
A person can often treat a minor nail bed injury at home by: removing all jewelry. washing the injured area gently with fragrance-free soap. bandaging the injury gently, if there is an open wound. applying an ice pack for about 20 minutes at a time. elevating the injured hand or foot.
How long does it take for a nail bed to heal?
Depending on the severity of the injury, it may take 6–9 months to fully recover.
What is the purpose of stitches in a nail?
A doctor uses stitches to repair any laceration to the nail bed and reattaches the nail, if possible, to provide protection and support while the new nail grows. Doctors treat avulsions in a similar way, but the nail is sometimes too badly damaged to be reused.
What is the term for the nail bed pulling away from the rest of the nail bed?
Avulsions. A nail bed avulsion involves the nail and part of the nail bed pulling away from the rest of nail bed, either partly or entirely. This typically results from the nail being crushed or sustaining a high impact injury. Avulsions can cause significant pain.
How to treat subungual hematoma?
A doctor may treat a more severe subungual hematoma by making a small hole in the nail and draining the pooling blood. This is known as trephination. However, a doctor will not use this method if the nail is damaged.
What is the nail bed?
The nail bed is the skin underneath the nail. Injuries to this area are common, and they often occur when a heavy object crushes or hits the fingers or toes or when a person sustains a cut from a sharp object.
Can a nail bed injury heal on its own?
Minor nail bed injuries, including subungual hematomas, often heal on their own, especially when no other injuries are present.
What happens if you get a nail bed injury?
Nail bed injuries can cause: 1 blood to pool under your nail 2 your nail to crack into pieces 3 your nail to be torn off
How to get a ring off a nail bed?
However, there are several steps you should take before seeing a doctor when you injure your nail bed: Remove all jewelry from your hands. If your finger’s too swollen to get a ring off, call your doctor immediately. Gently wash the injury, especially if it’s bleeding. Apply a bandage if necessary.
What is a nail bed avulsion?
A nail bed avulsion is when your nail and part of your nail bed are pulled away from the rest of your finger. It commonly happens to your ring finger and is caused by your finger getting stuck or jammed in something. Nail bed avulsions are very painful and cause your finger to swell. Finger fractures are also common with this type of injury.
What happens when your finger is crushed?
When your fingertip or your nail bed is pinched, crushed, or cut, it causes a nail bed injury. Crushing can happen when your finger gets caught between two objects or in a doorway. Heavy objects falling on your finger can also cause injuries to the nail bed, as can being hit by a hammer. Cuts to your fingertip, nail bed, ...
Why does my nail bed bleed?
It’s usually caused by a saw or knife but can also be caused by a crushing injury. If you have a nail bed laceration, it’s likely to bleed. You’ll be able to see the cut through your nail. As it heals, you might have a large bruise.
How long does it take to get a splint for a nail bed avulsion?
This injury requires removing your nail. If you also have a finger fracture, it will need to be splinted. You might need a splint for up to three weeks, depending on the seriousness of the injury.
What causes blood to pool under your nail?
Types of nail bed injuries. Nail bed injuries can cause: blood to pool under your nail. your nail to crack into pieces. your nail to be torn off. There are many types of nail bed injuries, including:
What to do if your nails are damaged?
See a manicurist. If your nails are damaged, then it is a good idea to go to a professional for any polishing or new nail applications. Tell the technician about the problems that you've been having and ask for their treatment suggestions. If offered, go for hand massage as well as it will increase blood flow to the area and stimulate healing.
How to heal a nail wound?
An easy way to strengthen your nails is to forgo nail polish for a few weeks to prevent bacteria and fungus from building up. Try to keep your nails trimmed short as well, as this can help them grow stronger. Moisturizing your nails regularly is another way to keep them healthy, especially if you wash your hands frequently. Another way to heal damaged nails is to protect them from harm. For example, wear gloves when you use cleaning products to prevent irritation. Try to also avoid picking or biting your nails, as this can easily cause damage. For more information from our Medical co-author, like how to treat nail wounds, read on!
How to get your nails to stay soft?
Do a nail soak. In a medium bowl, add together warm water and a four teaspoons of sea salt. Place your hands in the solution and soak for up to ten minutes. Or, place your hands in a bowl or warm milk or olive oil. Apply a moisturizer directly to the nails afterwards to promote even more healing.
How to tell if your nails are damaged?
Before you decide how to treat your nails, you'll want to take a closer look to determine in what ways they were damaged. Examine the nails shapes to see if they are distorted. Look at the coloring of the nails, as a green or yellow shade could indicate infection.
How to build up cuticles and nails?
These vitamins will help to build up your nails and cuticles. Foods, such as olive oil and eggs, or a good multivitamin can give you these nutrients. Also, make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration and brittle nail beds an dry cuticles.
How to stop biting your nails?
Take steps to end picking, tearing, or biting. If you find yourself biting or tearing at your nails, then this is a likely cause of at least some of the damage. Make a decision to end these behaviors and follow through by coating your nails in an unpleasant taste, such as lemon juice. There are also nail polishes that are designed to dissuade you from biting.
How to keep your nails moisturized?
Moisturize constantly. Look for a nail-specific cream, serum, or gel. Apply it throughout the day, especially after you wash your hands. At night, rub on a generous portion of the moisturizer and then pull on cotton gloves or socks. The cotton will keep the nails moisturized overnight and will keep the air from drying them out.
How to strengthen nails?
The best way to strengthen your nails is to just give them a break. Avoid wearing nail polish for several months to let the nail layers regenerate, and wear gloves when you do the dishes to avoid exposing your nails to chemicals and soap.
How to prevent ridges in nails?
To help prevent ridges in the first place, focus on eating a balanced diet rich in the nutrients from fruits and vegetables, along with omega-3 fatty acids. Horizontal depressions in the nails are called Beau’s lines, and they are more like a deeper groove in the nail plate.
Why are my nails so soft?
Did you know that fingernails are about 10 times more absorbent than skin? This means they are highly susceptible to all sorts of external factors that might make them soft and breakable. Everything from seasonal weather changes to nail polish remover can cause your nails to become weaker and tear more easily.
Why are my nails yellow after scrubbing?
If, after some buffing and scrubbing, you’re still left with yellow nails, you might have a nail fungus. Sounds a little gross, I know, but it happens to the best of us! Obviously, if you’re in pain or you notice a change in your nail texture such as pitting, you should go see a doctor ASAP.
How to get rid of ridges on fingernails?
If you already have ridges, massage a dab of vitamin E oil into your nails twice a day to help make them appear less prominent or grab a buffing board next time you’re at the pharmacy and buff them away. 5. Blue Tint. A bluish tinge to the nails is a sign that your fingers aren’t getting enough oxygen.
Why do my fingernails peel?
While your genes usually play a role, exposing your hands to the winter elements, harsh chemicals, or too much hot water can wreak havoc on your nails, causing them to peel. But don’t panic, a quality moisturizer and some TLC will have your nails back in tip-top shape in no time.
How to get rid of discoloration on nails?
But if all you’re experiencing is a little discoloration that won’t go away, put a few drops of a nail-friendly essential oi l like tea tree onto your nail beds and massage it in for several minutes before rinsing with warm water. Do this twice a day for a few months until you notice improvement.
What is a damaged nail bed?
Honestly speaking, toenail injury can lead to a damaged nail bed. But generally, a damaged nail bed is as a result of blunt trauma to the toenail. Just like blunt trauma to other parts of your body, you’ll be left with ugly marks which differentiate it from other conditions. It is easy to spot the difference between a damaged nail bed and toenail fungus, especially if it is caused by blunt trauma.
Why do my toenails get damaged?
The other kind of damaged nail bed is caused by repeated stress on the toenails. This could be as a result of ill-fitting shoes. You might think that shoes that do not fit well are no real problem, but they get very uncomfortable overtime, and can have significant damage on your toenails.
What does toenail fungus look like?
Toenail fungus exhibits a variety of symptoms that may help you identify it. Some of these symptoms include:
What does it mean when your toenails turn yellow?
Yellowing of toenails. Instead of the usual pink color of your nails, toenail fungus will make your nails turn whitish, yellowish or light brownish. Deformed and crumbly toenails. Instead of your toenails being smooth and pliable, the fungus will make them ragged, crumbly and brittle. Disfigured toenails.
What does it mean when your nails are rough?
If your nails appear unhealthy – for instance, they start to change color, they appear thicker or are rougher than usual – this can be a sign that you either have a toenail fungus or damaged nail bed.
What does it mean when you have a bruising under your nail?
As mentioned above, bruising is a common symptom of a damaged nail bed. This appears as a large spot underneath the nail, rather than within the nail. Like blunt trauma to any other parts of the body, you’ll have bruising and discoloration. Blood pools beneath the nail and turns to a reddish color.
What happens if you tear your nail in pieces?
Depending on the cause of damage, you may also have nail laceration . This is where your nail is torn in pieces in one or more areas. Again, the nail appears red and if the wound is deep enough, there will be a scar. Your nail may also be deformed.
