how to repair toenail damage

Full Answer

How do I treat a damaged toenail?

Antibiotic ointment will be used to lower the chances of infection and the wound will be bandaged. Depending on the cause of the damaged toenail, you may not want it to grow back. This can be accomplished by applying a chemical solution that helps prevent regrowth.

Why are my toenails so damaged?

Toenails can become damaged for a variety of reasons, from trauma to fungal infection to complications from an ingrown toenail. In many cases, these conditions can be treated without removing the nail. A doctor can determine the cause and full scope of the problem and help you understand all your options.

What happens if you don’t remove a damaged toenail?

Removing a damaged toenail yourself could lead to serious complications that end up making matters worse. Toenails can become damaged for a variety of reasons, from trauma to fungal infection to complications from an ingrown toenail. In many cases, these conditions can be treated without removing the nail.

Can you drill a hole through a loose toenail to heal it?

If the nail is raised, the doctor may relieve the pressure by drilling a hole through the nail. If it is loose, the nail may be trimmed or even reattached to protect the nail bed while the nail is regrowing. 1  You should avoid removing or drilling the injured nail at home. Doing so could lead to infection and slow the healing process.

Can damaged toenails be fixed?

Surgical removal with nail correction system to potential create a new healthier toenail – some damaged toenails are able to repair themselves depending on the severity of nail damage. There is one possible last chance treatment to help create a healthier, attached toenail.

How do you treat damaged toenails?

Rest: Limit the use of your toe. Ice: Ice the area to reduce pain and swelling. Compression: Apply a wrap to the area to reduce blood flow and limit pain. Elevation: Keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling.

Can toenails be restored?

Nail restoration is a highly versatile treatment modality for a wide variety of toenail maladies such as toe shape defects due to trauma or injuries. It's also appropriate for discolored nails or thick or brittle nails.

How can I get my healthy toenail back?

10 Tips For Growing Healthy ToenailsDaily Cleansing. ... Moisturize. ... Frequent Trimming. ... Filing. ... Toenail Friendly Diet. ... Wearing Proper Shoes and Socks. ... Occasional Massage. ... Treat Yourself To Foot Soaks.More items...•

What does a damaged toe nail look like?

You may first notice a white or yellow spot under the tip of a toenail. As the fungal infection makes its way deeper into the nail, your nail will become discolored and thicken. Your nail may also crumble and become jagged at the edge, and spread to other toenails. It can also spread to the surrounding skin.

What does a traumatized toenail look like?

It occurs when the blood vessels break open under the nail, causing blood to pool. Your toenail may look like a black, blue or purple bruise. Other nail trauma is painful and can cause your nail to accidently tear or split (lacerations), fall off completely (avulsion), or it can cause an ingrown toenail.

How do you rebuild a toenail?

0:4811:25Toenail Reconstruction with NanoFlex by Fuzion - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd rebuild it using nano flex by fusion and it is an awesome product that will allow you toMoreAnd rebuild it using nano flex by fusion and it is an awesome product that will allow you to reconstruct toenail issues that maybe you previously haven't had the ability to do for your clients.

How do I fix my toenail bed?

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.

Is there a filler for toenails?

Ridged nails don't look very appealing, and to take proper care of them, you need the best nail ridge nail fillers. Nail fillers are the base layers of your nails and fill in any ridges or blemishes. They can instantly revitalize the nail plate, creating a smooth surface for easy and uniform nail color application.

How does Vicks VapoRub work on toenail fungus?

Even before that, a study of some of the essential oils in Vicks VapoRub showed that they are active against five different species of fungus that infect nail tissue (Phytotherapy Research, April, 2003). Camphor, menthol, thymol and oil of eucalyptus are effective against these organisms.

What vitamins strengthen toenails?

Biotin. Biotin is a B-complex vitamin, also known as vitamin B7, coenzyme R and vitamin H. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth. Biotin-rich foods and supplements may help strengthen your brittle fingernails.

How do I know if my nail bed is damaged?

If you have a deep cut in your nail bed, you should see a doctor, especially if it doesn't stop bleeding. Subungual hematomas that cover more than a quarter of your nail also need medical treatment. If your finger is very swollen or painful, or if you think it's fractured, you should see your doctor for an evaluation.

Should damaged toenail be removed?

If you have a damaged toenail, you might be tempted to remove it yourself. But while damaged toenails sometimes fall off on their own, it's not a good idea to force that process. Removing a damaged toenail yourself could lead to serious complications that end up making matters worse.

Does Vicks cure toenail fungus?

Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in the treatment of toenail fungus. To use, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.

What causes toenails to split down the middle?

Split nails are common. They can affect both fingernails and toenails and are usually the result of physical trauma, such as an object crushing them. However, wear and tear, as well as nutrient deficiencies, are also potential causes. In some cases, a person can take preventive measures to avoid splitting their nails.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 do my nails turn yellow?

As serious (and unsightly) as it looks, yellow nails are usually caused by dark fingernail polish that’s been left on a little too long before being removed. It’s best to prevent yellow nails from the get-go, but if you can’t keep your hands off the dark polish, you can try lightening your nails instead.

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.

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 causes toenails to grow?

These often occur as a result of another condition, such as an ingrown toenail, a toenail injury or injuries to the nail bed. Fungus will grow in the area where a nail is loose or has broken the skin. It’s also commonly associated with Athlete’s Foot and diabetes.

How to get rid of a swollen foot?

Soak: Soak your foot in warm water with Epsom salts to soothe and soften the area. This will also encourage the pus to drain and reduce pain.

How to treat subungual hematoma?

To treat subungual hematoma, your doctor might remove the affected nail to reduce the pressure and allow the area to heal. Some doctors might instead try to drain the blood from the area and save the nail, but still relieve the pressure and pain, by making a small hole in the nail.

Why does my toe get black and blue?

It occurs when the blood vessels break open under the nail, causing blood to pool. In some cases, you can even experience a subungual hematoma due to poor-fitting shoes or due to a physical activity like soccer or basketball that causes your toe to ram into your shoe. It is a mild injury, but still pretty painful.

How to treat swelling and pain from a swollen ear?

Medicate: Alleviate swelling and pain by taking over the counter pain medication.

Can an ingrown toenail cause infection?

If you leave your ingrown toenail untreated, it can eventually lead to an infection. This is, of course, not the ideal course of action.

Can a toenail injury be repaired?

Although they are common, a toenail injury does merit prompt attention and sometimes requires nail bed repair or another medical treatment. To get you on the right track, read the following information on identifying common injuries to the nail bed and what you can do about them if they happen to you:

Why do toenails get damaged?

Toenails can become damaged for a variety of reasons, from trauma to fungal infection to complications from an ingrown toenail.

How long does it take for a toenail to heal after a toenail injury?

If you receive a prescription for oral antibiotics, be sure to continue taking them until they’re all gone. It can take a few days to several weeks for full recovery. Much depends on the reason for the damaged toenail, whether your toe was also injured, and whether there was infection.

What are the risks of surgical toenail removal?

Risks of surgical toenail removal include infection and abnormal nail growth. Other risks may depend on the cause. For example, if you had a fungal infection, it may come back. You can lower your risk of recurrence by: 1 keeping feet clean and dry 2 wearing breathable socks and changing them when damp from sweat 3 disinfecting shoes and changing them when damp 4 wearing flip flops near public pools and in public showers 5 letting your feet out for air when relaxing at home 6 cutting toenails correctly 7 seeking medical attention at the first sign of fungus

How to remove a nail plate?

Your doctor will start by separating the nail from the skin. Then a tool will be inserted under the nail to lift and remove the nail plate. The entire area will be thoroughly cleaned out. Antibiotic ointment will be used to lower the chances of infection and the wound will be bandaged.

What are the symptoms of a toe infection?

The introduction of the slightest bacteria can raise the risk of developing a toe infection, with symptoms such as: redness. swelling. oozing of pus. foul odor. throbbing pain. fever. A toe infection may make it difficult to wear normal shoes and engage in your usual activities.

How long does it take for a toe to feel tender after a toe surgery?

Right after the surgery, you may experience tenderness, redness, and swelling. Elevating the affected toe above heart level for about 48 hours after the procedure will help decrease pain and swelling.

How to treat a toe that is swollen and swollen?

First, the affected toe will be thoroughly cleaned with surgical soap or alcohol. Then, you’ll get an injection of local anesthesia. In some cases, an elastic band or tourniquet will be used at the base of the toe.

What causes discoloration under the toenail?

Discharge from under the toenail. Toenail becomes loose. If you have neuropathy, diabetes, peripheral arterial disease , or any condition that affects healing or circulation. Discoloration appears as a linear streak or a stripe going with the length of the nail.

What is it called when your nail falls off?

Nail loosens or falls off: Sometimes the entire nail or a portion of it will loosen or fall off. This is called nail avulsion. It's often a temporary condition, and the nail will regrow over the course of a couple of months.

Why do people get subungual hematomas?

A subungual hematoma is usually caused by blunt trauma from a heavy object or chronic friction from rubbing against the shoe. 1  Acute trauma isn't necessarily the cause. People who do a lot of walking or running are more prone to subungual hematomas because of increased shoe friction.

What causes a black toenail?

It is often called black toenail for that reason. A subungual hematoma is usually caused by blunt trauma from a heavy object or chronic friction ...

What are the conditions that can cause a toenail to be red?

Blunt trauma to the toenail, such as a heavy object dropped on the toe, which may need to have a fracture or wound treated. Severe swelling, pain, or redness of the toe. Discharge from under the toenail.

Why do my nails get thicker?

Nail thickening : This is caused by damage to the nail's growth center, called the nail matrix. It responds by producing a thicker nail. Nail dystrophy : You may see permanent nail changes such as splitting or a decrease in size.

Can a toenail be loosened by bleeding?

Sometimes bleeding under the nail can change the structure of the toenail for a period of time and may lead to the nail loosening or falling off. This is usually temporary, but if the trauma was severe it may be permanent.

How to prevent toenails from getting broken?

Prevent Broken Toenails. A long toenail or a rough edge can catch on the corner of a door or thick carpet, so keep nails trimmed straight across. Constant pressure, like a hammertoe that rubs against the inside of your shoe, can lead to a detached toenail. See a podiatrist regularly if you have any foot problems.

Why is my toenail breaking off?

A fungal infection, an allergy to a nail product ingredient, psoriasis, and diseases that cause poor circulation, such as Raynaud's, can lead to your toenail breaking off or crumbling. Follow your doctor's instructions to manage these issues and lower the odds of related problems.

What to do if your toe is crooked?

The toe is crooked or mangled. You see blood pooling under 1/4 or more of the remaining nail. A doctor can numb the area, stop any bleeding, and treat the nail. That could include cleaning, trimming, and putting the nail back in place if it's detached but in good condition.

How to get rid of a 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. (If any part gets stuck, soak it under warm running water until it slips off.)

What does it mean when your toenail is ripped off?

The base or sides of the nail are pulling away or already detached from the nail bed or nail folds. The toenail has ripped off. (The nail bed may look pearly, as though the nail is still there, even though it's completely off.) Bring the nail with you. You have a deep cut that might need stitches.

How long does it take for a nail to grow back?

It may take a year or more for a new nail to fully grow back, and it may be deformed. A long toenail or a rough edge can catch on the corner of a door or thick carpet, so keep nails trimmed straight across. Constant pressure, like a hammertoe that rubs against the inside of your shoe, can lead to a detached toenail.

What happens if you accidentally stub your toe?

Broken toenails are common. One can happen when you accidentally stub your toe or drop something heavy on your foot.