What do I do if my bruised nail falls off?
What do I do if my bruised nail falls off?
If you’ve ripped off all or part of your nail and it’s bleeding:
- Apply pressure with a clean cloth for several minutes to stop the bleeding.
- Once the bleeding has stopped, apply an antibiotic ointment and a bandage.
- Call your healthcare provider or go to an urgent care facility so they can evaluate the damage.
How long after trauma will a nail fall off?
On average, it can take up to 18 months for a toenail to completely regrow, and about 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back….How long does it take for a toenail to grow back?
| Scenario | Regrowth timeline (for fingernails and toenails) |
|---|---|
| after trauma | 6 months to 2 years |
Should you remove a nail that’s falling off?
If only part of a toenail has fallen off, it is essential to leave the remaining part of the nail in place. In this case, instead of removing it, a person should trim or file any jagged or uneven edges to smooth it out. This will help prevent further injury or the nail catching on socks or footwear.
How do you know it will finger nail fall off after it bruises?
The bruise will remain visible for a few months until the affected portion of the nail grows out. If you suspect that your nail may fall off, or the bruise is visible on 50 percent or more of the nail, call your doctor. Your doctor may be able to help prevent the nail from falling off by relieving pressure.
Do bruised nails always fall off?
Unless the area of bleeding is very small, an affected nail will usually fall off on its own after several weeks because the pooled blood has separated it from its bed. A new fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks.
How do you remove a fingernail that is coming off?
How is it treated?
- File any sharp edges smooth, or trim the nail.
- Trim off the detached part of a large tear, or leave the nail alone.
- Use scissors to remove the detached part of the nail if the nail is partly attached.
- Soak your finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes after trimming the nail.
How do I protect my nail bed after losing my nail?
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 adhesive bandage whenever the bandage gets wet. Watch for signs of infection such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus.
How do I know if my nail bed is damaged?
A person should see a doctor if:
- any jewelry is difficult to remove from the injured finger or toe.
- pooling blood covers more than half of the nail bed.
- pain from the injury is severe.
- bleeding does not easily stop.
- any cut is deep.
- the nail is cut, torn, or detached from the nail bed.
- the finger or toe has an usual shape.
How do I protect my nail when my nail falls off?
Cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown out enough to protect the finger or toe. If you trim off the detached nail, you will have less worry about the nail catching and tearing. If you leave the detached nail in place, it will eventually fall off when the new nail grows in.
How do you care for a fingernail that is coming off?
To care for your nail injury:
- Remove all jewelry from your hand. Apply soap, if needed, to help rings slip off your fingers. If you cannot remove a ring because your finger is swollen, call your health care provider.
- Gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes.
- Apply a bandage if needed.
What happens if you lose a nail?
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.
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.
How do I stop my nail from falling off?
For at least 30 seconds, apply a good amount of downward force on the middle of the nail. Only after that should you pinch the sides and get that complete seal. Repeat the same process for each nail, then keep both hands dry for at least a few hours.