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What happens if your toenail is ripped off?

What happens if your toenail is ripped off?

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.

What do I do if my nail came off?

Trim off the detached part of a large tear, or leave the nail alone.

  1. Cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown out enough to protect the finger or toe.
  2. If you trim off the detached nail, you will have less worry about the nail catching and tearing.

Can a toenail fall off months after injury?

For example, if you had some bleeding right at the base of the nail, it may take weeks or months for it to fall off – if it does at all. But if you had severe damage and your entire nail is currently black, it may only take days or weeks.

How do you treat an injured toenail?

To relieve pain from an injury to the nail, try the following:

  1. Apply ice and elevate the injured nail area as soon as possible after the injury.
  2. Trim a torn or detached nail, and tape the nail in place.
  3. Try to drain blood from under the nail if you have pain.

Should I be worried if my toenail falls off?

Detached toenails are usually safe to remove, and they will typically grow back within a year and a half. A detached toenail can result from an injury or infection. Fungal infections or injuries may require additional medical attention to help ensure the toenail grows back properly.

What to do if toenail is lifting?

The easiest treatment is to have your podiatrist trim the excess nail and remove the lifted aspect. Podiatrists can also provide other medication recommendations to help treat the fungus. Less common causes of the toenail lifting are bone spurs or cancer. Bone spurs can develop from the bones located in the toe.

What is the treatment for losing a toenail?

Use a nail file to smooth any jagged or sharp edges. Clean your toe, making sure you remove any debris, and apply an antibiotic ointment. Cover the area where your toenail fell off with a bandage. Seek immediate treatment if your entire toenail falls off or the area around your toenail won’t stop bleeding.

What to do when your big toe nail comes off?

Keep your foot or hand elevated for at least 24 hours after the nail comes off. Clean the area with a medicated antibacterial soap . Do not use a wrap or sponge. Gently clean it with your fingers and then carefully pour clean water over the area to rinse it.

What causes a toenail to fall off?

Overview. A detached toenail is a common condition, but it can be painful. It’s usually caused by an injury, fungal infection, or psoriasis. However, chemicals, certain medications, and serious illness can also make your toenail fall off. Once your toenail falls off, it can’t reattach itself and keep growing.

Why is my toenail falling off?

The loss of a toenail, also called onychoptosis (which literally means “falling nail” in Greek), can be largely blamed on two major culprits — fungus and injury. Fungus: Several different types of microscopic fungi can cause onychoptosis by feeding on keratin, the tough protein that makes up toenails.

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Ruth Doyle