How To Take Care Of A Nail That's Falling Off

See a podiatrist when your toenail falls off. Whether it is caused past a fungal toenail infection or a traumatic injury to the toe, it is common for a toenail to detach and fall off. This condition can exist painful and cause an unsightly appearance to your toe. While there is not a handling that can adhere the toenail back onto the boom bed, in that location are things y'all can do to make the process of growing out a new nail painless and infection-free.

Common Reasons for Losing a Toenail

At that place are many reasons to lose a toenail. Some common reasons are:

Fungal toenail infection
Acetone nail polish remover
Pare atmospheric condition such as psoriasis
Illness
Chemotherapy
Trauma or injury to the toe such equally stubbing the toe or dropping something heavy directly on the toenail

Handling Options for a Detached Toenail

One of the kickoff signs that y'all may lose your toenail is the darkening of the toenail due to claret collecting underneath. Eventually, the toenail may separate from the nail bed and get uncomfortable earlier information technology finally falls off.

Do non rip off the toenail or tear off the piece that is detaching. Y'all can trim the nail direct across and go out the section that is falling off still on the toe until it falls off naturally.

Once the nail falls off, yous volition need to protect the nail bed from infection. Toenails can take several months to a year to regrow.

Some treatment and prevention tips for toenails that have fallen off or are in the process of falling off include:

Use pain medication equally needed. After cleaning your toe, an antibody ointment or cream can be applied to help prevent infection. To help with hurting, you lot can take an over-the-counter medication such equally ibuprofen.
Cast the toe. If the toenail has non completely fallen off, you can bandage the nail to your toe until it falls off. You can also apply a bandage over the nail bed afterwards the smash has detached from the blast bed. Keep the cast on for seven to 10 days until the skin of the nail bed hardens.
Trim the existing smash. Trim off any sharp edges of the toenail to prevent catching or tearing on socks or other items.
Soak your feet in cold water. Yous tin soak your toe daily in cold water for 20 minutes.
Elevate your foot as much as possible. To reduce swelling in your toe, elevate your foot.

How to Prevent Losing a Toenail

In that location are some preventive measures to consider when doing activities that can aid decrease your risk of losing a toenail such as:

Do not wear shoes that are tight in the toes or put force per unit area on the toes.
Continue your toenails trimmed short.
Always vesture socks that are cushioned in your shoes.

When to Come across a Podiatrist

Y'all can often treat a fallen-off toenail at abode. On occasion, a discrete toenail can get infected. If you experience any of the following signs of an infection, information technology is time to consult with a podiatrist:

Increased pain
Discharge
Swelling
Redness

Y'all will also want to see a podiatrist if the toenail has discrete and volition not stop bleeding or if you feel throbbing in the toe where the nail has fallen off.

If your toenail has fallen off or y'all take questions almost your feet or toes, Greater Washington Avant-garde Podiatry tin can aid. We offer a free initial consultation and can create a customized plan to address your concerns. To set up an date, fill out our contact class or call us at (301) 515-FEET.