If you have sustained an injury involving your fingernails or toenails, such as a nail bed injury or a deep bruise, you may need to see a doctor. Depending on the severity of your injury, the type of doctor you should see may vary.
For a minor injury to the nail and nail bed, such as a chip or break, you likely only need to see your primary care physician. They can examine you and provide a diagnosis. If the injury is more severe, such as an infection or a deep butt or tear in the nail bed, you may need to see a specialist.
In this case, you should consider visiting a hand surgeon or a dermatologist who specializes in nail disorders.
If you experience additional symptoms, such as pain, discoloration, or drainage, you should trek medical treatment immediately. If your injury is related to an accident, you may need to see an orthopedic doctor or a plastic surgeon to evaluate if any additional care is needed.
In any case, it is important to seek a professional diagnosis when dealing with any injury, to ensure the proper care is administered.
Table of Contents
When should I go to the doctor for a nail injury?
If you have injured your nail, it is important to get it checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the injury, there are certain signs that may indicate that it is time to seek medical attention.
These can include deep cuts or punctures, cracks in the nail, redness and swelling, pain, blood underneath the nail, an inability to move the injured area, and any drainage from the wound.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor immediately. Your doctor will be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of treatment for the injury.
Depending on the severity and type of the injury, this may include antibiotics, wound care, and drainage of the area, or minor surgery to repair the nail. Additionally, your doctor may suggest possible lifestyle modifications, such as wearing protective shoes and avoiding activities that put pressure on the injured area.
It is important to note that even if your nail injury appears to be minor, if it is causing pain or any other symptoms, it is a good idea to get it checked out by a medical professional. Seeking medical attention sooner rather than later can help you to avoid further injury and potential infection.
Should I go to ER for ripped nail?
It depends. If you have torn off a large portion of your nail and the area is bleeding, swollen or extremely painful then it is best to visit the Emergency Room. Additionally, if you are experiencing any fever, chills or other symptoms associated with a potential infection it is also important to go to the ER.
Applying petroleum jelly to keep the area soft and treating with a topical ointment to help protect against infection. Keeping the nail covered is also recommended to limit any further damage. If the area is swollen, sore or bandages keep coming loose, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider or go to the ER.
Do nail injuries heal on their own?
Generally speaking, minor nail injuries can heal on their own without requiring any special intervention. With enough time and care, the nail can usually repair itself. However, more severe injuries, such as a fractured nail, may need to be treated by a doctor, as it can take several weeks, or even months, for the nail to heal completely.
In addition, damaged or infected nails can lead to other infections and symptoms, so it’s important to seek medical attention if the injury is more serious or if symptoms arise. At-home care can help to keep the nail healthy and speed up the healing process.
This includes keeping the injured area clean and dry and applying an antibiotic ointment. Ointments and creams can also be used to soothe the area and reduce pain or discomfort. Keeping the nail trimmed to a manageable length can also help the healing process.
What does nail trauma look like?
Nail trauma is any kind of physical or chemical injury that can affect the nail or nail bed. It can occur from repetitive activities, such as using one’s nails to pry things open, or from an acute event, such as when a finger gets slammed in a door.
Trauma can also be caused by exposure to chemicals, such as when working in a nail salon.
Nail trauma can manifest in several ways. Common signs to look out for include discoloration of the nail or nails, either in the form of white spots or yellowing. Damage to the nail bed, such as ridging or cracking, may also occur.
More extreme forms of trauma can result in complete detachment of the nail from the nail bed, exposing the underlying tissues. If a nail is severely damaged, it may not grow back correctly, and may require medical attention.
Why is my finger throbbing after nail injury?
Injuries to your finger or nail can cause throbbing pain. This is because when we injure our finger or nail, the nerves in the area become inflamed. The inflammation of these nerves causes them to activate, sending pain signals to our brain, resulting in a throbbing sensation.
Additionally, when we injure our finger or nail, this results in a break in the skin, allowing bacteria and other contaminants to enter. This can cause an infection, leading to further pain and inflammation.
In some cases, it can even cause the finger to swell or develop a red or purple tint. To alleviate the pain, it is best to keep the finger or nail clean, apply antibiotics to prevent infection, rest the area, and apply a cold compress to reduce inflammation.
It is important to seek medical attention if the pain persists or gets worse over time.
What to do if half my nail ripped off?
If half of your nail has ripped off, it is important to take the necessary precautions to prevent further damage. First, use a pair of sterile scissors to carefully trim away any remaining torn off pieces of your nail.
Make sure the scissors you are using are clean and disinfect them with rubbing alcohol or boiling water. Then, apply a thin layer of antiseptic ointment to the area to help ward off infection. If possible, you should also cover the affected area with a Band-Aid or wrap it with a clean piece of gauze.
It is also a good idea to file the patched area of your nail down to make it absolutely even with the rest of your nail. This will help to ensure that your nail does not get further damage from snagging on items and that you can style and improve your nail.
If the tear of your nail is fairly severe, it may be necessary to take more steps to get your manicure back on track. This may include applying a glue or gel substance to the area and covering the nail with a clear or flesh toned patch.
If you’re really struggling, it may be a good idea to get a new acrylic nail applied to the area to protect your nail further.
When to go to the hospital after stepping on a nail?
If you’ve stepped on a nail, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. While the degree of injury may vary depending on several factors, most nail punctures have the potential to cause a severe infection if not treated promptly.
Here are some signs that you should go to the hospital immediately:
1. If the puncture is deep and protruding through the skin.
2. If you experience numbness or tingling in the area of the puncture.
3. If you develop a fever, redness, swelling, or drainage from the wound.
4. If the nail puncture is on the foot and it’s difficult for you to put weight on the area.
5. If the nail puncture is on the hand and you notice that your grip on the hand is getting weaker.
6. If you develop flu-like symptoms, such as chills, body aches, or nausea.
Seeking medical attention for a nail puncture is especially important for those who have diabetes, have a weakened immune system, work in construction or other areas with sharp objects, or if you are prone to infection.
A healthcare provider can assess your wound and determine if you need antibiotics or other treatments. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and complete any treatment prescribed to reduce the risk of infection.
Are nail injuries serious?
Nail injuries can be serious and can lead to more significant problems if they are not taken care of properly. These injuries can cause infection, damage the nail and even cause more significant damage to the underlying tissue.
Some of the more common nail injuries include cuts and tears on the finger nails, ingrown toenails, crush injuries, splinters, and even fungal infections. Prompt and proper treatment is the key to recovering quickly from these injuries.
Depending on the severity, it is important to consult a doctor as they may need to take X-rays or do a culture analysis to assess the extent of the injury. Treatment may involve antibiotics, careful cleaning and removal of any foreign matter, wound dressing, taping or bandaging the injured area, and even surgical removal of a severely damaged nail.
In some cases, if the nail is severely damaged and infected, the doctor might decide to permanently remove the nail.
The overall prognosis of nail injuries is usually favorable with prompt and proper care. It is recommended to keep the area clean and dry, use an antibacterial ointment and make sure to wear gloves when working with harsh chemicals or tools to prevent further problems.
How do you treat a nail bed injury?
Treating a nail bed injury is largely dependent on the type of injury you have experienced. Generally, it is important to keep the nail and the surrounding area clean and dry to prevent infection. Minor nail bed injuries may require less intensive treatments than more severe injuries, so it is important to have any injury evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate course of action.
For some milder injuries, you may only need to protect the nail bed and the surrounding area with a bandage and petroleum jelly. This will be beneficial in keeping the area clean, provide some cushioning, and protect the nail bed from further injury.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever or applying an ice pack if necessary to reduce pain and swelling.
For minor trauma, it is also recommended to allow the nail to grow out so that the new nail will cover any debris or holes in the nail bed. Keeping the nail hydrated and moisturized is also recommended and can be done by applying a good quality hand cream or lotion regularly.
For more serious injuries, you may require medical intervention to repair the nail bed. Treatment may include partial or total nail removal and antibiotics may be prescribed for more severe cases. Surgical procedures may be necessary for some more severe injuries, such as tendon or skin lacerations.
In any case, it is best to have any nail bed injury assessed and treated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper healing and a full recovery.
Can a damaged nail bed repair itself?
Yes, a damaged nail bed can repair itself in most cases. The nail bed is the fleshy area beneath the fingernail. It is made of skin and normally grows to cover the length of the nail plate, providing the nail plate strength and support.
Although the nail bed can heal itself if it is damaged, there are certain factors that may affect the severity of the injury. Injuries that require medical attention may be caused by a severe cut, chemical burn, injury with a sharp object, infection, or even fungal infection.
In most cases, these injuries can heal with proper care and treatment.
For minor injuries, such as a damaged cuticle or a small break in the nail plate, there are certain home remedies that can help the nail bed repair itself. Clean the injured area with soap and water or a sterile saline solution when possible.
Keep your hands dry, and avoid placing your hands in water or direct contact with chemicals. If there is dirt or debris embedded in the nail bed, use tweezers to gently remove it. Finally, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antiseptic cream to the area, which will help protect the wound and keep it moist for healing.
Although the nail bed can repair itself, it is important to take good care of your fingers to prevent further injury. Wear gloves when doing any kind of manual labor or working around chemicals or cleaning products.
Make sure to keep your nails trimmed and filed regularly to avoid overgrown nails, which can lead to infections and other issues. If your nail bed injury does not heal, see your doctor as soon as possible.
What does damage to the nail bed look like?
Damage to the nail bed can present itself in a variety of ways. The nail may become discolored, with lines, spots, or ridges; the area under the nail may become swollen and painful; the nail may look distorted or deformed; it may separate from the nail bed; or it may become abnormally thick.
In more severe cases, the nail bed may suffer from infection, due to bacteria or fungi. Signs of infection may include redness, pus, and an odor.
Damage to the nail bed can be caused by injuries, such as catching a finger on a doorframe or dropping a heavy object on it; repetitive motion, such as typing or using a nail file; fungal or bacterial infections; or medical conditions, such as psoriasis, lichen planus, or hand eczema.
Treating a damaged nail bed usually involves treating the underlying cause, such as infections, or removing the nail plate altogether if it is causing pain.
How long does it take for a damaged nail bed to heal?
It typically takes several weeks for a severely damaged nail bed to heal, although smaller or less severe damages can take much less time. Factors like the severity of the damage, the person’s age, and the overall health of the individual can influence the rate of healing.
During the healing process, new cells form to repair the damaged nail bed and the nail bed will likely appear slightly discolored during this time as it works to heal. In some cases, moisture and time may be enough for the nail bed to repair itself.
It is important to talk with a medical professional if the nail bed has been damaged to determine the best course of action and ensure proper healing.
Will my nail bed go back to normal?
Yes, your nail bed will most likely go back to normal depending on the severity of the trauma. If your nail bed has been lacerated or otherwise injured, it may take some time for it to fully heal. After the wound is healed, the tissue underneath the nail should return to normal, but it may take several weeks or longer.
You may also have some scarring or discoloration, but this should eventually fade as the nail grows out.
It is important to take good care of your nails while they heal. You should keep them moisturized and avoid any heavy-duty tasks or activities that may cause trauma. You should also protect your nails from any harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures that might damage them or slow the healing process.
If the nail bed has become infected, contact a health care professional to help treat the infection and prevent further damage.
Is it possible to repair a nail bed?
Yes, it is possible to repair a nail bed. This can be done through a variety of treatments depending on the severity of the injury. Minor injuries may be treated conservatively with topical ointments or medication.
Severe injuries, such as a laceration or splintering of the nail bed, may require surgical intervention to repair the damage and restore normal functioning. If you have suffered a nail bed injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the best course of treatment.
Early intervention may prevent further complications such as infection and irreversible nerve damage.
