Why does a toenail fall off. What are the common causes of toenail loss. How can you prevent toenail detachment. What should you do if your toenail is falling off. How long does it take for a toenail to grow back.

The Science Behind Toenail Detachment: Onychoptosis Explained

Toenail loss, medically known as onychoptosis, occurs when the toenail separates from the nail bed. This condition can affect any toe but is most commonly observed in the big toe. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of onychoptosis is crucial for proper treatment and prevention.

What exactly happens during onychoptosis? The nail plate, which is the visible part of the nail, becomes detached from the nail bed beneath it. This separation can be partial or complete, depending on the severity of the underlying cause. The process is often gradual, but in some cases, it can occur suddenly due to acute trauma.

The Anatomy of a Toenail

To better comprehend onychoptosis, it’s essential to understand the structure of a toenail:

• Nail plate: The hard, visible part of the nail
• Nail bed: The skin underneath the nail plate
• Nail matrix: The area at the base of the nail where new nail cells are produced
• Cuticle: The protective rim of skin around the base of the nail

When onychoptosis occurs, the connection between the nail plate and the nail bed is compromised, leading to the eventual loss of the toenail.

Primary Causes of Toenail Loss: Fungal Infections and Injuries

Two main factors contribute to toenail detachment: fungal infections and injuries. Understanding these causes can help in prevention and early intervention.

Fungal Infections: The Silent Culprit

Fungal infections, particularly those caused by dermatophytes, are the most common reason for toenail loss. These microscopic organisms thrive in warm, moist environments and feed on keratin, a protein found in nails and skin.

How do fungal infections lead to toenail detachment? The infection weakens the nail structure, making it brittle and prone to cracking. As the fungus spreads, it can grow between the nail and the nail bed, causing separation. This process eventually results in the nail falling off.

Injuries: Acute and Chronic Causes

Injuries are the second most frequent cause of toenail loss. These can be categorized into two types:

1. Acute injuries: Sudden, traumatic events such as dropping a heavy object on the toe or stubbing it against a hard surface
2. Chronic injuries: Repetitive stress over time, often seen in athletes, especially runners

How do injuries cause toenail detachment? Acute injuries can lead to bleeding under the nail, creating pressure that separates the nail from the bed. Chronic injuries, like constant pressure from ill-fitting shoes, can cause blistering under the nail, gradually forcing the nail away from the bed.

Recognizing the Warning Signs: Symptoms of Impending Toenail Loss

Identifying the early signs of potential toenail loss is crucial for timely intervention. The symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause.

Symptoms Related to Fungal Infections

When a fungal infection is the culprit, you may notice:

• Discoloration (yellow, brown, or white)
• Thickening of the nail
• Brittle or crumbly texture
• Distorted shape
• Foul odor
• Separation of the nail from the bed (onycholysis)

Symptoms Related to Injuries

If an injury is causing your toenail to fall off, you might experience:

• Pain or tenderness
• Bleeding under the nail (subungual hematoma)
• Discoloration, often appearing as a dark spot under the nail
• Looseness of the nail
• Visible cracks or splits in the nail

Is pain always present when a toenail is falling off? Not necessarily. While acute injuries often cause immediate pain, chronic issues or fungal infections may lead to gradual nail detachment with minimal discomfort.

Immediate Action: What to Do When Your Toenail is Falling Off

If you notice your toenail is loose or falling off, it’s important to take appropriate action to prevent further complications.

First Steps to Take

1. Clean the area: Gently wash the affected toe with mild soap and warm water
2. Assess the situation: Determine how much of the nail is detached and check for signs of infection
3. Protect the nail bed: Cover the area with a sterile bandage or gauze
4. Avoid further trauma: Wear comfortable, roomy shoes to prevent additional pressure on the affected toe

Should you remove a loose toenail yourself? It’s generally not recommended to forcibly remove a loose toenail. If the nail is hanging by a small piece, it may be carefully trimmed to prevent snagging, but complete removal should be done by a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Professional Help

While minor cases can be managed at home, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention:

• Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, or fever)
• Severe pain
• Significant bleeding
• Complete nail detachment
• Underlying health conditions like diabetes or circulatory problems

A podiatrist or dermatologist can provide proper treatment, which may include complete nail removal, medication for infections, or protective dressings.

The Road to Recovery: Toenail Regrowth and Healing Process

After losing a toenail, the natural process of regrowth begins. Understanding this process can help manage expectations and ensure proper care during recovery.

Timeline for Toenail Regrowth

How long does it take for a toenail to grow back completely? The regrowth process typically takes 3 to 6 months for fingernails and 6 to 18 months for toenails. However, this timeline can vary based on individual factors such as age, overall health, and the extent of the nail bed damage.

Stages of Toenail Regrowth

1. Initial healing: The exposed nail bed forms a protective layer
2. New nail formation: Cells in the nail matrix begin producing new nail material
3. Visible growth: A thin, new nail becomes visible at the base of the nail bed
4. Complete regrowth: The new nail gradually grows to cover the entire nail bed

Can you speed up toenail regrowth? While the process is largely determined by your body’s natural healing rate, maintaining good nutrition, staying hydrated, and keeping the area clean can support healthy nail growth.

Preventive Measures: Protecting Your Toenails from Future Loss

Taking proactive steps to maintain toenail health can significantly reduce the risk of future nail loss. Here are some effective preventive measures:

Hygiene and Nail Care

• Keep feet clean and dry
• Trim nails straight across, not too short
• Wear breathable socks and shoes
• Use antifungal powders or sprays in shoes
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas like pools or locker rooms

Protective Measures for Athletes

Athletes, especially runners, are at higher risk for toenail injuries. To minimize this risk:

• Wear properly fitting athletic shoes with enough room in the toe box
• Use moisture-wicking socks
• Consider taping toes or using silicone toe caps for added protection
• Gradually increase training intensity to allow nails to adapt

How often should you inspect your toenails for potential issues? Regular self-examinations, ideally weekly, can help catch problems early. Look for changes in color, texture, or shape, and address any concerns promptly.

Medical Interventions: When Professional Treatment is Necessary

While many cases of toenail loss can be managed at home, certain situations require professional medical intervention. Understanding when to seek help is crucial for proper treatment and prevention of complications.

Scenarios Requiring Medical Attention

• Persistent or recurring fungal infections
• Severe trauma to the nail or surrounding area
• Signs of bacterial infection
• Chronic nail problems affecting daily activities
• Underlying health conditions that may complicate healing

Available Treatment Options

Depending on the cause and severity of the toenail loss, a podiatrist or dermatologist may recommend various treatments:

1. Antifungal medications (oral or topical)
2. Surgical removal of damaged nail
3. Laser therapy for fungal infections
4. Chemical treatments to prevent nail regrowth in severe cases
5. Custom orthotic devices to prevent future injuries

What factors influence the choice of treatment? The decision depends on the underlying cause, the extent of nail damage, the patient’s overall health, and the potential for complications. A thorough examination and possibly lab tests will guide the healthcare provider in determining the most appropriate treatment plan.

Long-term Care: Maintaining Healthy Toenails After Recovery

After recovering from toenail loss, it’s essential to implement long-term care strategies to maintain healthy nails and prevent future issues. Here are some key practices to incorporate into your routine:

Daily Foot Care Habits

• Keep feet clean and dry, especially between toes
• Moisturize feet, but avoid applying lotion between toes
• Wear clean, dry socks daily
• Rotate shoes to allow them to dry completely between uses
• Use antifungal powder in shoes regularly

Nutrition for Nail Health

A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients can promote strong, healthy nails:

• Protein: Essential for nail structure
• Biotin: Supports nail strength and growth
• Iron: Prevents brittle nails
• Zinc: Aids in nail growth and repair
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Reduce inflammation and support overall nail health

How can you incorporate these nutrients into your diet? Include foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. If necessary, consult with a healthcare provider about appropriate supplements.

Regular Check-ups

Scheduling regular check-ups with a podiatrist or dermatologist can help catch and address potential issues early. These professionals can provide personalized advice and treatments to maintain optimal nail health.

How often should you have professional foot examinations? For most people, an annual check-up is sufficient. However, individuals with risk factors like diabetes, circulatory problems, or a history of nail issues may need more frequent evaluations.

By implementing these long-term care strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of future toenail problems and maintain overall foot health. Remember, consistent attention to foot and nail care is key to preventing issues and enjoying healthy, pain-free feet.

Why is My Big Toenail Falling Off?

Dr. Brian Nagy | July 6th, 2017

Posted In: Foot Problems, Toe Pain

We tend to take our toenails for granted, until they cause a problem. Fungal infections, and injury can cause your toenail to fall off. As disturbing as it may be to realize your big toenail falling off, it is not entirely uncommon and is easily treated both before and after the big toenail falls off. A New Hampshire podiatrist at Nagy Footcare, we help our patients to preserve and protect their toenails so that they are able to lead healthy and active lives.

Our toenails help to protect our toes from heavy impacts and other injuries. However, toenails are prone to injury themselves and may fall off as a result. The technical medical term for toenail loss is onychoptosis, which translates to a separation of the toenail from the nailbed.

What causes toenails to fall off?

There are two primary causes for toenail loss, fungus, and injury.  Toenail fungus, a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, is the most common reason that a toenail will fall off. Dermatophytes feed on the keratin found in the skin and nails and thrive in warm, moist environments. The development of toenail fungus can make the nails very brittle which makes them more likely to crack or chip. The fungal growth can also grow between the nail and the nailbed leading to a separation of the toenail, leading to eventual loss.

Injury is the second most common cause of toenail loss. The injury itself may either be a traumatic event or occur from repetitive stress. For example, if you are a runner and your toes regularly push against the inside of your shoe, the constant pressure may lead to blistering of the skin under the nail, forcing the separation of the nail from the nail bed. More traumatic or acute injuries may lead to bleeding under the nail.

Are there warning signs before my toenail will fall off?

If you’ve injured your toenail, you will probably experience some pain. There may also be bleeding either under the nail or from the nail. You may notice discoloration and looseness of your toenail. If you are at risk of losing a toenail due to a fungal infection you will notice symptoms consistent with fungal toenail infections including:

• Yellow, brown or white discoloration
• Thickening of the nail
• Discharge
• Odor
• And in some cases, swelling and pain

What should I do if my toenail is falling off?

First, don’t panic. Even if your toenail falls off, it will grow back within three to six months. However, getting treatment from your trusted podiatrist can help to protect your toe while your nail grows back and prevent further infection from developing. If you sustain an injury or notice symptoms of a fungal infection it is in your best interest to seek treatment before your nail becomes lose and detaches. Also, if you experience any pain, swelling, discharge or odor, make an appointment for treatment before your condition becomes worse.

Your podiatrist will provide treatment and medication to heal your nail and nail bed and clear it of infection. If necessary, your doctor may remove any loose parts of your nail to prevent it from tearing and causing more pain or infection.

Can I do anything to take care of a loose toenail at home?

You should make an appointment to get your toenail checked out by a professional New Hampshire podiatrist if you notice any symptoms linked with your big toenail falling off, other toenail loss or experience any pain. However, you can also protect your toe by keeping it clean and bandaging it with sterile gauze or bandages.

If you have lost a toenail, are suffering from a fungal toenail infection, or have noticed that you have a loose toenail make an appointment with the talented and compassionate doctors and staff at Nagy Footcare. Dr. Nagy and his team will help you to preserve your toenails and general foot and ankle health.

« How Do You Get Foot Problems Like Bunions? | How to Treat Common Foot Problems for Runners »

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If all or part of your toenail falls off, following certain safety procedures may help prevent additional injury or infection. Depending on the cause and severity, a doctor may recommend other treatments.

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. You’ll need to wait for the new nail to grow back in its place. Depending on the cause and how much, if any, of your toenail remains, you might need additional treatment to make sure your toenail grows back properly.

Regardless of what caused your toenail to fall off, there’s a few things you can do right after it happens to avoid any other problems.

Here are some quick tips:

• If only part of your toenail has fallen off, don’t try to remove the rest of it.
• If the detached part of your toenail is still attached to your toe, use nail clippers to carefully trim it off to prevent it from catching on your sock or clothing. Your doctor can help you do this if you’re not comfortable doing it on your own.
• 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.

Injury

Simple foot injuries can cause you toenail to fall off. Car accidents, sports, and dropping something on your foot can all damage your toenail.

If you injure your toenail, it might look black or purple under your toenail. This is due to something called a subungual hematoma, which causes blood to collect under your injured toenail. As blood builds up under your nail, it may separate from your nail bed. It can take several weeks for your toenail to completely fall off.

Contact your doctor if the subungual hematoma covers more than a quarter of your toenail. If you feel throbbing or intense pain near the hematoma, your doctor can use a heated needle or wire to make a small hole in your toenail to relieve the pressure.

Otherwise, you can treat your injured toe at home by:

• soaking it in cold water for 20 minutes
• elevating it
• clipping any sharp or jagged edges of the remaining nail
• cleaning any exposed part of your nail bed and applying an antibiotic ointment
• applying a fresh bandage daily for the next 7 to 10 days, or until the skin hardens
• taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), to help with the pain

Depending on which toenail fell off, it can take anywhere from six months to two years for the nail to completely grow back. Make sure to closely trim the rest of your toenails and wear well-fitting shoes to prevent any future injuries.

Fungus

Fungi can grow between your nail bed and toenail, eventually making your toenail fall off.

Symptoms of a fungal toenail infection include:

• noticeably thicker toenails
• white or yellowish-brown discoloration on your toenails
• dry, brittle, or ragged toenails
• foul smell coming from toes
• unusual toenail shape

If you have athlete’s foot, it can turn into a fungal toenail infection. Diabetes also increases your risk of a fungal infection in your toenail due to poor circulation in your feet.

As you age, your nails become dry. This can also make them more likely to crack, allowing fungus to enter your nail bed.

Fungal toenail infections can be hard to treat, depending on how severe the infection is. In mild cases, the infection will usually clear up on its own. If you have diabetes, it’s important to tell your doctor about any type of infection in your feet because reduced circulation can make the problem worse.

Treating fungal toenail infections usually involves oral or topical antifungal medications. Depending on the severity of your infection, your doctor may prescribe both. Oral antifungal drugs are usually much more effective than over-the-counter topical treatments. They also reduce the risk of your new toenail getting infected as well.

You may need to take medication for up to 12 weeks. You won’t see results until your new toenail has completely grown in. Oral antifungal medications can produce many side effects, so tell your doctor about any unusual symptoms you have while taking them, such as a rash or fever.

You can also try home remedies to treat a fungal toenail infection. In rare cases, you may need surgery to permanently remove the affected toenail.

You can prevent fungal toenail infections by:

• keeping your feet dry
• changing your socks often
• wearing breathable shoes
• keeping your nails neatly trimmed
• disinfecting your nail clippers
• wearing shoes in damp communal areas, such as spas or locker rooms

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes the skin cells to build up. While it often appears on the skin, it can affect the toenails as well. Many cases of nail psoriasis are mild and don’t cause many problems. However, sometimes the buildup of skin cells in your nail bed can cause your toenail to fall off.

Symptoms of psoriasis on your toenail include:

• pitting
• thickening
• unusual nail shape
• yellow or brown color
• chalky buildup under nail

Try to avoid removing extra skin under your nail with a sharp object, which can make your toenail more likely to detach. Instead, soak your feet in warm water and smooth the edges of your remaining toenail with a file. Keeping your toenails and feet moisturized can also help. Find a great selection of moisturizers here.

Your doctor may prescribe topical steroids to rub into your toenail and cuticle. They may also suggest phototherapy. This treatment involves exposing your affected toes to UV rays. In rare cases, you may need to have the rest of your toenail removed.

Nail psoriasis and nail fungus can look very similar. Here’s how to tell them apart.

If your toenail falls off, it’ll usually grow back within a few months to a year. However, depending on the cause and the size of the lost toenail, it could take up to two years.

Contact your doctor if your toenail won’t stop bleeding or you have severe pain. You can reduce your risk of losing a toenail in the future by keeping your feet clean and your toenails smooth and short.

90,000 Tears fungal nail! What to do?

Tears stricken . ..

January 31, 2016, 20:49

21 answers

Last –

August 28, 2022, 03:23 Go to

January 31, 2016, 22:03

#1

January 31, 2016, 22:05 9000 3

#2

Jan 31, 2016 10:08 PM

#3

January 31, 2016, 10:12 pm

#4

Jan 31, 2016 10:23 PM

#5

Jan 31, 2016 10:53 PM

90 002 #6

Guest

I don’t know about the fungus, but after the impact toe nail tears off, fully grown after 10 months

January 31, 2016, 23:10 002 #8

February 01, 2016, 00:27

#9

guest

It is very good that he was crying himself. Usually, treatment begins with the complete removal of the nail. I cured my toenail fungus in 8 months. On the legs, 7 out of ten nails were affected. This is a long and boring business. But it can be cured.

Feb 01, 2016 01:09

#10

Feb 01, 2016 02:49

#11

I

I had a nail fungus on my hand – I treated it with the help of various dermatologists for free and for a fee, I gave a lot of money, the tidy woman herself, it didn’t go to the end, the dots remained on the nail anyway, the point is, even with the help of specialists and money, it is not completely cured. Be sure to see a doctor.

Feb 01, 2016 07:34

#12

Feb 01, 2016 08:43

#13

ke

01 February 2016, 16:50

#14

Anastasia

how did you cure your nails from this misfortune? July 20, 2018 Usually, treatment begins with the complete removal of the nail. I cured my toenail fungus in 8 months. On the legs, 7 out of ten nails were affected. This is a long and boring business. But it can be cured.

July 20, 2020, 21:48

#16

guest

Usually, treatment begins with the complete removal of the nail. I cured my toenail fungus in 8 months. On the legs, 7 out of ten nails were affected. This is a long and boring business. But it can be cured.

November 26, 2020, 22:54

#17

November 26, 2020, 22:57

#18

13 February 2022, 06:16

#20

August 18, 2022, 11:18

#21

guest

Usually, treatment begins with the complete removal of the nail. I cured my toenail fungus in 8 months. On the legs, 7 out of ten nails were affected. This is a long and boring business. But it can be cured.

Attention

August 28, 2022, 03:23

#22

guest

At first I bought “nail vit”. One jar is enough. This remedy removed all diseased nails. To the skin. It doesn’t hurt at all. The instruction is attached. After that, every day a bath and lubricate with mycosan or lamisil. Wash and iron socks every day. Process all shoes. Drugs are sold in the pharmacy. You can use formalin or vinegar. And most importantly. Throughout the course, 1 capsule of fluconazole once a week. You can flucostat, but it is expensive, and the composition is the same. I started treatment in September. Feet in shoes. Can not see. And by May, healthy pink nails came out. If you treat persistently, there will be success. And further. I never, anywhere put on someone else’s slippers!

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Onycholysis on the legs – what to do if the nail exfoliates

Causes of the pathology and its symptoms

There are many reasons that provoke the development of oncholysis. In most cases, it is the result of an injury. The nail plate can be damaged when a finger is pinched, hit, or mistakes made in the process of creating a pedicure. Negative processes in the structure of the nail can be caused by poor-quality varnish, contact with active chemical agents.

Trauma to the nail plate does not always lead to the development of pathology. Most often, it occurs against the background of failures, disorders in the body. The risk group for oncholysis includes people with reduced immunity, chronic skin diseases, and diabetes. The disease can develop with malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, during pregnancy.

There are several symptoms characteristic of this pathology. The intensity of their manifestation depends on the stage of the disease. With oncholysis:

• nail plates become brittle;
• the shade of the nail changes, it becomes yellow, gray;
• the texture becomes uneven, bumps appear;
• there is pain when pressed;
• the skin around the plate turns red.

Symptoms are similar to those of a fungus. But there are certain differences. Oncholysis is not contagious, it is not transmitted by contact. Delamination of the plate is observed at the initial stages, while with a fungus this process begins in a neglected form.

It should be noted that oncholysis and fungus can develop simultaneously. Therefore, when the first symptoms appear, it is necessary to contact a podiatrist, dermatologist, mycologist.

Features of the treatment of the disease

Accurate diagnosis is a prerequisite for effective treatment. It is unacceptable to use self-medication, ignore qualified medical care. The causes of onychodystrophy can be different, each type of disease requires specific treatment. In addition, oncholysis develops against the background of other diseases, it is necessary to identify the cause in order to eliminate it, to prevent the development of pathology. Only with the help of laboratory diagnostics it is possible to accurately determine the factors that provoked the appearance of the disease, its type and stage.

The duration of the treatment process depends on the degree of damage. On average, it takes 5-6 months for a complete cure. The choice of drugs is determined by the etiology. The complex may include:

• immunomodulators;
• antibiotics;
• antifungals;
• vitamin-mineral complexes;
• angioprotectors;
• probiotics.

In the absence of infectious lesions of the nail plates, the podiatrist can refer you for examination to specialists of another profile to identify disorders, diseases of organs, systems that activate the development of oncholysis. They must be eliminated in order for the treatment to be effective.

Topical treatment is stripping or removing the affected part of the plate, providing protection to the skin not covered by the nail. In the treatment, ointments are used that have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties, containing components that restore the structure.

Innovative treatment for oncholysis

One of the latest innovations in the treatment of oncholysis is photodynamic PACT therapy. A special device creates light waves that penetrate through the thickness of the nail plate, destroy all types of pathogens, and activate the process of cell regeneration. The advantages of this technique include:

• high treatment efficiency;
• absence of pain, discomfort;
• elimination of negative effects on healthy tissues.

You can get high-quality treatment and completely get rid of oncholysis at the Podology Center in St. Petersburg. High-class podologists will conduct accurate laboratory diagnostics, carry out drug treatment, use innovative photodynamic therapy to make toenails healthy and beautiful again.