How long does it take for a nail to grow back after an injury. What causes nails to detach from the nail bed. How can you promote faster nail regrowth at home. What are the best treatments for nail bed trauma.

Understanding Nail Injuries and Their Impact

Nail injuries are a common occurrence that can happen to anyone. Whether it’s smashing a fingernail with a hammer, getting it caught in a door, or accidentally ripping it off during sports activities, these incidents can be both painful and concerning. While most nail injuries are not severe, they can still cause discomfort and aesthetic issues.

Nails are remarkably resilient structures, growing at an average rate of one millimeter every 10 days for fingernails. However, this growth rate may slow down as we age due to decreased blood flow to the nail beds. Various factors can make nails more susceptible to damage, including:

• Constant exposure to water
• Regular use of strong chemicals
• Certain occupations that put stress on the nails
• Natural predisposition to brittle nails

Common Signs of Nail Trauma

After experiencing nail trauma, you may notice several visual changes:

• White marks underneath the nail (temporary and usually disappear within weeks or months)
• Black or purple discoloration (due to blood accumulation under the nail)
• Nail separation from the nail bed

It’s important to note that while injury-related discoloration will fade over time, persistent black or brown coloration could be a sign of melanoma and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

The Science Behind Nail Detachment

Nail detachment, also known as onycholysis, occurs when the nail separates from the nail bed. This can happen due to various reasons:

1. Physical injuries (e.g., stubbing toes, jamming fingers)
2. Fungal infections
3. Skin conditions like psoriasis
4. Chemical exposure (e.g., harsh nail polish removers)
5. Certain medications (e.g., chemotherapy drugs)
6. Severe illnesses affecting overall health

Can a detached nail reattach itself? Unfortunately, once a nail has separated from the nail bed, it cannot reattach. A new nail must grow from the base to replace the damaged one.

Nail Regrowth Timeline and Factors

The process of nail regrowth is gradual and varies depending on whether it’s a fingernail or toenail:

• Fingernails: Typically take about 6 months to regrow completely
• Toenails: Can take up to 18 months for full regrowth

Several factors can influence the speed of nail regrowth:

• Age: Younger individuals generally experience faster nail growth
• Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in biotin, protein, and vitamins can promote nail health
• Overall health: Certain medical conditions may slow nail growth
• Genetics: Some people naturally have faster-growing nails

Effective Home Treatments for Nail Injuries

While severe nail injuries may require professional medical attention, there are several steps you can take at home to promote healing and prevent complications:

1. Clean the affected area gently with mild soap and water
2. Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
3. Cover the nail with a bandage to protect it from further damage
4. Keep the area dry to discourage fungal growth
5. Trim any sharp edges to prevent snagging
6. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to keep the area moisturized

For partially detached nails:

• Use clean scissors to carefully remove the detached portion
• Soak the affected digit in cold water for 20 minutes after trimming
• Apply an adhesive bandage until the new nail has grown enough to protect the finger or toe

Professional Treatments for Nail Bed Trauma

In cases of severe nail bed trauma or complications, professional medical treatment may be necessary. Some common procedures include:

• Nail removal: For severely damaged nails that may impede healing
• Nail bed repair: Suturing of the nail bed to promote proper regrowth
• Antibiotic therapy: To prevent or treat infections
• Specialized dressings: To protect the nail bed and encourage healing

Healthcare professionals can also address underlying conditions that may have contributed to the nail injury, such as fungal infections or skin disorders.

Promoting Faster Nail Regrowth

While the natural process of nail regrowth takes time, there are several ways to potentially speed up the process and ensure healthy nail growth:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in biotin, protein, and vitamins A, C, and E
• Stay hydrated to support overall nail health
• Use nail-strengthening products containing keratin or biotin
• Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive water exposure
• Wear protective gloves during activities that may damage nails
• Regularly moisturize your hands and nails
• Consider taking biotin supplements (consult with a healthcare provider first)

Is it possible to stimulate nail growth through massage? While scientific evidence is limited, some people believe that gently massaging the nail beds and surrounding areas may improve circulation and potentially support faster nail growth.

Preventing Future Nail Injuries

Taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of nail injuries:

1. Wear appropriate footwear that fits well and provides ample toe room
2. Use protective equipment during sports and physical activities
3. Be cautious when using tools or machinery that could potentially harm your nails
4. Keep nails trimmed to a manageable length to reduce the risk of snagging or tearing
5. Use moisturizing hand creams regularly to maintain nail flexibility
6. Avoid biting or picking at your nails
7. Use gentle nail care products and avoid harsh chemicals

How often should you trim your nails to prevent injuries? For most people, trimming nails once a week or every two weeks is sufficient to maintain an ideal length and reduce the risk of damage.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many nail injuries can be treated at home, certain situations warrant professional medical care:

• Severe pain or throbbing that doesn’t subside
• Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, or fever)
• Complete nail avulsion (torn off entirely)
• Persistent bleeding or oozing from the nail bed
• Visible deformity of the nail or surrounding tissue
• Slow or abnormal nail regrowth
• Discoloration that doesn’t improve over time

Should you remove a loose nail yourself or have a professional do it? It’s generally safer to have a healthcare professional remove a severely damaged or loose nail to minimize the risk of infection and ensure proper care of the nail bed.

Monitoring the Healing Process

As your nail heals and regrows, it’s important to monitor the process closely:

• Watch for any signs of infection or complications
• Observe the rate of nail growth
• Note any changes in nail color or texture
• Keep the area clean and protected

If you notice any unusual developments or have concerns about the healing process, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional.

Long-Term Nail Care After Injury

Even after your nail has fully regrown, it’s important to maintain good nail care habits to prevent future injuries and promote overall nail health:

1. Continue to moisturize your nails and surrounding skin regularly
2. Use a nail hardener or strengthener if recommended by a professional
3. Avoid using your nails as tools (e.g., for opening cans or scratching surfaces)
4. Wear gloves when working with water or chemicals
5. Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support nail health
6. Consider taking biotin supplements if advised by a healthcare provider
7. Regular manicures or pedicures can help maintain nail health (ensure proper hygiene practices are followed)

How long should you wait before applying nail polish after an injury? It’s best to wait until the nail has fully regrown and the nail bed has completely healed before applying nail polish. This can take several months, depending on the severity of the injury.

Addressing Recurring Nail Problems

If you find yourself experiencing frequent nail injuries or issues, it may be worth investigating potential underlying causes:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Chronic health conditions affecting nail growth
• Occupational hazards
• Improper nail care techniques

Consulting with a dermatologist or nail specialist can help identify and address these issues, leading to stronger, healthier nails in the long run.

The Psychological Impact of Nail Injuries

While often overlooked, nail injuries can have a significant psychological impact, especially if they affect appearance or functionality:

• Embarrassment or self-consciousness about nail appearance
• Frustration with the slow healing process
• Anxiety about potential future injuries
• Discomfort or pain affecting daily activities

How can you cope with the psychological effects of a nail injury? Some strategies include:

1. Focusing on the temporary nature of the injury
2. Using nail cosmetics (if approved by a healthcare provider) to camouflage the affected nail
3. Practicing patience and self-compassion during the healing process
4. Engaging in activities that boost self-esteem and well-being
5. Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed

Remember that nail injuries, while sometimes unsightly or uncomfortable, are usually temporary. With proper care and patience, your nails will regrow and return to their normal appearance.

Innovations in Nail Injury Treatment

The field of nail care and injury treatment is constantly evolving. Some recent innovations and areas of research include:

• Advanced nail reconstruction techniques
• Bioengineered nail substitutes
• Improved antimicrobial treatments for nail bed infections
• Novel drug delivery systems for treating nail disorders
• Laser therapy for promoting nail growth and treating fungal infections

These advancements offer hope for more effective treatments and faster recovery times for individuals suffering from nail injuries or chronic nail conditions.

The Future of Nail Care

As research continues, we can expect to see further developments in nail injury treatment and prevention:

• Personalized nail care regimens based on genetic factors
• Nanotechnology applications for nail protection and repair
• AI-assisted diagnosis of nail conditions
• Improved understanding of the nail microbiome and its role in nail health

These emerging technologies and insights promise to revolutionize how we approach nail care and injury treatment in the coming years.

In conclusion, while nail injuries can be painful and inconvenient, understanding the healing process and taking appropriate measures can significantly improve outcomes. By following proper care techniques, seeking professional help when necessary, and maintaining good nail health practices, you can ensure that your nails recover fully and remain strong and healthy in the long term.

How to Promote Nail Regrowth After an Injury

It’s easy to take your fingernails or toenails for granted until something happens to them. Just about everyone has smashed a fingernail with a hammer, in a door, or while playing a sport. Or they got their nail caught on something and ripped the nail out. They are left with a little bit of blood under the nail and severe pain. Thankfully, in the vast majority of cases, nail injuries are not super serious. In addition to seeking treatment, there are steps you can take to promote nail regrowth after an injury.

Your nails are unbelievably resilient, so nail regrowth is usually possible. Every 10 days, your fingernails grow one millimeter. As you get older, you may not have as much blood flowing to your nails as you did in youth, and so the rate of growth may decrease slightly.

Since we use our fingers constantly, it’s easy for us to damage our nails. Some people are just susceptible to brittle nails. If you have a job that causes you to use strong chemicals every day or if your job means that your hands are constantly wet, then your nails may be more susceptible to damage or injury. You can prevent some of these injuries by keeping your hands moisturized and using the proper protection for your nails.

When you experience nail injuries, you might notice some white marks underneath your nails. These white marks are temporary and should disappear within a few weeks or months. If the injury is severe, your nail might turn black or purple. This color change is because of blood that has accumulated underneath the nail. As your nail gets better after professional treatment at our office, the black or purple color will go away and the natural color will return.

The black and purple colors caused by an injury should not be confused with melanoma, which also can cause your nails to turn black or brown. If an injury causes your nail to separate from the nail bed, regardless of the type of injury, your nail cannot reattach. Your nail will need to regrow from scratch, and this could take months to a year and a half.

There are some steps that you can take at home to promote nail regrowth after an injury. Our team at Arora Hand Surgery can explain more during a consultation at our office in Warren, West Bloomfield, Macomb Township, or Howell. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Torn or Detached Nail | CS Mott Children’s Hospital

Topic Overview

What causes a detached nail?

It can be very painful to tear or rip your nail from the nail bed. A nail may separate from the nail bed (detach) for many reasons, including:

• Injuries.
  • Separation caused by injury is common in people who have long fingernails. The nail may pry away from the nail bed when it is hit or jammed.
  • Severe or repetitive toe stubbing may cause a toenail to detach. This is also common in athletes who wear shoes that aren’t roomy enough.
• Fungal nail infection, which occurs when fungi invade a fingernail or toenail and the skin underneath the nail (nail bed). Toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails, and symptoms include cracked, yellow, discolored, streaked, thickened, or spotted nails.
• Skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
• Chemicals, such as acetone nail polish removers or some soaps.
• Medicines, such as chemotherapy or antimalarial medicines.
• Severe illnesses.

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.

How is it treated?

Home treatment often helps relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent infection. Treatment may involve removing the nail, keeping the area dry to prevent infection, and waiting for a new nail to grow. The infection or skin condition that caused the separated nail will also need to be treated.

• File any sharp edges smooth, or trim the nail. This will help prevent catching the nail and tearing it more.
• Trim off the detached part of a large tear, or leave the nail alone.
  • 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.
• 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.
• Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and cover the area with a nonstick bandage.

To prevent infection:

• Soak your foot or hand in a solution of 1 tsp (5 g) of salt dissolved in 4 cups (1 L) warm water for 20 minutes, 2 or 3 times each day, for the next 3 days. Reapply petroleum jelly, and cover with a fresh adhesive bandage.
• 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.
• Remove an artificial nail if it separates from the nail bed. If you leave it on, the long, artificial nail can tear the nail bed.

Have a doctor trim your nail if you:

• Aren’t comfortable trimming the nail yourself.
• Have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an immune system problem. These problems may cause reduced blood flow and loss of feeling in the feet. Untreated nail injuries can lead to infection, foot ulcers, and other serious problems.

Credits

Current as of:
July 2, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD – Family Medicine

Current as of: July 2, 2020

Author:
Healthwise Staff

Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD – Family Medicine

Regrowing The Nail Bed – Venusian*Glow

Regrowing The Nail Bed

The nail bed is the skin to which the nail plate is attached. The rest of the nail plate grows “free”, and looks white. If you bite or pick at your nails, you might have shortened the nail bed. Fortunately there is a way to grow it back.

The nail bed is a bit flexible — have you ever cleaned the dirt from below your nails with a toothpick only to notice that you have changed the shape of the line between the white and the flesh coloured part of the nail plate? This is because you have just pushed back the hyponychium — the soft pinkish tissue that seals the nail to the nail bed and prevents pathogens from entering (it looks like this). Apparently some people have a nail bed that is too long!

A while back I chanced upon a blog post (which I cannot find anymore) where a woman and her guy regrow their nail beds. It was amazing to see how the nails grew out and extended the nail bed; she posted photos documenting how the hyponychium grew back. I was fascinated and decided to let my nail bed regenerate itself.

Another nail issue of mine is the side of the nail — the nail bed was not attached on the sides, which means you could see the white free edge on the sides as well (instead of the white free edge looking like a half moon, it looked like an inverted U). The lateral nail fold (the skin that embraces the nail bed from both sides) had been pushed away and did not seal round the nail.

How to grow out your nail bed

• Make sure you don’t have an infection or a fungus under your nail. If your nails look weird, it might be a good idea to show them to a doctor.
• Don’t bite your nails. If you have problems with picking your nails, these wishing rings gave me a better way to fidget.  
• Only use a soft nail brush to clean under your nails. No toothpicks or orange-wood sticks. I found that as the hyponichium regrows, dirt doesn’t get stuck too deep under my nails anyway. I got myself a pretty wooden nail brush in travel size that doesn’t look ugly on the sink.
• For the duration of the nail bed recovery, wash your scalp with your fingertips, don’t scratch with your nails. Avoid any dirt getting under there.
• Keep the nails short, but not too short (at least 1mm of free edge). Too long nails might get pushed away from the nail bed
  when you do stuff.
• Don’t use your nails as tools. Don’t scratch off labels, avoid drumming your fingernails on the table.
• Avoid harsh chemicals. Wear gloves if necessary.
• File the nails instead of cutting; use a glass or a ruby nail file. Or at least cut the nails with sharp scissors after a shower when they are soft. This is because cutting the nails squashes and bends them which can disturb the nail bed.
• Painting the nails will keep you from obsessing about what’s underneath them. If you are busy/low-maintenance, nude tones show less wear and don’t need to be redone so often.
• Push back the cuticles as little as possible, to allow the nails to fully recover. Hang nails can be gently cut with baby nail clippers.
• Avoid nail products with formaldehyde. If your nails are the least bit porous it seeps through the nail plate into the nail bed and can cause onycholysis (separation of the nail plate from the nail bed).
• If you are working on your toenails, make sure that your shoes fit well. Many shoes are too narrow in the front and create pressure on the toes and nails (also a cause of bunions).
• Also constant wearing of shoes from non-breathable materials causes the feet to sweat which makes it easier for the nail plate to unglue itself from the nail bed.

If you follow this for a couple of weeks you’ll see the nail growing out and “dragging” the nail bed with it. Your mileage may vary, the more you have mistreated your nails in the past, the more they will heal. My changes were not so dramatic, but I’m very happy with them. I didn’t think to take before photos, but you can admire the nail metamorphose of Ewalucja. Now I’m working on my toenails, the small on is tiny and now I realised it’s due to picking on it constantly.

Regrowing The Nail Bed

2017-11-24T13:12:00+01:00

Eternal*Voyageur

body care|

Toenail Growth: How Long It Takes For A Toenail To Grow Back

Chances are you, or someone you know has lost a toenail at some point. Whether it was from sports or a falling object, detached toenails are quite common. Other than the obvious yuck factor, there are typically few ill effects.

But, that’s not always the case. In this article, we explain the various reasons your toenails might fall off, how to treat a fully- or semi-detached toenail, and how long it actually takes for a toenail to grow back.

Toenails are thickened extensions of the top layer of our skin. Like our skin, toenails are made of keratin, a type of protective protein that is less prone to scratching or tearing than other cell types our body produces. Keratin is particularly tough.

As the cover to your nail bed, toenails are put under a great deal of stress. Everyday pressures include rubbing against your shoes, a stubbed toe, the presence of bacteria and fungi, and being your toe’s protector against falling objects. These types of situations can damage the toenail, sometimes to the point of it falling off completely.

Not only does a nail expose the nail bed below, but it can also be painful, and difficult to ensure a toenail properly grows back in the place of the lost nail. Next, we break down why your toenails fall off in the first place, the rate of toenail growth, as well as some tips and tricks for healthy nail growth.

Why did my toenail fall off?

There are a variety of reasons why your toenail falls off. The most common cause is injury or trauma, but we break it all down below:

•  Injury
  • Trauma can cause the nail to pry away from the nail bed, like when it’s hit or jammed.
  • Severe or repetitive toe stubbing/rubbing may cause a toenail to detach. This is also common in athletes who wear shoes that aren’t roomy enough. Similarly, long-distance runners (marathoners and/or ultrarunners) and trail runners are particularly susceptible to black – and ultimately detached – toenails. In fact, you may come across athletes with multiple missing toenails.
• Fungal nail infection, which occurs when fungi invade a fingernail or toenail and the skin underneath the nail. Symptoms include cracked, yellow, discoloured, streaked, thickened, or spotted nails.
• Skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
• Acetone nail polish removers or some soaps.
• Chemotherapy or antimalarial medicines.
• Severe illnesses.

What’s a black toenail?

A black toenail is usually caused by direct trauma to the toenail. Trauma can include dropping an object on your foot, or repetitive trauma to the area like running long distances. Minor trauma, occurring over a longer period of time, can result in black/purple toenails as well. For instance, wearing ill-fitting shoes that put pressure on your big toe can damage your toenail.

The actual colour of the toenail is caused by the trauma beneath the toenail. As the area below the toenail is damaged and begins to bleed, the area darkens resulting in a black/purple toenail.

Toenails can turn black, but they can also become discoloured in other shades, which can be a symptom of a variety of foot conditions. The most common symptoms of a discoloured toenail include:

Yellow Toenail
Toenail fungus is the primary cause of yellow toenails. Additionally, thicker nails can cause a yellow colour as the disruption of light passage through the nail alters the look.

Green Toenail
Green nail syndrome (GNS) is a toenail infection caused by bacteria, not fungus. GNS is usually confined to a single toenail, but bacteria can be passed over from an adjacent toenail if it’s damaged or affected.

Blue Toenail
In very rare cases, your toenail maybe blue. This is called a cellular blue nevus, which can become cancerous.

How long will it take for my toenail to grow back?

After a nail separates from the nail bed, it will not reattach, so don’t try. In its place, a new nail will have to grow back. Toenail growth can be slow; toenails can take up to 18 months (1.5 years) to grow back.

Is there anything I can do to make my toenail grow back faster?

Absolutely. Although there’s no single sure-fire way to encourage faster toenail growth, there are lots you can do to encourage a healthy toenail to grow back in the place of your lost partner. Here are some simple at-home remedies for ensuring your nail has the best chance at growing back:

• Soak your foot in a combination of 1 tsp (5 g) of salt and 4 cups (1 L) of warm water for 20 minutes, 2 or 3 times each day, for the first 3 days after you lose your toenail. Cover with a fresh bandage.
• Ensure the nail bed is kept dry and clean until the nail bed is firm and you see signs of the nail growing back.
• Watch for signs of infection such as increased heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus.
• Remove any artificial nail if it begins to separate from the nail bed. Leaving it on can tear the nail bed.
• If you trim off the detached nail, you reduce the chance of nail catching and tearing. If part of your toenail has completely fallen off, don’t remove the remaining nail. However, if there is still a piece of toenail attached, carefully trim it using toenail clippers.
• Take biotin supplements. Biotin aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for toenail growth.
• Use nail hardeners. Nail softness makes nails more prone to breaking, which increases the need for nail regrowth.

Toenail trouble? We’ve got you covered!

We’re confident in our ability to help inform you and solve your concern with the least amount of discomfort possible. Call us to ask your question(s) and we’d be happy to point you in the right direction. Call us at 416-769-3338 or Click Above to Book Your Assessment Today!

Here’s to Many More Years of Foot Care!

At Feet First Clinic, we’re always excited to welcome new clients! After a successful 12 years of treating our amazing patients, we’re ready to continue offering only the best foot care services and products. Give us a call to ask our friendly staff any questions you may have! Our Toronto foot specialists are ready to help!

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Related Conditions

Detached Fingernail or Toenail

A detached nail is when the nail becomes separated from the area underneath it (the nail bed). This often means losing all or part of the nail. An injury to your finger or toe is often the cause. It can also be caused by an infection or other skin diseases around or under the nail.

Sometimes there is a cut in the nail bed or a bone fracture under the nail. In most cases, the nail will grow back from the area under the cuticle (the matrix). A fingernail takes about 4 to 6 months to grow back. A toenail takes about 12 months to grow back. If the nail bed or matrix was damaged, the nail may grow back with a rough or abnormal shape. In some cases the nail may not grow back at all.

There may be damage or a cut to the nail bed. This may need to be repaired. Often this is done with stitches. If the nail is still in good condition, it might be cleaned and trimmed, then put back in place. This is done to help and protect the new nail as it grows back. It also prevents the nail bed from drying out.

Home care

• Keep the injured part raised to reduce pain and swelling. This is important, especially in the first 48 hours.

• Apply an ice pack for up to 20 minutes. Do this every 3 to 6 hours during the first 24 to 48 hours. Keep using ice packs to ease pain and swelling as needed. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a clean, thin towel or cloth. Never put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin. The ice pack can be put right on a wrap, cast, or splint. As the ice melts, be careful not to get any wrap, cast, or splint wet.

• The nail bed is moist, soft, and sensitive. It needs to be protected from injury for the first 7 to 10 days until it dries out and becomes hard. Keep it covered with a nonstick dressing or a bandage without adhesive.

• When a dressing is placed on an exposed nail bed, it may stick and be hard to remove if left in place more than 24 hours. Unless you were told otherwise, change dressings every 24 hours. If needed, soak the dressing off while holding it under warm running water. Then lightly pat the wound dry. Apply a layer of antibiotic ointment before putting on the new dressing or bandage. This will help keep it from sticking. Use a nonstick dressing with the antibiotic ointment under the outer dressing.

• If an X-ray showed that you have a fracture, it will take about 4 weeks for this to heal. The injured part should be protected with a splint or tape while it is healing.

• If you were given antibiotics to prevent infection, take them as directed until they are all gone.

Medicine

• You can take over-the-counter medicine for pain, unless you were given a different pain medicine to use. Talk with your provider before using these medicines if you have chronic liver or kidney disease. Also talk with your provider if you ever had a stomach ulcer or digestive bleeding, or are taking blood-thinner medicines.

• If you were given antibiotics, take them until they are done. It’s important to finish the antibiotics even if the wound looks better. This is to make sure the infection has cleared.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. If X-rays were taken, you will be told of any new findings that may affect your care.

When to seek medical advice

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:

• Pain or swelling increases

• Redness around the nail

• Pus (creamy white or yellow fluid) draining from the nail

• Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your provider

Preventing An Ingrown Toenail After Your Nail Detaches

If you suffer trauma to your big toe, there’s a decent chance that the nail bed will dislodge or become damaged to the point that it eventually falls off on its own. The absence of a nail isn’t as painful as one might imagine, but you also need to pay attention to the area as the nail bed recovers. Bacteria can more easily enter your body without the protective nail covering in place, and if the nail grows back incorrectly, you can develop an ingrown toenail. In today’s blog, we share some tips for preventing ingrown toenails after your nail detaches.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails From Regrowing

The main reason why ingrown toenails can become a little more common after you lose your toenail is because of how the nail bed functions. The nail exerts some downward pressure on the skin under and around it, and when that pressure is no longer there, this skin can rise up ever so slightly. If it expands and the nail bed starts growing into the skin instead of over the top of it as it regrows, you can go right from a lost toenail to an ingrown toenail, which isn’t a fun situation.

If you want to help prevent ingrown toenails from coming back as your nail bed regrows, keep these tips in mind.

Massage – As your nail begins to grow back, take a couple minutes twice a day to lightly massage the skin ahead of where the nail is growing. This can help mold the skin and prevent it from puffing up, which will allow the nail to grow back over it more easily.

Soak – If you’re concerned that the nail bed might not make it over an area of skin, get in the habit of regularly soaking the foot and then massaging or depressing the area. Nail beds grow quite slowly, but if the skin it’s growing over is softer, the nail will have an easier time staying on top of it instead of growing into it.

Comfortable and Open Shoes – You’ll want to avoid shoes that put excess pressure on your toe bed, because this can shift how the nail bed grows back. We understand that you may want to go with tight closed toe shoes to offer the empty toenail bed some added protection, but breathable tape or a bandage can provide this protection without putting abnormal stress on the toe bed. Try to go barefoot when safe to help the nail bed grow back properly.

Taping – If you’re concerned about a particular patch of skin, you can try to slightly pull it in one direction with adhesive tape. Even just slightly moving the skin can give it enough clearance for the nail to go above it, so consider using regular adhesive tape if you’re worried about a particular patch of skin.

Talk To A Specialist – Finally, if you’re finding it difficult to help the nail bed grow back as you’d like, or you’re concerned about another issue with your toe or foot, reach out to Dr. Silverman or a foot specialist in your area.

Related

Can a Nail Grow Under Another Nail?

Yes. Sometimes conditions such as infections, trauma, or tight-fitting shoes can cause a nail to grow under another nail. The infections are usually of fungal origin such as Toenail fungus. It usually occurs in the big toenails.

If you have a nail that has had its growth interrupted by infection or severe trauma, it may detach from the nail bed, and the nail could theoretically resume growth “under” the detached nail. However, there would most likely be pus or other gross stuff under the detached nail, so it should be removed and the regrowing nail allowed to continue growing.

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As the new nail grows, it will separate the old nail from the nail bed. This will detach the old nail from proximal to distal without causing discomfort. The old nail may not detach completely; it may separate in most regions but stay partially linked to the nail bed in others. You’ll need to clip as much of the old nail as you can until the separation is complete so you can put your socks on and off. After a good soak in warm water, it’s much easier to remove old nails.

Nail growing under another nail

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How Long Does It Take For Big Toenail To Grow Back Completely

The big toenail takes between 16 to 18 months to completely grow back after being damaged depending on age and diet. Some people may not have a proper toenail at the end of the day. It would be beneficial to take vitamins that promote nail growth and health.

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On the other hand, our fingernails develop three times as quickly as our toenails. Fingernails take approximately 6 months to grow back completely.

Fingernails grow at a pace of 3.5 or 3.6 mm per month on average, while toenails grow at 1.6 or 1.7 mm per month on average (avg). However, this can vary depending on our age and diet.

Conclusion

A nail (usually a toenail) can grow under another nail. It is usually caused by infections, trauma, or by wearing tight-fitting shoes for long. The new nail will separate the old nail from the nail bed as it grows. This will eventually detach the old nail from the toe with causing discomfort.

The big toenail take maximum of 18 months to grow back completely while fingernail takes about 6 months. Always keep the affected toe or finger clean to enable the nail grow properly.

The medical information provided in this article is provided as an information resource only. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.

90,000 How long does a nail grow back after removal? | Beautiful nails

For many people (especially women) nails are not just pieces of horny tissue that cover the most delicate skin of the fingers. Manicure has long become one of the integral parts of the image, emphasizing its style.

However, not every inhabitant of the planet – even with the above in mind – handles his own “claws” with due attention and care. Often people neglect basic safety requirements, as a result of which, in particular, they injure their own horny plates – and sometimes very seriously.

In addition, sometimes representatives of the human race are trapped by all sorts of ailments that can occur in almost everyone: fungal lesions, ingrown nails and other by no means harmless phenomena, as a result of which you often have to lose the entire “claw” or at least part of it. To the credit of doctors (who certainly need to be consulted in case of any of the above troubles), they resort to this kind of measures only when less radical means have already been exhausted.In such situations, people are concerned about the question of how long the nail grows, because they are afraid that the former beauty on the fingers will not be there forever.

By the way, no doctor, even a very qualified one, can give the exact answer here. Too many factors influence how the restoration of keratin plates will take place. In time, such a process will take more than one week – and regardless of whether the above disaster happened on the upper or lower limbs.True, in the second case, the inconvenience from it can arise by an order of magnitude more, primarily due to extremely unpleasant sensations when walking – at least at first. However, the nature of these pains will not in the least affect how much the toenail grows.

However, sometimes certain problems can be observed during the regeneration of the horny plate. Mostly, they happen if the growth zone of the matrix was affected during the trauma. Then usually you have to worry more not so much about how the nail grows back after removal, as about the shape that it takes at the same time.The “waviness” of keratin plates, which usually occurs due to the usual inflammatory process at the site of injury, in this case is not the worst thing. It happens much worse – for example, serious cracks in the nail appear. This will indicate a violation of the process of its normal formation and growth.

This is often manifested not only due to severe trauma (with edema, hematoma, etc.). Lovers of nail extensions are also at great risk of getting dangerous damage to the growth sector of the matrix of the “native” horny plates – even after they are strongly squeezed by the tools of the master.Then – just as a nail grows back after removal due to the onset of a similar injury – not only irregularities can form on it, but even deep grooves and crevices. In the latter case, full-fledged regeneration will be especially long and painful. Many doctors are afraid to give any guarantees and predictions in such situations. It is extremely rare – with especially serious irreversible damage – the nail plate will remain ugly until the end of the person’s days.

However, panic is definitely not worth it.The above is found in practice in isolated cases, and in order for everything to work out so seriously, it is necessary that several negative factors converge at once. In the lion’s share of situations, how long it takes a nail to grow is largely influenced by the behavior of the patient himself.

Does he follow medical orders or prefer to ignore them? Does he use the drugs prescribed for the speedy removal of inflammation and / or cure from a fungal or other ailment? Does the delicate tissue of the finger remain unprotected from external influences? All this and much more affects how long the nail grows.

By the way, doctors warn about the need to be patient. Then the newly acquired – after a few weeks and even months – the nail plate will be no worse than the previous one and will be worth the efforts that were spent on its regeneration.

However, in any case, you should not worry about whether the nail will grow back after removal. Doctors assure that such a terrible scenario usually does not come true – although it takes time for the normal restoration of the horn plate.

90,000 Sharp question. What to do if a toenail grows in | Beauty Secrets | Health

Our expert – orthopedist, researcher at the Endocrinological Research Center of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation Sergey Gorokhov .

Thumb – big problems

Most often, the nail grows on the big toe. The lateral part of the nail plate “cuts” into the periungual roller and continues to grow inside it. In this case, pain, swelling occurs, the roller becomes red and hot to the touch.

Even with small signs of ingrown nail, you should immediately consult a doctor if:
Your last tetanus shot was more than five years ago, or you don’t remember when you got it
you have diabetes mellitus, any circulatory disorder, or are taking medications that affect the immune system (for example, cytostatics, immunosuppressants, steroid hormones). In these cases, the risk of complications is very high, so it is dangerous to spend time on home treatment.

Later, purulent or bloody discharge from under the roller and ulceration on it may appear.The body tries to heal the wound – a bright red granulation tissue forms at the site of ingrowth. If not treated or treated incorrectly, over time, the granulation becomes dense, and the phalanx, on which the nail is located, changes its shape and structure. At this stage, ingrowth can only be dealt with surgically.

But it’s not just pain and discomfort. A wound at the site of ingrowth is an open gateway for infection. Therefore, a complication of an ingrown nail can be soft tissue inflammation – paronychia and panaritium.In advanced cases, inflammation can spread to the entire foot and even affect the bone, leading to osteomyelitis.

Surgeons and orthopedists deal with the problems of ingrown toenails. You cannot do without their help if discharge from the periungual roller has already appeared. But at a very early stage, you can limit yourself to a medical pedicure. It is hardware-based, that is, during it, the skin of the feet is not soaked in water and cutting devices are not used, but only special grinding rollers. This treatment helps stop ingrowth.The masters of this pedicure work at the offices of the diabetic foot.

Himself a doctor

To cope with a nail that has just begun to grow in, you can do it yourself. But you need to do it right. Many, hoping to solve the problem, cut the corner of the nail, which is located next to the roller. Because of this, the nail plate in the future cannot grow evenly beyond the limits of the finger, so that its tip soon begins to injure the soft tissues of the roller again. In fact, the disease becomes chronic.

You need to act differently. Baths for feet with warm water give a good effect. If possible, do them four times a day. Salt, soap, antibacterial agents can be added to the water, but there is no convincing evidence that this is necessary.

After the bath, try to lift the growing corner of the nail. To do this, roll a thin flagellum the size of a wax candle wick out of cotton wool or gauze. Place it between your nail and your skin. The flagellum needs to be changed every day, gradually moving it a little further, towards the base of the nail.So in 7-15 days, you can give the nail the right direction, which will exclude further ingrowth.

The flagellum can be impregnated with chlorhexidine, miramistin, or an aqueous solution of povidone iodine. They are also good for treating the inflamed periungual roller.

It is impossible to smear the site of ingrowth with ointments (including ichthyol and levomekol). To soften the nail and rough skin around it, you need to use special pharmaceutical preparations. These fluids are in the arsenal of medical pedicure specialists, but they can also be purchased for home use.

Time to see a doctor!

If home treatment has not led to improvement in three days, you need to see a doctor. Today, there are several treatments for an ingrown toenail. For example, special pads made of cotton, polymers or plastic are used for this. They are installed on the side of the nail, protecting the skin from its acute angle, and in the process of treatment they are gradually advanced downward.

An effective and non-traumatic way – gluing a special plate to the nail. It spreads the edges of the nail and makes it flatter, thus preventing ingrowth.From above, the plate is covered with gel, so that the nail becomes even, if desired, it can be painted with varnish, and there are no problems with shoes.

You can also install a special wire structure on the nail, the principle of which is similar to that of dental braces.

Such a technique is also widespread – a groove is made in the middle of the nail with a file, due to which the thickness and stiffness of the nail decrease, and the direction of its growth changes.

And finally, the ingrowing “sidewall” of the nail can be removed and the plastic of the nail bed can be performed.In this case, part of the growth zone is necessarily destroyed, therefore, in the future, the traumatic corner simply does not grow. This procedure can be carried out today using a laser or radio waves. Healing after this is quick, and the frequency of relapses of the disease is significantly reduced.

By the way

There are several factors that increase the risk of ingrown toenails:

• orthopedic deformities of the feet – flat feet and especially hallux valgus;
• Incorrect pedicure when nails are cut very short or their lateral corners are cut.Cut the nails in a straight line with a pedicure scissors with a straight blade. It is desirable that the free edge of the nail is approximately at the level of the end of the phalanx;
• Frequent injury to the big toe associated with wearing narrow shoes or heavy load on the foot while working and playing sports;
• fungal infection of the nail plate and skin of the feet ;
• non-compliance with hygiene rules : irregular washing of feet, untimely change of socks.This makes the skin more vulnerable, loose, and also increases the likelihood of infection if the nail has already begun to grow in;
• A number of diseases , including arthritis, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), obesity. Some of them increase the load on the thumb, others create conditions for infection of the wound.

See also:

90,000 Torment at the corners of the nails – Archive

“This pathology occurs in a large number of patients and mainly affects the big toes,” says the doctor.- The nail plate grows into the lateral part of the nail fold. At the beginning, the problem is signaled by the appearance of pain in the ingrown nail during walking, especially in tight shoes. Then redness and swelling of the nail fold occurs, and if the treatment was not started in a timely manner, the formation and discharge of pus from under the nail plate, thickening of the nail fold, and blood appears ”.

When independence hurts

In an attempt to solve the problem on their own, patients mistakenly try to cut the ingrown nail even shorter, exacerbating an already serious situation.In this case, there is always the opportunity to bring an additional infection into the inflammation focus. The consequences are quite dangerous complications – from excessive growth of tissue inflammation, the so-called wild meat, and the appearance of necrotic zones to inflammation of the bone tissue of the phalanx and gangrene of the thumb.

There are several reasons for the ingrown toenail:

• incorrect, too deep cutting of nails,

• wearing narrow shoes, especially in combination with high heels, which causes strong pressure of the nail plate on the nail roller,

• congenital predisposition, with which is overgrowth of soft tissues,

• flat feet,

• various fungal diseases of the nails,

• inflammatory diseases,

• finger injury.

Before going to the doctor

If the scale of the problem is small, the inflammation is not very pronounced, and the pain is almost absent, then home measures can also help. Although you need to prepare for the fact that such a treatment will take a lot of time and will require perseverance and consistency.

First, you need to give up uncomfortable shoes and wear only those in which there is no pressure on the sore nail at all.

Secondly, you need to cut your nails correctly: the free edge of the nail should have an almost square shape with slightly (!) Smoothed edges.Ideally, the corner of the nail should be allowed to grow outside the nail fold, which takes one to two months. In this case, the corner of the nail must be slightly raised, placing a small piece of a sterile napkin or dressing under it.

Thirdly, you need to do salt baths for your feet every day to relieve pain, swelling, prevent or reduce inflammation. If there is already an infection, then after the baths it is necessary to apply the antibacterial ointment recommended by the doctor.

If the ingrown toenail still bothers you, you need to seek help from a doctor. Medicine offers several ways to solve the problem.

Operation: scalpel or laser?

Until recently, the most radical and effective way to treat an ingrown toenail was surgery. It consists – with slight ingrowth – in the removal of either part of the soft tissue, or the ingrown part of the nail plate. Some time after removal, a new nail plate of the correct shape grows back.

When pus is released from under the nail or severe deformation of the nail plate, it is completely removed. Often in the course of such an operation, the growth zone of the nail is damaged, and the re-growing nail may be of an irregular shape. Unfortunately, more than half of the cases of surgical treatment end in recurrence of the problem.

Almost all of the nail has moved away from the nail bed – Question to the dermatologist

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Trauma and deformation of the nail

Ingrown nail, diagnosis, treatment, prevention

A disease when the nail plate grows into soft tissue is called an ingrown nail. Ingrowth, which can occur both on one and on both sides, leads to purulent inflammation of soft tissues, their excessive proliferation.

Signs of an ingrown toenail

– Pain at the site of ingrowth, aggravated by walking

– Swelling and redness of the finger

– Leakage of pus from under the nail

Reasons

– Incorrect cutting of nails can lead to a change in nail growth (if the lateral edges of the nails are cut very deeply)

– Tight uncomfortable shoes, can be combined with high heels

– Nail fungus

– Heredity

– A whole range of orthopedic diseases (clubfoot, deformity of fingers, feet, flat feet)

– Impaired circulation of the lower extremities (venous disease, aggravated by edema)

– Injury of a finger

Self-treatment of ingrown toenail

It is impossible to cure an ingrown nail on its own, since it is necessary to treat the pathological zone of its growth in a certain way.The consequences of self-medication are inflammation and overgrowth of tissues, purulent inflammation of the bones and even hagren, which can lead to amputation of the phalanx of the finger.

Treatment methods

– Surgical removal of an ingrown nail.

-Laser removal.

– Radio wave treatment.

The latest advances in medicine are laser and radio wave surgery, but many clinics still use complete nail removal, with this:

– very painful and long rehabilitation period,

– a modified shape of the nail is formed, etc.d.,

– removal gives a temporary effect, with the growth of a new nail plate, the problem repeats.

We use radio wave surgery – the most effective and least traumatic surgical method of treatment, which is widespread in the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Canada, Japan and other countries. Only the growing part of the nail is removed and the surrounding tissue is not injured. The likelihood of relapse is excluded, since the edge of the nail no longer grows back.

The essence of the operation

• The procedure takes about 3-5 minutes, it is absolutely painless, as local anesthesia is used.
• Postoperative hospital stay is not required.
• Performed frequently on the same day.
• Eliminates the problem at any stage of the disease.
• One injection is made in the finger (local anesthetic), after which the surgeon removes part of the nail. Then the doctor treats the nail matrix and the growth zone with a radio wave.
• Abnormal overgrowth of soft tissue can also be removed with radio waves.
• No stitches.The finger is protected with an aseptic bandage (which must not be wetted) and the patient returns home.
• Within 3 to 5 days, you need to change the bandage yourself 2-4 times.
• Wound healing occurs within 3-7 days. In exceptional cases, pain may occur, which is easily removed with analgin.

Why patients choose our clinic

1. No pain.
2. There is no relapse.
3. Low trauma, the wound heals quickly (3-5 days).
4. There are no complications because the radio wave electrode has an antiseptic effect.
5. You can go to work after the operation in a day.
6. The highest qualification surgeon has more than 20 years of experience in the use of radio wave techniques.
7. In the postoperative period, we bring the patient to full recovery.

The structure of the nail and nail plate

When making a manicure, many do not think about how complex our nail is.The appearance of nails is a mirror of our health. The doctor, looking at the patient’s nails, can tell a lot about the state of his internal organs. Knowledge about the complex structure of your body will help you look at hygiene procedures from a new angle, which we call manicure. So what does a nail consist of?

What are nails

Nails are formations of horny tissue that have common features with hair and skin. The nail is not just a keratinized tip at the edge of the nail plate, everything is much more complicated.The formation of the nail plate, which carries one of the most important protective functions of the body, occurs even in the womb.

Our nail consists of:

• Nail root
• Lunuly
• Cuticles
• Rear roller
• Side roller
• Nail sinuses
• Nail bed
• Nail plate

Cuticle

The cuticle is the thin skin located at the base of the nail.It has an important function: to protect the root of the nail and prevent infection. It is the cuticle that gives us trouble: moving along with the growing marigold, it makes its appearance unattractive. However, you should be careful: inept cuticle care leads to injury and serious consequences. Any actions should be performed on the softened cuticle (with the exception of hardware manicure). Remember to moisturize your cuticles daily with oils or regular cream (MASURA): it will “grow” less and always look well-groomed.Use cuticle oil and Green Tea cream

Nail plate

Often, complaining about thin brittle nails, we do not think: is the natural cause of thin nails. The thickness of the nail plate is in our genes, as is the thickness of the hair. It is impossible to fix the thin plate donated by our parents. It’s another matter if strong nails suddenly become fragile: sound the alarm and look for the reason. Perhaps it lies in some kind of disease.

Nail bed

There is a nail plate on it.It is the nail bed that is responsible for enriching the nail with the necessary elements, making it healthy and beautiful. Many, doing a manicure, do not even suspect that they are affecting the shape of their nail. Excessive pressure on the tissue under the tip of the nail while removing dirt from under the nail plate leads to irreversible processes. With excessive pressure, the nail plate exfoliates from the nail bed. As a result, it receives less and less nutrients and becomes thinner.

Lunula

Lunula – the lighter part at the base of the nail.Damage to it will lead to deformation of the nail. Changes in the structure of the nail plate can be irreversible. You need to be especially careful with this area of ​​the nail during rough processing of the nail plate during nail extension.

Side roller

The lateral roller is a layer of skin that grips the nail plate on both sides. Requires attention when leaving. Injury to the nail due to improper trimming can lead to an overgrowth of the lateral ridge tissue and visual narrowing of the nail plate.

Proper nail care

Hand care is an everyday activity.