What are the immediate steps to take after bruising your nail. How can you tell if your nail injury requires medical attention. Why is it crucial to seek treatment within 48 hours of a nail injury. What are the potential long-term consequences of an untreated nail bruise. How does a healthcare provider treat a subungual hematoma. What should you do if your nail is falling off after an injury.

Understanding Subungual Hematomas: The Science Behind Bruised Nails

A bruised nail, medically known as a subungual hematoma, occurs when blood accumulates beneath the nail plate following trauma. This condition is often painful and can take months to resolve fully. In some cases, the affected nail may even detach from the nail bed.

Dr. Allan Capin, a family medicine physician, emphasizes the importance of proper care for bruised nails. He explains that it’s not the nail itself that’s bruised, but rather the underlying tissue. This distinction is crucial for understanding the appropriate treatment approach.

The Anatomy of a Nail Injury

When a finger or toe experiences a hard impact, such as getting slammed in a door or stubbed against a hard surface, the delicate blood vessels beneath the nail can rupture. This leads to blood accumulation in the space between the nail plate and the nail bed, creating the characteristic dark discoloration associated with a bruised nail.

Immediate Action: What to Do Within 48 Hours of Nail Trauma

Seeking medical attention within 48 hours of injuring your nail is crucial. But why is this timeframe so important?

• Pain management: Trapped blood under the nail can cause intense pressure on nerve endings, resulting in severe pain.
• Prevention of long-term complications: Prompt treatment can prevent potential nail deformities and chronic pain.
• Assessment of underlying injuries: Healthcare providers can evaluate for possible fractures or nerve damage.

Dr. Capin recommends a procedure called trephination to relieve pressure and pain quickly. This simple, painless technique involves creating a small hole in the nail to drain the accumulated blood. However, if left untreated for more than 48 hours, the blood may clot, leading to prolonged discomfort and potentially weeks of unnecessary pain.

Post-Treatment Care for Bruised Nails

After undergoing trephination, it’s essential to keep the affected nail clean and dry. Dr. Capin advises against soaking the injured nail in baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools until your healthcare provider gives the green light. These activities can potentially lead to skin breaks and increase the risk of infection.

Hidden Dangers: Why Professional Evaluation is Crucial

A bruised nail may seem like a minor injury, but it can mask more serious underlying problems. Professional evaluation is essential for several reasons:

Potential for Bone Fractures

Is it possible to have a broken bone with a bruised nail? Absolutely. Dr. Capin notes that a large bruise under the nail often indicates a high likelihood of an accompanying bone fracture. X-rays are crucial for identifying these hidden injuries, as untreated fractures can heal incorrectly, leading to long-term functional issues and chronic pain.

Risk of Nerve Damage

The nerves in our fingers and toes play vital roles in our daily activities. Nerve damage from a nail injury can result in prolonged symptoms such as tingling, weakness, or pain. Treatment options range from rest and splinting for minor cases to physical therapy or surgery for more severe injuries.

Potential for Permanent Nail Deformity

The nail matrix, located at the base of the nail, is responsible for nail growth. Damage to this area can lead to permanent changes in nail appearance and structure. Without proper treatment, you might end up with a nail that never regains its natural shape or develops persistent depressions.

When Nails Fall Off: Handling Nail Avulsion

In some cases, a nail injury can result in partial or complete nail detachment, known as nail avulsion. This can happen immediately after the injury or weeks later. How should you handle this situation?

Immediate Care for a Torn Nail

1. Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop any bleeding.
2. Once bleeding subsides, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage.
3. Seek medical evaluation to assess the extent of the damage.

For nails that are slowly detaching after a previous injury, resist the urge to remove them yourself. Dr. Capin advises that a healthcare provider can safely remove the loose nail if it’s causing discomfort. Keep in mind that it will take several months for a new nail to grow in completely.

Healing Process for Nail Avulsion

As your nail bed heals, it’s important to allow the injured area to “breathe” as much as possible. Only cover it with a bandage when extra protection is needed or if you’re experiencing significant pain. Maintaining cleanliness and dryness of the affected area is crucial for proper healing.

Recognizing and Preventing Nail Bed Infections

Nail injuries can create entry points for bacteria, potentially leading to infections. This risk is particularly high if the nail has detached from the nail bed. What are the signs of a nail bed infection?

• Increased pain, swelling, or redness around the injured nail
• Warmth in the affected area
• Pus or discharge
• Fever or general malaise

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Early treatment of infections can prevent more serious complications and ensure proper healing of the nail bed.

Long-Term Care and Nail Regrowth

After a significant nail injury, patience is key. The process of nail regrowth can take several months, and in some cases, up to a year for complete restoration. During this time, it’s important to protect the new nail as it grows and to maintain good nail hygiene practices.

Promoting Healthy Nail Regrowth

To encourage healthy nail regrowth after an injury:

• Keep the nail bed clean and moisturized
• Avoid picking at or manipulating the new nail growth
• Protect the growing nail from further trauma
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in biotin, protein, and other nutrients essential for nail health

In some cases, the new nail may grow back with slight irregularities in shape or texture. If these changes are concerning or affect daily activities, consult with a dermatologist or podiatrist for further evaluation and potential treatments.

Prevention: Minimizing the Risk of Future Nail Injuries

While accidents happen, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of nail injuries in the future:

• Wear protective footwear in high-risk environments
• Use caution when closing doors or drawers
• Keep nails trimmed to a reasonable length to reduce the risk of catching or tearing
• Be mindful of your surroundings to avoid stubbing toes or fingers

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing painful nail injuries and their potential complications.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Nail Injuries

While most nail injuries can be addressed within a day or two, some situations require immediate medical attention. When should you head to the emergency room for a nail injury?

• Severe bleeding that doesn’t stop with direct pressure
• Visible bone or deep tissue exposure
• Signs of infection, such as severe pain, swelling, or pus
• Suspected fracture or dislocation of the finger or toe
• Complete nail avulsion with significant nail bed damage

In these cases, prompt medical intervention can prevent complications and ensure proper healing. Emergency care providers can assess the extent of the injury, provide appropriate treatment, and determine if further specialized care is necessary.

The Role of Imaging in Nail Injury Assessment

X-rays play a crucial role in evaluating nail injuries, especially when there’s suspicion of underlying bone fractures. In some cases, more advanced imaging techniques like MRI might be employed to assess soft tissue damage or complex injuries. These diagnostic tools help healthcare providers develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific injury.

Exploring Advanced Treatments for Severe Nail Injuries

While many nail injuries can be managed with conservative treatments, more severe cases may require advanced interventions. What are some of the specialized treatments available for complex nail injuries?

Nail Bed Repair Surgery

In cases of significant nail bed lacerations or avulsions, surgical repair may be necessary. This procedure involves carefully realigning and suturing the nail bed to promote proper healing and nail regrowth. Surgeons may use specialized techniques to ensure the best possible cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Nail Matrix Grafting

For injuries that extensively damage the nail matrix, grafting procedures can help restore nail-growing capabilities. This advanced technique involves transplanting healthy nail matrix tissue to the injured area, potentially allowing for improved nail regrowth in cases where natural healing might be insufficient.

Reconstructive Procedures

In extreme cases where the entire nail unit is damaged beyond repair, reconstructive surgeries may be considered. These procedures can involve using skin grafts or flaps to recreate a functional and aesthetically pleasing nail unit. While complex, these surgeries can significantly improve both the appearance and function of severely injured digits.

The availability and suitability of these advanced treatments depend on various factors, including the specific nature of the injury, the patient’s overall health, and the expertise of available specialists. Consultation with a hand surgeon or specialized dermatologist can provide insight into the most appropriate treatment options for complex nail injuries.

Psychological Impact of Nail Injuries: Addressing the Unseen Effects

While the physical aspects of nail injuries are often the primary focus, it’s important to acknowledge the potential psychological impact these injuries can have. How do nail injuries affect a person’s mental well-being, and what can be done to address these concerns?

Emotional Responses to Nail Injuries

Nail injuries, particularly those resulting in visible deformities or chronic pain, can lead to various emotional responses:

• Anxiety about future injuries or permanent changes
• Self-consciousness about the appearance of injured nails
• Frustration with prolonged healing times or functional limitations
• Depression related to chronic pain or changes in daily activities

Recognizing these emotional aspects is crucial for comprehensive care. Healthcare providers should be attentive to signs of psychological distress and offer appropriate support or referrals when necessary.

Coping Strategies and Support

To help patients cope with the psychological impact of nail injuries:

• Provide clear, realistic expectations about healing timelines and outcomes
• Offer resources for managing pain and discomfort
• Discuss temporary cosmetic solutions for visible nail changes
• Encourage participation in support groups or counseling if needed

By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of nail injuries, healthcare providers can offer more holistic care, promoting better overall outcomes and patient satisfaction.

What To Do for a Bruised Nail – Cleveland Clinic

A bruised nail is usually the result of an accident you don’t want to repeat. Most people have experienced the agony of stubbing a toe or slamming a finger in a door. A bruised nail is painful and can take months before it looks normal again. In some cases, your nail may fall off — right away or weeks later.

Family medicine physician Allan Capin, MD, explains how to deal with a bruised nail or a nail that’s falling off.

What to do after bruising your nail

After a hard impact to your finger or toe, your nail may look bruised. But it’s the tissue under your nail that’s bruised — not your nail itself. Blood or bruising under your nail is known as a subungual hematoma.

If you see blood or a bruise under your nail after an injury, seek medical care soon — within two days. Although it might seem like no biggie, a nail bruise needs medical attention for several reasons.

Nail bruises can cause long-term pain

The pain you feel from a bruised nail isn’t just from the accident. “Blood trapped under your nail puts pressure on your finger or toe nerves,” explains Dr. Capin. “That pressure can be excruciating, making it difficult to work or perform daily activities.”

And the nerve pain from trapped blood can take weeks to get better — unless your healthcare provider takes care of it right away. “We can drain the blood with trephination, a simple, painless procedure that relieves the pressure and pain quickly,” says Dr. Capin. “But if we don’t drain that blood within the first 48 hours, it clots. Clotting causes a bulk under the nail that could potentially lead to weeks of unnecessary pain.”

After a trephination procedure, keep your nail clean and dry. “Don’t soak your injured nail in a bath or hot tub. Avoid swimming until your provider says it’s OK,” says Dr. Capin. “This can sometimes lead to breaks in skin and an invitation for infection.”

Your finger or toe could be broken

A small bone break in your finger or toe can be hard to spot without medical tests. “Many people don’t realize their injury could result in a broken finger or toe as well. X-rays are, therefore, important,” says Dr. Capin. “If you have a large bruise under your nail, there’s a good chance you have a broken bone, also.”

Untreated fractures could heal incorrectly. “A bone that heals in the wrong position can interfere with how your finger or toe works naturally,” explains Dr. Capin. “It can also cause long-term pain.”

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Your nerves could be damaged

The nerves in your fingers and toes are important for your daily function. Nerves in your toes help you walk and stand. Nerves in your fingers are necessary for everything from picking up objects to typing. If your nerves are damaged, you could have long-term symptoms like tingling, weakness or pain.

“For minor nerve damage, you may need to rest and splint the finger or toe,” says Dr. Capin. “More complicated cases could require physical therapy or surgery. Get your injury examined right away so your healthcare provider can recommend next steps for treatment. ”

Your nail could become permanently deformed

Your nail matrix is the area under the base of your nail where your nail grows in a linear fashion. Damage to your nail matrix can affect nail growth. You could end up with a nail that never looks quite right again.

“An injury to the nail matrix can cause permanent nail deformity, loss of natural contour and shape,” notes Dr. Capin. “Without treatment, you could end up with a nail that has an unusual shape or a depression that never goes away.”

My nail is falling off — now what?

Even a small injury to your nail bed can undo the “glue” that holds your nail to your finger or toe. So, yes, your nail could come off after an injury — even with the right medical treatment. Or, you might have the unpleasant experience of accidentally ripping off your nail.

If you’ve ripped off all or part of your nail and it’s bleeding:

1. Apply pressure with a clean cloth for several minutes to stop the bleeding.
2. Once the bleeding has stopped, apply an antibiotic ointment and a bandage.
3. Call your healthcare provider or go to an urgent care facility so they can evaluate the damage.

If you hurt your nail a while back and it’s coming off, don’t try to remove it yourself. “If the nail is bothering you, your healthcare provider can usually safely remove the nail,” advises Dr. Capin. “A new nail will grow in, but it will take several months.”

As your nail bed heals:

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• Allow your injured finger or toe to “breathe” as much as possible. Cover it with a bandage only when it needs extra protection or if you have significant pain.
• Keep the area clean and dry.

Signs of infection after nail injury

A nail injury can lead to infection if germs enter your body through a break in your nail or skin. And if your nail comes off, you likely have an opening on your finger or toe where an infection could start.

Some infections require antibiotics, but only your healthcare provider can tell you if you need them. Keep an eye out for signs of infection after a nail injury, including:

• Fever or feeling unwell.
• Redness or red streaks in your skin.
• Skin or nail that feels warm to the touch.
• Swelling or significant pain.

When you have a nail bruise without cause

What if you notice discoloration or a bruise under your nail, but you don’t remember hurting it? That’s a sign you should see your healthcare provider.

“If you notice discoloration under your nail without an injury, contact your provider,” advises Dr. Capin. “Sometimes, it’s just a harmless mole or birthmark. Other times, however, nail discoloration can signal a health condition that needs treatment, including skin cancer.”

Don’t ignore a nail bruise

If you’ve done a number on your nail, you might be tempted to cover it up and move on. But step away from the nail polish or bandages. Without immediate care, you could wind up with serious pain or damage to your finger or toe.

Instead of toughing it out, see your healthcare provider or visit an urgent care facility. The right care can give you much-needed pain relief and help prevent future problems with your nail.

Subungual Hematoma (Blood Under Nail): Causes, Treatments & Drainage

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Causes Bleeding Under the Nail?
• What Are Subungual Hematoma Symptoms?
• How Is a Subungual Hematoma Diagnosed?
• How Is Bleeding Under the Nail Treated?
• What Happens During Subungual Hematoma Recovery?

Your doctor may call it a “subungual hematoma” if you have bleeding under a fingernail or toenail. It usually happens if the nail gets crushed in an injury. It can cause symptoms such as intense pain and throbbing as blood collects under the nail.

Unless you also have broken bones or damage to the nail bed and/or surrounding tissues, this injury usually isn’t worrisome.

These injuries can happen easily. You might:

• Slam your finger in a car door or house door
• Hit your finger with a heavy object such as a hammer
• Drop a heavy object such as a dumbbell on your toe
• Stub your toe on a hard surface

If you have a darkened area under a nail and haven’t had an injury, see your doctor to rule out other possible causes.

The most common symptom is severe, throbbing pain. It happens because of the pressure of blood collecting between the nail and the nail bed.

You may also have:

• A dark-colored discoloration (red, maroon, or purple-black) under all or part of the affected nail
• Tenderness and swelling of the tip of the affected finger or toe

If you had a severe blow to a finger or toe, you may have broken bones or serious damage to the nail bed and/or surrounding tissues. Seek medical attention from your doctor right away or go to an emergency room if:

• The finger or toe is deformed.
• A nearby joint was also injured.
• More than a quarter of the nail is discolored or there is continuing, intense pain.
• Signs of infection develop, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail, or a red streak extends from the wound.

Your doctor will examine your nail. You’ll probably also have an X-ray taken to see if you have a bone fracture or other injury.

A small subungual hematoma may not need medical treatment. Ice and elevate the area to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like aspirin, Advil, or Motrin for minor pain.

But the pressure generated by pooled blood under the nail can be extremely painful.

To relieve it, your doctor may perform decompression, also called trephination, which allows the underlying blood to drain, relieving pressure and pain to the area.

Your doctor may numb the affected finger or toe with a nerve block and use one of the following decompression methods:

Cautery. The doctor uses a heated wire (electrocautery device) or carbon laser to burn a hole or holes. The heated tip of the wire is cooled by contact with the hematoma, which prevents injury to the nail bed. This is a quick and painless procedure.

Needle. The doctor uses a needle to make a hole in the nail.

After the procedure, your doctor will bandage your nail. You will need to keep the finger or toe bandaged and elevated — and may also need to use cold compresses — during the first 12 hours after decompression. In some cases, your doctor may recommend you use a splint for as long as 3 days until the tenderness subsides.

The main complication associated with decompression is a small risk of infection in the residual hematoma.

If you have bleeding under a large area of the nail surface, the nail bed may be injured. In this case, your doctor may need to remove the entire nail and use stitches to repair the nail bed.

Unless the area of bleeding is very small, an affected nail will usually fall off on its own after several weeks because the pooled blood has separated it from its bed.

A new fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks. A new toenail may not fully regrow for about 6 months. If there has been injury to the nail bed and/or surrounding tissues, the new nail may take longer to grow.

Even with the best repair, there is still a possibility that the new nail may grow back and not look normal. See your doctor if you notice any problems with the nail as it heals and regrows.

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Inflammation of the cuticle after trimming manicure – causes, treatment with drugs and folk remedies, prevention

The cuticle is a part of the skin located at the base of the nail, which fits snugly against the nail plate. Its main purpose is to protect the nail bed from pathogens and injury. Despite the apparent strength, the cuticle is very vulnerable to external and internal damage.

Cuticle problems can occur not only due to mechanical damage. There are a number of factors that potentially lead to dryness and cracking of the nail’s protective barrier:

Problems with metabolism

Lack of vitamins, microelements and nutrients in the body

Constant stress

Chronic pathologies of internal organs

It is important to properly care for the cuticle. It is necessary to cut off the uneven edge of the keratinized soft tissue, but it is also impossible to remove the cuticle too much – this is what leads to infections under the skin and, accordingly, inflammation.

Existing cuticle removal methods

There are several basic cuticle removal methods:

Mechanical. The cuticle is removed using cutting manicure tools. Previously, the skin in this area must be softened using a bath with warm water or a special agent – this significantly reduces the trauma and pain of the procedure. Excess tissue is preliminarily shifted to the base of the nail bed with an orange stick, after which it is removed with nail clippers or scissors. This process is called edging manicure, and it is he who is the most traumatic. One wrong move of the master and the client – and the risk of causing deep damage increases significantly.

Hardware. It involves the removal of excess skin using a special rotating cutter. This is the safest, most reliable and modern way to remove the cuticle – if the master has the proper skills and uses a professional tool, then the cut will be absolutely even. It is believed that when performing a hardware manicure, the risk of inflammation of the cuticle is minimal.

Chemical. The technique is also called “European manicure” and involves the removal of the cuticle with little or no physical impact. A special substance based on fruit acids is applied to the cuticle – a remover. The inanimate part of the skin softens, after which it is easy to remove it with an orange stick.

Manicure can also be done in combination. Each master has his own “chips” and secrets with which he manages to achieve the perfect result. It is important to provide an individual approach to clients, because the cuticle of different people differs in density, growth line and other indicators.

Why can the cuticle hurt after a manicure?

Cuticle inflammation is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Bursting pain syndrome

Reddening of the skin, swelling in the damaged area

Burning sensation, local temperature increase

The main causes of cuticle problems after manicure are:

• Traumatic damage to the living area of ​​the cuticle
• Incorrect removal of the inanimate layer of the cuticle, as a result of which adjacent tissues were affected
• Excessive removal depth
• Individual intolerance to products used during manicure

In the vast majority of cases, inflammation of the cuticle means that the skin around the nail has been damaged and harmful microorganisms have entered there.

Risk factors

There are a number of indirect risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of inflammation of the cuticle in case of the slightest damage:

• Lack of proper antiseptic treatment of the nail.
• Use of a non-sterile instrument.
• Insufficient cuticle softening before removal.
• Ignoring the recommendations of the master by the client – after the procedure, there was contact with chemicals, hand washing, washing dishes without gloves and other actions that can damage the already delicate skin around the nail.
• Using a poorly sharpened tool.
• Ignoring the individual characteristics of the client’s cuticle – excessive dryness, tendency to crack, etc.
• Overgrowth of cuticles, inadequate nail care.

It is important to understand that a lot of pathogens and bacteria live in the area around the nail. The slightest injury to the cuticle, and foreign agents enter the wound, where they begin to multiply rapidly.

What is fraught with inflammation of the cuticle

The problem threatens with a number of complications. The most common is purulent paronychia. In this case, the intervention of a surgeon is required so that the focus of inflammation does not spread to other areas of the skin.

If you experience any of the following symptoms after a manicure, seek immediate medical attention:

• Suppuration.
• Increased pain to the point where it affects your quality of life.
• Increased edema, spreading redness.
• Pain felt in several fingers at once.
• Visual changes in the nail plate: ribbing, unnatural coloration.
• All the medical measures taken have not yielded results, and you see that the situation is rapidly deteriorating.

Cuticle inflammation should be treated as soon as it occurs. Do not ignore unpleasant symptoms so that the situation does not lead to surgical intervention!

What not to do in case of a problem

Almost everyone has experienced the problem of cuticle inflammation, and many do not consider it serious. It is extremely rare in such a situation that a person turns to a doctor, preferring to be treated independently with folk remedies. However, there are a number of actions that are categorically contraindicated in case of inflammation of the cuticle:

Seal the damaged area with adhesive tape

This prevents oxygen from entering the wound, and also creates a real “greenhouse” there, which is a favorable condition for the further development of microorganisms.

Pierce an abscess if there is one

Even if you sterilize the needle you will be using beforehand, do not open the formation yourself – only a doctor can perform the manipulation!

Use iodine or alcohol

This is fraught not only with intense pain, but also with a chemical burn, which will greatly aggravate the situation.

If cuticle inflammation is due to an allergic reaction, antihistamines should be taken. For their correct selection, contact a doctor who will select an individual therapy.

Treatments for inflamed cuticles

There are a number of proven ways to help manage the problem. Consider the most common and effective of them.

Salt bath

Take a shallow container, half fill it with warm water (up to 40 degrees), dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt in it. Dip the inflamed finger there and hold for 10 minutes. At the end of the procedure, rinse it with running water. Repeat the manipulation in the morning and evening for 3-4 days.

Antiseptic treatment

Treat the affected area several times a day with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine or miramistin. This will help the body cope with disease-causing bacteria and speed up the healing process.

Herbal baths

Brew oak bark, chamomile, plantain, St. John’s wort, horse sorrel or other medicinal herb. Wait until the broth has cooled to 35-40 degrees, then pour some liquid into a deep container, put the damaged finger there and hold for 10 minutes.

Medications

Methyluracil ointment, Levomekol, Gentamicin ointment, Bactroban, Cyclopirox, ointments with bacitracin have proven effectiveness in combating inflammation of the cuticle, especially when signs of suppuration appear.

Skin lesions can occur not only due to the entry of bacteria into the wound. There may be fungi on the surfaces of manicure tools. And the principles of treatment of diseases caused by different pathogens also differ. If you do not see positive dynamics within 1-2 days, it is better not to postpone a visit to the doctor.

Ways to prevent inflammation of the cuticles

When performing a manicure, there is always a risk of damage to the cuticles, no matter how meticulously the master does not work. However, it can be minimized by following a few basic rules:

• Comprehensive hand skin care. It should not be limited to periodic visits to the manicurist. You should use creams suitable for your skin type and special cuticle care products. They contain all the necessary substances and trace elements that will help maintain proper skin condition.
• Regular cuticle trimming. The rate of its growth is individual for each person, however, the optimal frequency of removal of the stratum corneum is 1 time in 3-4 weeks.
• Do not get a manicure if there is already inflammation in the cuticle area – this can only aggravate the situation.
• Do household chores that involve prolonged contact with water and chemicals only when wearing protective gloves.
• Use of professional manicure equipment. Experienced nail masters recommend using accessories from one manufacturer – this way the procedure will be as safe and productive as possible. One of the best manicure equipment on the market is the MAX company. The manufacturer produces manicure vacuum cleaners, arm rollers and other accessories that are indispensable in the work of a first-class master.
• In case of injury to the cuticle during the manicure, be sure to perform an antiseptic treatment of the damaged area.

It is not recommended to remove the cuticle on your own – the risk of damage in this case increases significantly. It is worth contacting only experienced and proven masters who have been trained and have the proper skills to perform a manicure.

Inflammation of the cuticle, after a manicure including: what to do

The cuticle is a protective barrier that prevents bacteria from entering the skin. Under mechanical stress, it can break. Damage will not only cause significant discomfort and worsen the aesthetic appearance of the nail, but the occurrence of inflammatory processes is not excluded. Most often, inflammation of the cuticle occurs after a manicure. There is redness, itching, pain, swelling near the nail plate, sometimes pus. Urgent treatment required.

Causes of inflammation of the cuticle

If a trimmed manicure was done and hygiene rules were not observed, infection and fungus cannot be ruled out. There is a high risk of contracting fungus and bacteria in public places. Such unpleasant consequences usually occur in people who do not care enough for their nails. The cuticle grows and is easily damaged.

Poor hygiene can cause cuticle inflammation

Other common causes:

• allergic reaction to household chemicals;
• gloves were not used for a number of tasks, for example, when working with earth in a garden plot;
• the habit of biting nails and teeth biting off burrs, which increases the risk of wounds;
• the cuticle on the finger or toe can be damaged as a result of bruises, injuries, wearing shoes that are too tight.

Bad habit of biting nails and picking off burrs leads to inflammation

Treatment

When an abscess appears, steam the nail in a bath with potassium permanganate solution. The water should be a pale pink color. The optimum temperature is 35-40 degrees.

Medicines

Next, special ointments should be used.

Vishnevsky’s ointment

It is necessary to apply the product on a cotton pad, apply it to the damaged area and fix it with a plaster or bandage. The procedure is done at night so that the drug is well absorbed, relieves redness, pain, and draws out pus.

Ichthyol ointment

This is a proven remedy. It should be applied in the same way as Vishnevsky’s ointment.

Treatment with ointment should be carried out regularly until the inflammation stops

When the abscess breaks through, it is necessary to treat the wound with an antiseptic (chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide is suitable) and apply Levomekol or Miramistin ointment, fix it. Antiseptic treatment and application of ointment must be done every day in the morning and evening until all signs of inflammation disappear.

If the abscess is large, severe twitching pain is felt, the finger is swollen, you need to contact a surgeon who will perform an autopsy and prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory ointments. You can not tighten it, as there is a risk of being left without a nail.

Folk methods

Folk remedies are effective in the first stages of inflammation.

Sea salt baths

Thanks to their high iodine content, sea salt baths will help. 10 g of salt should be dissolved in 1 liter of warm water and hold hands for 15 minutes. You can simply lubricate the cuticle with iodine. But keep in mind that the product gives the nail a yellow color. However, it is very effective, including against the fungus, so you should not neglect it.

Not only pleasant, but also useful procedure

Aloe

If aloe grows at home, you need to fix the leaf cut lengthwise on your finger and hold for several hours. Aloe oil in special cuticle pencils also has healing and regenerating properties.

An aloe leaf is suitable for the treatment of inflammation

A decoction of calendula or chamomile

40 g of calendula, chamomile or oak bark should be poured into 400 ml of boiling water and boiled for 5 minutes. Insist for half an hour, then hold your hands in the broth for 10 minutes. Do the procedure 1-2 times a day.

In case of inflammation of the cuticle, the procedure is recommended to be carried out 1-2 times a day. Attach to the wound, fix and hold for 12-14 hours.

Sorrel and plantain

Fresh sorrel and plantain leaves can be ground into a paste. Fix for 4-6 hours.

Essential oil

Essential oils help a lot. Suitable oil of lavender, tea tree, wheat germ. It is necessary to lubricate the affected areas 3-4 times a day.

Oil nourishes cuticles

Prevention

Do not forget about hygiene rules. Burrs cannot be torn off or bitten off, you need to cut them with nail scissors.