What are the common causes of a smashed fingernail. How can you identify a smashed fingernail infection. What are the best treatment options for a smashed fingernail. When should you seek medical attention for a smashed finger. How long does it take for a smashed fingernail to heal. Can a smashed fingernail lead to permanent damage. What are the preventive measures to avoid smashed fingernail injuries.

Understanding Smashed Fingernail Injuries: Causes and Immediate Effects

A smashed fingernail is a painful and common injury that occurs when a significant force impacts the finger. This can happen in various situations, such as dropping a heavy object on the finger, accidentally hitting it with a hammer, or getting it caught in a closing door. The immediate effects of a smashed fingernail can be quite distressing and may include:

• Intense pain
• Swelling and inflammation
• Redness around the affected area
• Stiffness in the finger
• Difficulty moving the injured digit
• Possible loss of sensation in the fingertip
• Bruising on the skin or bleeding under the nail
• In severe cases, potential loss of the fingernail

The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on the force of the impact and the exact location of the injury. While many smashed fingernail injuries can be treated at home, some may require medical attention to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.

Immediate Relief Strategies for a Smashed Fingernail

When you experience a smashed fingernail, taking prompt action can help alleviate pain and reduce the risk of complications. Here are some effective strategies for immediate relief:

1. Apply Ice to Reduce Swelling

Icing the injured area is crucial for limiting inflammation and numbing the pain. How should you apply ice to a smashed fingernail? Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a thin towel and gently place it on the affected finger. Apply the ice for no more than 15 minutes at a time, repeating this process several times throughout the day. To avoid additional pressure on the injury, rest your finger on top of the ice pack rather than pressing it down.

2. Rest and Elevate the Injured Finger

Resting the smashed finger is essential for allowing the healing process to begin. Avoid using the injured digit and discontinue any activity that may have caused the injury. Additionally, elevating the finger above heart level can help reduce swelling by slowing blood flow to the affected area. Try to keep your hand raised as much as possible during the first 24-48 hours after the injury.

3. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Oral anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and reduce swelling. Ibuprofen (Advil) is a common choice for this purpose. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions on the packaging or consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about taking these medications.

4. Use Pain-Relief Creams

Topical pain-relief creams can provide localized relief for a smashed fingernail. Look for creams containing ingredients like menthol, capsaicin, or arnica, which can help soothe pain and reduce inflammation when applied to the skin around the injured area.

5. Clean and Cover Any Open Wounds

If the smashed fingernail resulted in an open wound or cut, it’s crucial to clean the area immediately to prevent infection. Gently wash the wound with mild soap and water, then apply an antibiotic ointment and cover it with a sterile bandage.

6. Perform Gentle Movements

While rest is important, gentle movement of the injured finger can help prevent stiffness and promote circulation. Carefully flex and extend the finger within a comfortable range of motion, but avoid any movements that cause pain or discomfort.

Recognizing Signs of Infection in a Smashed Fingernail

While many smashed fingernail injuries heal without complications, it’s crucial to be aware of potential signs of infection. Infections can occur if bacteria enter through breaks in the skin or nail bed. Here are some indicators that your smashed fingernail may be infected:

• Increased pain or throbbing sensation in the affected finger
• Persistent or worsening swelling and redness
• Warmth or heat radiating from the injured area
• Pus or discharge coming from under the nail or surrounding skin
• Red streaks extending from the finger towards the hand or arm
• Fever or chills
• Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or elbow

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Untreated infections can lead to more serious complications and may require antibiotics or other interventions.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Smashed Fingernail

While many smashed fingernail injuries can be effectively treated at home, there are situations where professional medical care is necessary. How can you determine if your smashed fingernail requires a doctor’s attention? Consider seeking medical help if you experience any of the following:

• Severe or persistent pain that doesn’t improve with home remedies
• Signs of infection, as mentioned in the previous section
• Visible deformity or dislocation of the finger joint
• Numbness or tingling that doesn’t subside
• Inability to move the finger or significant loss of function
• Large blood blisters under the nail that cause intense pressure
• Exposed bone or deep lacerations
• Suspected fracture or broken bone in the finger

A healthcare professional can assess the severity of the injury, provide appropriate treatment, and help prevent potential complications. In some cases, they may need to drain blood from under the nail to relieve pressure or perform other procedures to ensure proper healing.

Long-Term Care and Recovery for Smashed Fingernails

After the initial treatment and relief of a smashed fingernail, it’s important to focus on long-term care to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Here are some strategies for managing your recovery:

1. Continue with RICE Method

The RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) remains effective beyond the initial injury. Continue to rest the affected finger, apply ice as needed to manage swelling, use gentle compression if recommended by a healthcare provider, and elevate your hand when possible.

2. Protect the Injured Nail

If your nail is damaged or at risk of falling off, protect it by covering it with a bandage or specialized finger cot. This can help prevent further injury and keep the area clean as it heals.

3. Monitor for Changes

Keep a close eye on the healing process and be alert for any signs of infection or complications. If you notice any concerning changes, consult with a healthcare professional promptly.

4. Gentle Rehabilitation Exercises

As pain and swelling subside, gradually introduce gentle exercises to improve flexibility and strength in the injured finger. Simple movements like carefully bending and straightening the finger can help prevent stiffness and promote healing.

5. Patience with Nail Regrowth

If your nail falls off due to the injury, be patient with the regrowth process. It can take several months for a new nail to grow in completely. Keep the nail bed clean and protected during this time.

Potential Complications of Smashed Fingernail Injuries

While many smashed fingernail injuries heal without issue, it’s important to be aware of potential complications that can arise. These may include:

• Chronic pain or sensitivity in the affected finger
• Nail deformities or abnormal regrowth
• Permanent changes in nail appearance
• Development of a subungual hematoma (blood trapped under the nail)
• Infection of the nail bed or surrounding tissue
• In rare cases, bone or joint damage requiring surgical intervention

Being vigilant about these potential complications can help you seek timely medical attention if needed, improving the chances of a full recovery.

Preventing Smashed Fingernail Injuries: Safety Tips and Precautions

While accidents can happen, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of smashed fingernail injuries. Consider implementing these safety measures in your daily life:

1. Use proper protective equipment, such as work gloves, when handling heavy objects or using tools.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings and potential hazards, especially in areas with closing doors or heavy machinery.
3. Take care when moving furniture or other large items to avoid pinching or crushing your fingers.
4. Use caution when participating in sports or activities that carry a risk of finger injuries.
5. Ensure that tools and equipment are in good working condition and used correctly to minimize accident risks.
6. Teach children about finger safety and supervise them during activities that could pose a risk of injury.
7. Be extra cautious when working with power tools, and always follow manufacturer safety guidelines.

By incorporating these preventive measures into your routine, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a painful smashed fingernail injury.

Natural Remedies and Alternative Treatments for Smashed Fingernails

In addition to conventional treatments, some people find relief from smashed fingernail injuries through natural remedies and alternative therapies. While these methods may not be scientifically proven, many individuals report positive results. Here are some options to consider:

1. Arnica Montana

Arnica, a homeopathic remedy, is believed to help reduce bruising and swelling. It can be applied topically as a cream or gel, or taken orally in pill form. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare provider before use.

2. Epsom Salt Soaks

Soaking the affected finger in warm water mixed with Epsom salt may help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Add a tablespoon of Epsom salt to a cup of warm water and soak the finger for about 15 minutes, repeating this process a few times a day.

3. Turmeric Paste

Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Create a paste by mixing turmeric powder with a small amount of water, and apply it to the affected area. Cover with a bandage and leave on for a few hours before rinsing off.

4. Essential Oils

Some essential oils, such as lavender or tea tree oil, may have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Dilute a few drops of essential oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil and gently massage into the skin around the injured nail.

5. Acupressure

Applying gentle pressure to specific points on the hand and arm may help alleviate pain and promote healing. Research acupressure points related to finger injuries or consult with a trained practitioner for guidance.

While these natural remedies may offer some relief, it’s important to remember that they should not replace proper medical care, especially in cases of severe injury or suspected infection. Always consult with a healthcare professional before trying alternative treatments, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

In conclusion, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for smashed fingernail injuries can help you respond effectively to this common accident. By following proper first aid techniques, recognizing signs of complications, and taking preventive measures, you can minimize the impact of these painful injuries and promote optimal healing. Remember to seek medical attention when necessary, and don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your smashed fingernail injury.

Smashed finger: Relief and recovery

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

A smashed finger is a common injury that occurs when a heavy object or an object with enough force behind it impacts the finger. Common causes include dropping an object on the finger, hitting it with a hammer, or closing a finger in a door.

A smashed finger may cause:

• inflammation
• redness
• pain from mild to severe
• stiffness
• movement difficulty
• loss of sensation in the fingertip
• bruising on the skin or bleeding under the nail
• fingernail loss

It is possible to relieve pain at home with no medical intervention, but there may be times when a smashed finger requires medical attention.

Common methods for immediate relief include:

• icing or applying ice to the area
• resting
• elevation
• taking oral anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
• applying pain-relief creams
• cleaning and covering the injury
• moving the injured area gently

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to blunt force trauma.

Inflammation causes swelling, which helps to stabilize a bone or joint to reduce the chance of further injury to the area. Treating or reducing the swelling can make the finger feel better.

1. Icing

Icing a smashed finger can limit the inflammation. It is crucial to never place ice directly on the skin.

Icing should be done for no more than 15 minutes and can be repeated several times a day. A person can place the finger on top of the ice pack to avoid additional pressure.

2. Resting

A smashed finger should not be used after the injury. People should stop the activity they were involved in and decide if further medical attention is needed.

A person may need to to avoid physical activity, such as contact sports and lifting heavy objects until the finger fully heals.

3. Elevation

Elevation can help reduce inflammation and is often a key to recovery. Elevation helps to reduce inflammation because it slows the flow of blood to the finger.

The finger should be raised above the heart, as this elevation makes it more difficult for blood to reach the finger.

4. Anti-inflammatory medications

There are medications available over-the-counter (OTC) that can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Many are available to buy online, including:

5. Pain-relieving creams

Creams that contain medication and natural ingredients can be used to alleviate swelling and inflammation. Many are available to buy online.

6. Clean and cover

A smashed finger may result in an open wound, such as a scrape or cut. People should clean the wound immediately when this occurs.

They should also cover the wound with a bandage and antibiotic cream if these are available.

7. Gentle movement

While some injuries require rest, other cases of smashed fingers can benefit from gentle movement. When gentle movement is undertaken, it can help reduce inflammation and prevent stiffness occurring.

Share on PinterestA broken finger will require immediate treatment, which may include putting it in a splint.

If a smashed finger causes severe pain, a person should see a doctor, as they may have broken it.

Additional signs of a broken finger include:

• dislocation around the joint
• deformity
• sharp pain at the site of the injury

The finger may be broken and will require immediate medical attention if any of the above occur after an injury.

Short-term treatments for a smashed finger are for the first couple of days after an injury. These should include a combination of:

• rest
• ice
• elevation
• OTC medication

In most cases, an injured or smashed finger will feel better within a few days of using at-home treatments.

It is not uncommon for a bruise to develop as a smashed finger heals. The bruise is a sign of the body repairing the damage, but it may result in continued pain, discoloration of the area, aching, or numbness.

It is essential to keep moving and stretching the finger while the injury heals, and to avoid using it for lifting or grabbing things.

Gentle massage may also help the finger to recover by promoting blood flow and helping clear dead cells.

Recovery time will vary and depend on the severity of the injury. For people with a minor injury, full recovery should occur within a few days to a week. Severe cases or broken fingers may take several weeks to recover fully.

Injuries on or near the fingernail may cause bleeding under the nail, which resembles bruising.

Bleeding under the fingernail will cause pressure under the nail, which can eventually cause it to fall off.

In cases where most of the nail is affected, a doctor may be able to prevent the fingernail from falling off by draining the blood from the bruise to alleviate the pressure.

People should seek medical attention if a smashed finger causes severe pain. It is a good idea to speak with a doctor to ensure no further damage was done to a joint if more than just the fingertip is involved in the injury.

Other reasons to seek medical attention for a smashed finger include:

• severe swelling for more than 2 days
• deep wound
• the finger will not bend
• the entire finger, hand, or wrist is also injured
• the finger is disfigured
• the nail might fall off
• symptoms worsen over time
• finger feels numb
• a crack was heard at the time of injury

A smashed finger is a common but painful injury. Most people will find that simple at-home treatments will help relieve immediate pain and promote long-term healing.

In some cases, a person may need to see a doctor if the pain is severe, the symptoms are not improving, or there is a noticeable break.

Smashed finger: Relief and recovery

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

A smashed finger is a common injury that occurs when a heavy object or an object with enough force behind it impacts the finger. Common causes include dropping an object on the finger, hitting it with a hammer, or closing a finger in a door.

A smashed finger may cause:

• inflammation
• redness
• pain from mild to severe
• stiffness
• movement difficulty
• loss of sensation in the fingertip
• bruising on the skin or bleeding under the nail
• fingernail loss

It is possible to relieve pain at home with no medical intervention, but there may be times when a smashed finger requires medical attention.

Common methods for immediate relief include:

• icing or applying ice to the area
• resting
• elevation
• taking oral anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
• applying pain-relief creams
• cleaning and covering the injury
• moving the injured area gently

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to blunt force trauma.

Inflammation causes swelling, which helps to stabilize a bone or joint to reduce the chance of further injury to the area. Treating or reducing the swelling can make the finger feel better.

1. Icing

Icing a smashed finger can limit the inflammation. It is crucial to never place ice directly on the skin.

Icing should be done for no more than 15 minutes and can be repeated several times a day. A person can place the finger on top of the ice pack to avoid additional pressure.

2. Resting

A smashed finger should not be used after the injury. People should stop the activity they were involved in and decide if further medical attention is needed.

A person may need to to avoid physical activity, such as contact sports and lifting heavy objects until the finger fully heals.

3. Elevation

Elevation can help reduce inflammation and is often a key to recovery. Elevation helps to reduce inflammation because it slows the flow of blood to the finger.

The finger should be raised above the heart, as this elevation makes it more difficult for blood to reach the finger.

4. Anti-inflammatory medications

There are medications available over-the-counter (OTC) that can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Many are available to buy online, including:

5. Pain-relieving creams

Creams that contain medication and natural ingredients can be used to alleviate swelling and inflammation. Many are available to buy online.

6. Clean and cover

A smashed finger may result in an open wound, such as a scrape or cut. People should clean the wound immediately when this occurs.

They should also cover the wound with a bandage and antibiotic cream if these are available.

7. Gentle movement

While some injuries require rest, other cases of smashed fingers can benefit from gentle movement. When gentle movement is undertaken, it can help reduce inflammation and prevent stiffness occurring.

Share on PinterestA broken finger will require immediate treatment, which may include putting it in a splint.

If a smashed finger causes severe pain, a person should see a doctor, as they may have broken it.

Additional signs of a broken finger include:

• dislocation around the joint
• deformity
• sharp pain at the site of the injury

The finger may be broken and will require immediate medical attention if any of the above occur after an injury.

Short-term treatments for a smashed finger are for the first couple of days after an injury. These should include a combination of:

• rest
• ice
• elevation
• OTC medication

In most cases, an injured or smashed finger will feel better within a few days of using at-home treatments.

It is not uncommon for a bruise to develop as a smashed finger heals. The bruise is a sign of the body repairing the damage, but it may result in continued pain, discoloration of the area, aching, or numbness.

It is essential to keep moving and stretching the finger while the injury heals, and to avoid using it for lifting or grabbing things.

Gentle massage may also help the finger to recover by promoting blood flow and helping clear dead cells.

Recovery time will vary and depend on the severity of the injury. For people with a minor injury, full recovery should occur within a few days to a week. Severe cases or broken fingers may take several weeks to recover fully.

Injuries on or near the fingernail may cause bleeding under the nail, which resembles bruising.

Bleeding under the fingernail will cause pressure under the nail, which can eventually cause it to fall off.

In cases where most of the nail is affected, a doctor may be able to prevent the fingernail from falling off by draining the blood from the bruise to alleviate the pressure.

People should seek medical attention if a smashed finger causes severe pain. It is a good idea to speak with a doctor to ensure no further damage was done to a joint if more than just the fingertip is involved in the injury.

Other reasons to seek medical attention for a smashed finger include:

• severe swelling for more than 2 days
• deep wound
• the finger will not bend
• the entire finger, hand, or wrist is also injured
• the finger is disfigured
• the nail might fall off
• symptoms worsen over time
• finger feels numb
• a crack was heard at the time of injury

A smashed finger is a common but painful injury. Most people will find that simple at-home treatments will help relieve immediate pain and promote long-term healing.

In some cases, a person may need to see a doctor if the pain is severe, the symptoms are not improving, or there is a noticeable break.

Smashed finger: Relief and recovery

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

A smashed finger is a common injury that occurs when a heavy object or an object with enough force behind it impacts the finger. Common causes include dropping an object on the finger, hitting it with a hammer, or closing a finger in a door.

A smashed finger may cause:

• inflammation
• redness
• pain from mild to severe
• stiffness
• movement difficulty
• loss of sensation in the fingertip
• bruising on the skin or bleeding under the nail
• fingernail loss

It is possible to relieve pain at home with no medical intervention, but there may be times when a smashed finger requires medical attention.

Common methods for immediate relief include:

• icing or applying ice to the area
• resting
• elevation
• taking oral anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
• applying pain-relief creams
• cleaning and covering the injury
• moving the injured area gently

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to blunt force trauma.

Inflammation causes swelling, which helps to stabilize a bone or joint to reduce the chance of further injury to the area. Treating or reducing the swelling can make the finger feel better.

1. Icing

Icing a smashed finger can limit the inflammation. It is crucial to never place ice directly on the skin.

Icing should be done for no more than 15 minutes and can be repeated several times a day. A person can place the finger on top of the ice pack to avoid additional pressure.

2. Resting

A smashed finger should not be used after the injury. People should stop the activity they were involved in and decide if further medical attention is needed.

A person may need to to avoid physical activity, such as contact sports and lifting heavy objects until the finger fully heals.

3. Elevation

Elevation can help reduce inflammation and is often a key to recovery. Elevation helps to reduce inflammation because it slows the flow of blood to the finger.

The finger should be raised above the heart, as this elevation makes it more difficult for blood to reach the finger.

4. Anti-inflammatory medications

There are medications available over-the-counter (OTC) that can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Many are available to buy online, including:

5. Pain-relieving creams

Creams that contain medication and natural ingredients can be used to alleviate swelling and inflammation. Many are available to buy online.

6. Clean and cover

A smashed finger may result in an open wound, such as a scrape or cut. People should clean the wound immediately when this occurs.

They should also cover the wound with a bandage and antibiotic cream if these are available.

7. Gentle movement

While some injuries require rest, other cases of smashed fingers can benefit from gentle movement. When gentle movement is undertaken, it can help reduce inflammation and prevent stiffness occurring.

Share on PinterestA broken finger will require immediate treatment, which may include putting it in a splint.

If a smashed finger causes severe pain, a person should see a doctor, as they may have broken it.

Additional signs of a broken finger include:

• dislocation around the joint
• deformity
• sharp pain at the site of the injury

The finger may be broken and will require immediate medical attention if any of the above occur after an injury.

Short-term treatments for a smashed finger are for the first couple of days after an injury. These should include a combination of:

• rest
• ice
• elevation
• OTC medication

In most cases, an injured or smashed finger will feel better within a few days of using at-home treatments.

It is not uncommon for a bruise to develop as a smashed finger heals. The bruise is a sign of the body repairing the damage, but it may result in continued pain, discoloration of the area, aching, or numbness.

It is essential to keep moving and stretching the finger while the injury heals, and to avoid using it for lifting or grabbing things.

Gentle massage may also help the finger to recover by promoting blood flow and helping clear dead cells.

Recovery time will vary and depend on the severity of the injury. For people with a minor injury, full recovery should occur within a few days to a week. Severe cases or broken fingers may take several weeks to recover fully.

Injuries on or near the fingernail may cause bleeding under the nail, which resembles bruising.

Bleeding under the fingernail will cause pressure under the nail, which can eventually cause it to fall off.

In cases where most of the nail is affected, a doctor may be able to prevent the fingernail from falling off by draining the blood from the bruise to alleviate the pressure.

People should seek medical attention if a smashed finger causes severe pain. It is a good idea to speak with a doctor to ensure no further damage was done to a joint if more than just the fingertip is involved in the injury.

Other reasons to seek medical attention for a smashed finger include:

• severe swelling for more than 2 days
• deep wound
• the finger will not bend
• the entire finger, hand, or wrist is also injured
• the finger is disfigured
• the nail might fall off
• symptoms worsen over time
• finger feels numb
• a crack was heard at the time of injury

A smashed finger is a common but painful injury. Most people will find that simple at-home treatments will help relieve immediate pain and promote long-term healing.

In some cases, a person may need to see a doctor if the pain is severe, the symptoms are not improving, or there is a noticeable break.

Smashed finger: Relief and recovery

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

A smashed finger is a common injury that occurs when a heavy object or an object with enough force behind it impacts the finger. Common causes include dropping an object on the finger, hitting it with a hammer, or closing a finger in a door.

A smashed finger may cause:

• inflammation
• redness
• pain from mild to severe
• stiffness
• movement difficulty
• loss of sensation in the fingertip
• bruising on the skin or bleeding under the nail
• fingernail loss

It is possible to relieve pain at home with no medical intervention, but there may be times when a smashed finger requires medical attention.

Common methods for immediate relief include:

• icing or applying ice to the area
• resting
• elevation
• taking oral anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
• applying pain-relief creams
• cleaning and covering the injury
• moving the injured area gently

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to blunt force trauma.

Inflammation causes swelling, which helps to stabilize a bone or joint to reduce the chance of further injury to the area. Treating or reducing the swelling can make the finger feel better.

1. Icing

Icing a smashed finger can limit the inflammation. It is crucial to never place ice directly on the skin.

Icing should be done for no more than 15 minutes and can be repeated several times a day. A person can place the finger on top of the ice pack to avoid additional pressure.

2. Resting

A smashed finger should not be used after the injury. People should stop the activity they were involved in and decide if further medical attention is needed.

A person may need to to avoid physical activity, such as contact sports and lifting heavy objects until the finger fully heals.

3. Elevation

Elevation can help reduce inflammation and is often a key to recovery. Elevation helps to reduce inflammation because it slows the flow of blood to the finger.

The finger should be raised above the heart, as this elevation makes it more difficult for blood to reach the finger.

4. Anti-inflammatory medications

There are medications available over-the-counter (OTC) that can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Many are available to buy online, including:

5. Pain-relieving creams

Creams that contain medication and natural ingredients can be used to alleviate swelling and inflammation. Many are available to buy online.

6. Clean and cover

A smashed finger may result in an open wound, such as a scrape or cut. People should clean the wound immediately when this occurs.

They should also cover the wound with a bandage and antibiotic cream if these are available.

7. Gentle movement

While some injuries require rest, other cases of smashed fingers can benefit from gentle movement. When gentle movement is undertaken, it can help reduce inflammation and prevent stiffness occurring.

Share on PinterestA broken finger will require immediate treatment, which may include putting it in a splint.

If a smashed finger causes severe pain, a person should see a doctor, as they may have broken it.

Additional signs of a broken finger include:

• dislocation around the joint
• deformity
• sharp pain at the site of the injury

The finger may be broken and will require immediate medical attention if any of the above occur after an injury.

Short-term treatments for a smashed finger are for the first couple of days after an injury. These should include a combination of:

• rest
• ice
• elevation
• OTC medication

In most cases, an injured or smashed finger will feel better within a few days of using at-home treatments.

It is not uncommon for a bruise to develop as a smashed finger heals. The bruise is a sign of the body repairing the damage, but it may result in continued pain, discoloration of the area, aching, or numbness.

It is essential to keep moving and stretching the finger while the injury heals, and to avoid using it for lifting or grabbing things.

Gentle massage may also help the finger to recover by promoting blood flow and helping clear dead cells.

Recovery time will vary and depend on the severity of the injury. For people with a minor injury, full recovery should occur within a few days to a week. Severe cases or broken fingers may take several weeks to recover fully.

Injuries on or near the fingernail may cause bleeding under the nail, which resembles bruising.

Bleeding under the fingernail will cause pressure under the nail, which can eventually cause it to fall off.

In cases where most of the nail is affected, a doctor may be able to prevent the fingernail from falling off by draining the blood from the bruise to alleviate the pressure.

People should seek medical attention if a smashed finger causes severe pain. It is a good idea to speak with a doctor to ensure no further damage was done to a joint if more than just the fingertip is involved in the injury.

Other reasons to seek medical attention for a smashed finger include:

• severe swelling for more than 2 days
• deep wound
• the finger will not bend
• the entire finger, hand, or wrist is also injured
• the finger is disfigured
• the nail might fall off
• symptoms worsen over time
• finger feels numb
• a crack was heard at the time of injury

A smashed finger is a common but painful injury. Most people will find that simple at-home treatments will help relieve immediate pain and promote long-term healing.

In some cases, a person may need to see a doctor if the pain is severe, the symptoms are not improving, or there is a noticeable break.

Smashed finger: Relief and recovery

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

A smashed finger is a common injury that occurs when a heavy object or an object with enough force behind it impacts the finger. Common causes include dropping an object on the finger, hitting it with a hammer, or closing a finger in a door.

A smashed finger may cause:

• inflammation
• redness
• pain from mild to severe
• stiffness
• movement difficulty
• loss of sensation in the fingertip
• bruising on the skin or bleeding under the nail
• fingernail loss

It is possible to relieve pain at home with no medical intervention, but there may be times when a smashed finger requires medical attention.

Common methods for immediate relief include:

• icing or applying ice to the area
• resting
• elevation
• taking oral anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
• applying pain-relief creams
• cleaning and covering the injury
• moving the injured area gently

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to blunt force trauma.

Inflammation causes swelling, which helps to stabilize a bone or joint to reduce the chance of further injury to the area. Treating or reducing the swelling can make the finger feel better.

1. Icing

Icing a smashed finger can limit the inflammation. It is crucial to never place ice directly on the skin.

Icing should be done for no more than 15 minutes and can be repeated several times a day. A person can place the finger on top of the ice pack to avoid additional pressure.

2. Resting

A smashed finger should not be used after the injury. People should stop the activity they were involved in and decide if further medical attention is needed.

A person may need to to avoid physical activity, such as contact sports and lifting heavy objects until the finger fully heals.

3. Elevation

Elevation can help reduce inflammation and is often a key to recovery. Elevation helps to reduce inflammation because it slows the flow of blood to the finger.

The finger should be raised above the heart, as this elevation makes it more difficult for blood to reach the finger.

4. Anti-inflammatory medications

There are medications available over-the-counter (OTC) that can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Many are available to buy online, including:

5. Pain-relieving creams

Creams that contain medication and natural ingredients can be used to alleviate swelling and inflammation. Many are available to buy online.

6. Clean and cover

A smashed finger may result in an open wound, such as a scrape or cut. People should clean the wound immediately when this occurs.

They should also cover the wound with a bandage and antibiotic cream if these are available.

7. Gentle movement

While some injuries require rest, other cases of smashed fingers can benefit from gentle movement. When gentle movement is undertaken, it can help reduce inflammation and prevent stiffness occurring.

Share on PinterestA broken finger will require immediate treatment, which may include putting it in a splint.

If a smashed finger causes severe pain, a person should see a doctor, as they may have broken it.

Additional signs of a broken finger include:

• dislocation around the joint
• deformity
• sharp pain at the site of the injury

The finger may be broken and will require immediate medical attention if any of the above occur after an injury.

Short-term treatments for a smashed finger are for the first couple of days after an injury. These should include a combination of:

• rest
• ice
• elevation
• OTC medication

In most cases, an injured or smashed finger will feel better within a few days of using at-home treatments.

It is not uncommon for a bruise to develop as a smashed finger heals. The bruise is a sign of the body repairing the damage, but it may result in continued pain, discoloration of the area, aching, or numbness.

It is essential to keep moving and stretching the finger while the injury heals, and to avoid using it for lifting or grabbing things.

Gentle massage may also help the finger to recover by promoting blood flow and helping clear dead cells.

Recovery time will vary and depend on the severity of the injury. For people with a minor injury, full recovery should occur within a few days to a week. Severe cases or broken fingers may take several weeks to recover fully.

Injuries on or near the fingernail may cause bleeding under the nail, which resembles bruising.

Bleeding under the fingernail will cause pressure under the nail, which can eventually cause it to fall off.

In cases where most of the nail is affected, a doctor may be able to prevent the fingernail from falling off by draining the blood from the bruise to alleviate the pressure.

People should seek medical attention if a smashed finger causes severe pain. It is a good idea to speak with a doctor to ensure no further damage was done to a joint if more than just the fingertip is involved in the injury.

Other reasons to seek medical attention for a smashed finger include:

• severe swelling for more than 2 days
• deep wound
• the finger will not bend
• the entire finger, hand, or wrist is also injured
• the finger is disfigured
• the nail might fall off
• symptoms worsen over time
• finger feels numb
• a crack was heard at the time of injury

A smashed finger is a common but painful injury. Most people will find that simple at-home treatments will help relieve immediate pain and promote long-term healing.

In some cases, a person may need to see a doctor if the pain is severe, the symptoms are not improving, or there is a noticeable break.

Finger Infections & Swollen Fingers: 6 Possible Causes

Finger Infection Overview

Injury or infection to a finger or fingers is a common problem. Infection can range from mild to potentially serious. Often, these infections start out small and are relatively easy to treat. Failure to properly treat these infections can result in permanent disability or loss of the finger.

Early recognition and proper treatment of the following main finger infections will help prevent most of the serious outcomes.

• Paronychia: A paronychia is an infection of the finger that involves the tissue at the edges of the fingernail. This infection is usually superficial and localized to the soft tissue and skin around the fingernail. This is the most common bacterial infection seen in the hand.
• Felon: A felon is an infection of the fingertip. This infection is located in the fingertip pad and soft tissue associated with it.
• Herpetic whitlow: A herpetic whitlow is an infection of the fingertip area caused by a virus. This is the most common viral infection of the hand. This infection is often misdiagnosed as a paronychia or felon.
• Cellulitis: This is a superficial infection of the skin and underlying tissue. It is usually on the surface and does not involve deeper structures of the hand or finger.
• Infectious flexor tenosynovitis: This infection involves the tendon sheaths responsible for flexing or closing the hand. This is also a type of deep space infection.
• Deep space infection: This is an infection of one or several deep structures of the hand or fingers, including the tendons, blood vessels, and muscles. Infection may involve one or more of these structures. A collar button abscess is such an infection when it is located in the web space of the fingers.

Finger Infection Causes

Bacteria cause most of these finger infections. The exception to this is the herpetic whitlow, which is caused by a virus. How the infection starts and is found in a particular location is what makes each specific type of infection unique. Usually some form of trauma is the initial event. This may be a cut, animal bite, or puncture wound.

• Paronychia: The offending bacteria are usually staphylococcal and streptococcal organisms. Rarely, a fungus causes this infection, which usually begins as a hangnail. Often a person will attempt to bite off the piece of nail that is at the corner. This results in an open wound that allows the bacteria found on the skin and the bacteria found in the mouth to infect the wound. The infection can then spread to the surrounding tissue next to the nail and cuticle.
• Felon: This bacterial infection of the finger pad, caused by the same organisms that cause paronychia, is usually the result of a puncture wound. The wound allows the introduction of bacteria deep into the fingertip pad. Because the fingertip has multiple compartments, the infection is contained in this area.
• Herpetic whitlow: The offending viral organism is the herpes simplex virus type I or II. This is the same virus that causes oral or genital herpes infections. People in certain occupations are more at risk for this infection. These include dentists, hygienists, physicians, nurses, or any other person who may have contact with saliva or body fluids that contain the virus. People with oral or genital herpes may also infect their own fingers.
• Cellulitis: The most common causes of this bacterial infection are staphylococcal and streptococcal organisms. This infection is usually the result of an open wound that allows the bacteria to infect the local skin and tissue. The infection can also spread to the hand and fingers by blood carrying the organisms.
• Infectious flexor tenosynovitis: This bacterial infection is usually the result of penetrating trauma that introduces bacteria into the deep structures and tendon sheaths, which allows the spread along the tendon and associated sheath.
• Deep space infection: This bacterial infection is usually the result of a puncture wound or deep cut that introduces the bacteria to the deep tissue. The collar button abscess is associated with the web space between the fingers. The deep structures of the hand create many potential compartments for an infection to invade.

Finger Infection Symptoms

Each of the main finger infections has specific signs and symptoms that make identification unique and can sometimes cause confusion if not properly evaluated.

• Paronychia: The area next to the fingernail will appear red and swollen. A visible collection of pus may be seen under the skin and nail. This fluid may be actually leaking out of the wound. The area will be tender and painful to the touch. The drainage from the area is usually a cloudy white-yellow color.
• Felon: The fingertip is swollen and painful. The swelling usually develops over several days and is located in the pad area of the fingertip. The area will have a throbbing pain and be painful to the touch. The area is usually red, and a visible collection of pus may be seen under the skin. The swollen area may have a portion that feels soft as if it contains fluid. As the swelling continues, the area may become tense or hard to the touch.
• Herpetic whitlow: The fingertip area will be red and tender. A burning or itching sensation may be present in the area. There may be mild swelling, but not as extensive as in the felon. There may be a single or many open wounds in the area affected. These open wounds often occur in clusters after the formation of a small blisterlike lesion. The fluid in these lesions is usually clear in appearance but may be slightly cloudy. You may also have a low-grade fever and have swollen and tender lymph nodes in the area.
• Cellulitis: The area will be red and warm to the touch. The area may be slightly swollen and tender. This is usually a superficial infection, so the deep structures should not be involved. The motion of the fingers and hand should not be difficult or painful. If painful or difficult, this may indicate a deep space infection of some type.
• Infectious flexor tenosynovitis: Four major signs often are found with this condition. First is tenderness over the flexor or palm side of the finger. This pain is found over the tendons in the finger. Second is uniform swelling of the finger. Third is pain on extending or straightening of the finger. Fourth, the finger will be held in a slightly flexed or partially bent position. These signs are called Kanavel cardinal signs. All 4 signs may not be present at first or all at once.
• Deep space infections: The deep space infection that arises in the web space of the fingers is also called a collar button abscess. The space between the fingers will be painful and swollen. The area may also be red and warm to the touch. As the abscess becomes larger, the fingers will be slightly spread apart by the increasing pressure. The central area may have a soft spot that represents a collection of pus under the skin.

When to Seek Medical Care

The key to preventing disability and possible loss of the finger is early and appropriate treatment. If any signs and symptoms are present, you should contact your doctor at once.

If you have signs or symptoms of a felon, cellulitis, infectious flexor tenosynovitis, or deep space infection, you should seek emergency care at once.

Exams and Tests

The correct diagnosis will start with a detailed history and physical exam. People who have a localized infection will be treated differently than someone with a severe infection. Coexisting problems such as diabetes or blood vessel disorders of the arms and legs will complicate the infection and may change the degree of treatment. 

• Important information that your doctor will need to know will include the following:
  • How did the injury or infection start?
  • When did this first occur or begin?
  • Where did it occur? Home? Work? In water? In dirt? From an animal or human bite?
  • Is it possible that a foreign body is in the wound?
  • What have you done to care for this before seeing your doctor?
  • When was your last tetanus shot?
  • Any previous injuries to the area?
  • Any other medical problems that you may have not mentioned?

• Specific information may help pinpoint the type of finger infection:
  • Paronychia: A history of nail biting may aid the diagnosis.
  • Felon: A history of a puncture wound or cut will aid the diagnosis. This would include a plant thorn. The doctor may obtain an x-ray to look for involvement of the bone or possible foreign body.
  • Herpetic whitlow: A history of contact with body fluids that may contain the herpes virus will aid the diagnosis. The diagnosis can often be made from the history and the appearance of the lesions. The presence of a clear fluid from the wounds may indicate a viral infection rather than a bacterial infection. A sample of the fluid may be analyzed by a Tzank smear, which will identify certain cells, indicating a viral cause.
  • Cellulitis: The doctor will need to consider other causes that may look similar such as gout, various rashes, insect sting, burns, or blood clot before the final diagnosis is made. An X-ray may be obtained to look for a foreign body or gas formation that would indicate a type of serious cellulitis.
  • Infectious flexor tenosynovitis: A history of a puncture wound or cut will aid the diagnosis. The presence of the 4 Kanavel cardinal signs is a strong diagnostic aid. A recent sexually transmitted disease may indicate a type of gonorrhea-related infection, which may resemble infectious flexor tenosynovitis.
  • Deep space infections: A history of puncture wound or other wound may aid the diagnosis. The finding of swelling between the fingers with a slow spreading of the involved fingers will help identify a collar button abscess.

Finger Infection Treatment – Self-Care at Home

Because finger infections have the potential to become severe, home care is limited. A very minor paronychia may be managed at home if you have no other complicating medical illness, such as diabetes. All of the other infections require urgent evaluation and treatment by a doctor. Because delay in treatment may result in disability or loss of the finger, you should not hesitate to obtain medical care.

A small, simple paronychia may respond to frequent warm water soaks and elevation of the hand. However, if no improvement is noticed in 1–2 days, you should see your doctor at once.

Medical Treatment

The mainstay of treatment for finger infections is antibiotics and proper wound care. This can range from a simple incision and drainage of the wound to an extensive surgical exploration of the wound to remove as much infected material as possible.

Some of the infections can be treated in a doctor’s office or clinic, but several will require inpatient treatment and IV antibiotics. Because the organisms that cause these infections are similar, many of the same types of antibiotics may be used.

• Paronychia: Often the wound may be treated with wound care alone. If a collection of pus is present, it will need to be drained. This may be done in several different ways. Commonly a scalpel is used to make a simple incision over the collection of pus to allow drainage. Or the scalpel may be inserted along the edge of the nail to allow drainage. If the infection is large, a part of the nail may be removed. If this procedure is required, the doctor will inject a local anesthetic at the base of the finger that will provide for a pain-free procedure. Most often, you will be placed on an oral antibiotic. You will then be instructed how to take care of the wound at home. (See paronychia.)

• Felon: Often, incision and drainage is required because the infection develops within the multiple compartments of the fingertip pad. Usually an incision will be made on one or both sides of the fingertip. The doctor will then insert an instrument into the wound and break up the compartments to aid in the drainage. Sometimes, a piece of rubber tubing or gauze will be placed into the wound to aid the initial drainage. The wound may also be flushed out with a sterile solution to remove as much debris as possible. These infections will require antibiotics. The wound will then require specific home care as prescribed by your doctor.

• Herpetic whitlow: Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir (Zovirax) may shorten the duration of illness. Pain medication is often needed. The wound must be properly protected to prevent a secondary bacterial infection and to prevent you from infecting other sites on your body or other people. Incision and drainage is not proper and, if done, may actually delay healing.

• Cellulitis: This infection is superficial, and oral antibiotics are usually sufficient. If the area is extensive or your immune system is weakened, then you may be treated in the hospital with IV antibiotics.

• Infectious flexor tenosynovitis: This is a surgical emergency and will require rapid treatment, hospital admission, and early treatment with IV antibiotics. Usually, the area will need to be surgically opened and all debris and infected material removed. Because of the intricate nature of the fingers and hands, a hand surgeon will usually perform this procedure. After surgery, several days of IV antibiotics will be required followed by a course of oral antibiotics.
• Deep space infections: Much like flexor infectious tenosynovitis, this can require emergency care. If the infection is mild, then only oral antibiotics may be needed. If more severe, a hand surgeon should evaluate the wound and IV antibiotics begun. Often these wounds will require incision and drainage followed by a course of antibiotics.

Next Steps – Follow-up

You need to understand the doctor’s instructions completely and ask any questions you have in order to thoroughly understand your care at home.

• If you have been prescribed antibiotics for a finger infection, you must follow the directions and take them for the prescribed time period.
• Often, your doctor will instruct you to keep your hand elevated to prevent swelling. This is important and needs to be done both during the day and night. By placing pillows next to you while sleeping, your hand can remain elevated.
• Wound care will often need to be continued at home. This may include daily warm water soaks, dressing changes, and application of antibiotic ointment. The different types of wound care are extensive. Your doctor should explain in detail.
• The finger or hand may be placed in a splint. This provides both immobilization and protection. It will be important to follow the instructions regarding the care of the splint. You will need to protect and properly care for the splint. You should closely monitor the finger or hand to watch for complications such as swelling or infection under the splint.
• Often, you will be asked to return to the doctor’s office in 24-48 hours. This may be necessary to remove packing or change a dressing. It is very important that you have close follow-up care to monitor the progress or identify any further problems.

Prevention

Common sense safety practices will help prevent many of the finger wounds that become a problem. Simple things such as wearing protective work gloves may prevent injury. Wearing latex or vinyl gloves is mandatory if possible exposure to bodily fluids is expected. Avoid chewing on your nails, and wash your hands as needed. Seek early medical attention as soon as you think an infection is present.

Outlook

If the infections are treated early and properly, the prognosis for full recovery is good. However, if treatment is delayed, or if the infection is severe, the prognosis is not as good.

• With the infections that involve deep structures such as infectious flexor tenosynovitis, even with the best care, the outcome may be less than desirable. Loss of function, loss of sensation, disfigurement, or even loss of the finger is possible.
• Your doctor will need to evaluate each case individually and present the likely outcome based on the findings.

For More Information

See the following for related finger injuries:

Multimedia

Media file 1: Flexor tendon sheaths and radial and ulnar bursae. Image courtesy of Randle L Likes, DO.
 

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Media file 2: A herpetic whitlow. Image courtesy of Glen Vaughn, MD.

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Media file 3: A moderate paronychia. Swelling and redness around the edge of the nail is caused by a large pus collection under the skin. Image courtesy of Christina L Kukula, DO.

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Media file 4: Drainage of pus from a paronychia. Image courtesy of Glen Vaughn, MD.

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Media file 5: A paronychia can progress to a felon if left untreated. Image courtesy of A paronychia can progress to a felon if left untreated. Image courtesy of Glen Vaughn, MD.

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Media file 6: Anatomy of the fingernail. Top – The normal fingernail. Bottom – Nail bed laceration with subungual hematoma.

Media type: Image
 

Synonyms and Keywords

paronychia, hangnail, onychia lateralis, onychia periungualis, felon, whitlow, herpetic whitlow, cellulitis, infectious flexor tenosynovitis, pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis, flexor tendosynovitis, tendosynovitis, deep space infections, collar button abscess, finger injury, finger infection, onychomycosis

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

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.

Causes

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.

Symptoms

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

Diagnosis

If you had a severe blow to a finger or toe, either seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or go to an emergency room. You should do this in case you have broken bones or serious damage to the nail bed and/or surrounding tissues.

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.

Treatment

A painless and small subungual hematoma usually doesn’t need treatment. But the pressure generated by pooled blood under the nail can be extremely painful.

To relieve the pain, 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.

Continued

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.

Recovery

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.

90,000 What to do if your nail is broken – your own or an extended one?

It is useful for every girl to know what to do if a nail breaks. Of course, this is not a fatal problem, but it is very unpleasant and often unexpected.

First of all, the nail plate must be treated with an antiseptic and fixed with a bandage so that it does not injure even more. You don’t need to cut anything at this stage, especially if you want to restore the aesthetic appearance of the marigold.

First aid

The course of action for a broken nail will differ depending on the nature of the breakage.If it bleeds, cracked to meat, at the root, half, then the first step is to disinfect the wound and stop the bleeding. It is important to do it right:

1. Stop bleeding. Press a bandage or clean cloth onto the bleeding area for 10 minutes. In this case, it is recommended to lie on your back and raise your hand up. If the bleeding has not stopped after 15 minutes, you should seek medical attention.
2. Clean the wound if it is dirty. Place your hand under cold running water.Use a soft washcloth and soap if necessary. Do not rub the damaged area, otherwise bleeding will resume.
3. Treat the wound with an antiseptic. You can use chlorhexidine (not stinging), hydrogen peroxide, or other.
4. In case of serious damage, the broken part of the plate will be properly cut off, and the edges will be filed. Then you should apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound (“Neosporin”, “Levomekol”, “Polysporin”).
5. Gently bandage your finger. Wrap the bandage several times, creating a kind of cap, and then bandage crosswise and tie.Make sure that the bandage is not too tight, but also does not come off.
6. Apply ice in a plastic bag to the sore spot 3-4 times a day. Keep it for 15-20 minutes. This will help relieve pain and swelling.
7. Change the dressing daily and treat the injury with an antiseptic or antibacterial ointment.

If the extended nail or your own, but somewhere on the side, breaks down, it will be enough for the first time to glue it with a plaster or tape. The sticker will protect the plate from further injury and will allow you to calmly choose the way to correct the aesthetic defect.

You can start repairing the nail plate only after the wound has healed. If there is blood, dirt, or pus under the nail, it will have to be pierced or removed.

In the case when the nail is broken under the gel polish, the coating is removed and the wound is treated.

What happens next with the nail?

Gradually the place of the break will grow back. On average, the nail is renewed in 6-12 months. Problems can arise only when the plate breaks at the root or completely falls off.Then there is a possibility of damage to the nail base (bed) – consultation of a podiatrist is needed.

In other cases, it is recommended to think about strengthening the plate. The best option is biogel coating. Shellac can be applied on top of the nail. Artificial turf protects the delicate skin under the nail from injury and infection.

Nails break for various reasons: trauma, blow, improper manicure, too long nail. If the problem has become permanent, most likely the body lacks nutrients.Soft nail plates indicate a lack of calcium, exfoliating – sulfur.

Questions of aesthetics

If the skin under your nail is not damaged or only the extended nail is broken, it will not be difficult to fix the breakage. Of course, it is best to contact a manicurist who will do the job professionally. But you can try to make repairs at home yourself. It is better to remove the decorative coating and then reapply it.

5 ways to self-repair:

1. With clear nail polish and tea bag.The easiest and most affordable way to remove a crack on the side or in the middle of the nail. You need to cut off a small piece of the tea bag, put a drop of clear varnish on the breakage site and attach the cut material (using tweezers). A clear varnish should also be applied on top. After 15–20 minutes, when the varnish dries well, the nail must be sanded with a file or buff.
   
2. With glue. A half-broken or even completely broken off nail will help to fix the special glue.The usual “Moment” is not recommended to use due to the content of toxic substances. Special nail glue is applied to the crack, and sprinkled with acrylic powder on top or a piece of tea bag, flax, cotton is applied. After drying, the place of repair is polished. If a piece of nail breaks off, it is pre-soaked in hot water, and then glued to its original place.
   
3. Gel polish. A broken nail is very easy to fix if you have a UV lamp at home.To begin with, the coating is removed, the nail is degreased and the base is applied. Then it is immediately sprinkled with acrylic powder, paying particular attention to the cracks, and placed under the lamp. Further, the nail plate is slightly polished. The base is again applied with a second layer for reliable strengthening. The third layer is decorative.
   
4. With tips. If the nail is broken at the root, the use of a patch plate may be the ideal solution. It is necessary to degrease the nail, drip the glue attached to the tips.Then you should press the false nail for 10-15 seconds. After the glue is completely dry, you can give it any shape and apply a decorative pattern.
   
5. Special repair kit. Few know that cosmetic stores sell ready-made kits for repairing broken nails. They consist of glue, a brush, a piece of non-woven fabric, other necessary items, and of course, detailed instructions.

To make the nail plate grow faster, it is useful to use oils containing active oxygen O2 (for example, P-Shine squalane oil).The entire nail is treated with it, including the cuticle.

Breakages of nails are distinguished between simple and complex. In the first case, you can try to make home repairs using special glue, clear varnish or other available means. With an open wound, it is better not to take risks and, after providing first aid, trust a specialist. Remember that health is more important than aesthetics!

How to fix a nail yourself: emergency manicure help at home | to manicure masters and not only

Nail breakage is a real state of emergency for owners of salon manicure.The trouble happens suddenly, when there is no time to run to the nail master, and the peeling plate spoils the whole impression of perfectly processed marigolds. In order not to earn a reputation as a sloven person in the eyes of others, you need to know how to fix a nail at home . A little diligence, and the situation is straightened out on the spot.

The method of restoration depends on the scale of the breakdown

The amount of repair that can be done if the nail is broken depends on the type of deformation and the “cover” time.The first step is to assess the scale of the troubles, the most common of which are:

• lateral detachment without damaging the bed;
• breakage of the plate at the level of the nail “smile”;
• cracks with damage to the nail bed;
• deep injuries with plate detachment, disruption of the bed and soft tissues.

The last option is rather bloody and painful. Not only is the spectacle here not for the faint of heart, but it is still not an option for manicure manipulations. Home repair of a broken nail is allowed only if the bed is slightly damaged and the soft tissues are intact.

What to do in case of plate tearing and bleeding

Stop bleeding with a cotton pad and gauze pad:

• put gauze under the damaged segment;
• put a disc on top of the delamination;
• Press the wound with light pressure, then leave it on for a couple of minutes.

After the bleeding has subsided, the tampons are removed.The detached part is carefully cut off with nail scissors, holding the base of the plate. The surface of the wound is treated with a weak solution of manganese or hydrogen peroxide.

How can quickly cure a broken nail ? To accelerate healing, use salt baths at the rate of 1 tsp. salt per liter of boiled water at room temperature. The infection is prevented (and sometimes already eliminated) by the application of antibiotic ointments. Until the nail grows 2 – 2.5 mm, the damage is protected with a bandage.In case of tumors, persistent pain, suppuration, you should consult a doctor.

If all the troubles come down to damage to the plate, you can do restoring a broken nail at home . How to do this, we will consider further.

Emergency recovery for a while

If a nail is broken just before the publication, it is not so much strength and durability that comes to the fore, but rather aesthetics and speed of implementation.And here the well-known scotch tape comes to the rescue.

“Stationery” manicure

Single-sided tape with a low to medium adhesive surface and even adhesive tapes are suitable for decorating gifts. The step-by-step plan of action is as follows:

• a strip of material is cut off with a length slightly longer than the “tuned” nail plate;
• damaged sectors are carefully docked, if necessary – trimmed with a file;
• the material is tightly attached to the damaged nail so that air bubbles or scotch tape are not formed;
• the adhesive tape is smoothed strictly in the direction of the nail fracture;
• The edges of the material are trimmed to fit the insert configuration.

This method is not considered a permanent repair. However, it is possible to increase its reliability. After as a broken nail at home glued with tape, the surface should be coated with glue. Now the marigold is ready to apply decorative varnish, and its owner is ready for the party.

Application of nail glue

There is a special manicure glue for nail repair. Can a broken nail be glued with industrial adhesives? It is definitely not worth getting carried away with them, since aggressive components can destroy the nail surface.But if there is nothing else at hand, but you need “here and now”, super-glue as an extreme option is acceptable.

Approximate execution algorithm

Wash hands with soap and dry with a towel to degrease the surfaces to be glued, after which you can proceed directly to the process:

• immerse the damaged nail in warm water to soften for 5 minutes;
• then dry your finger with a towel and drip a drop of glue onto the plate;
• evenly distribute the composition over the segments of the damaged plate;
• Press the surfaces tightly for 1-2 minutes;
• With a cotton pad, quickly remove excess glue until it is completely dry;
• Sand the damaged joint with a fine-dust file.In order not to damage the surface even more, they work in one direction.

The plate is ready for decorative varnish application. To improve adhesion, it is pre-coated with a protective varnish.

Damaged “artificial” nails

Despite the fact that short nails are now popular, extravagant ladies love to flaunt false nails-fantasy. It is not uncommon for such a nail extension at home to break . Let’s see, what to do here .

Tips

They are offered in specialized stores of cosmetics and perfumery, in nail salons. For repairs, it is better to give preference to square transparent options. So, with the tips in hand, you can start:

• take a tip that is suitable in size;
• Dock damaged parts and polish carefully;
• treat with a degreaser;
• Treat the nail and the back surface of the tips with manicure glue, letting dry for 5-10 seconds;
• Place tips on the nail plate using a special stop and press down.

Cut the patch to the length of the remaining nails and adjust the shape with a file. Now the damaged marigold has been restored and is waiting for its portion of decorative varnish.

Nails need care

We have considered the most effective ways to self-repair nail. It is important to understand that these are all temporary measures. After the completion of the business party, any temporary onlays need to be removed and thought, how to strengthen a broken nail at home .

sea salt baths, special ointments, cosmetic masks on the hands are good for this. Special attention should be paid to the balance of the diet for trace elements and vitamins, since the state of the nail plates largely depends on food addictions and metabolic characteristics.

How to live with a broken nail before a visit to the master: 4 ways to save a manicure

“Well, how is it, I only get a manicure in three days!” – a frequent tragedy for girls who find a gel polish detachment or a broken nail.Don’t panic! Keep our instructions on how to get a manicure for a couple of days. I’ll make a reservation right away, the advice is mostly not long-lasting, for a couple of days, and the most adequate solution in any of the above cases is to sign up with your master.

If material has peeled off

At the tip of the nail. If it is not essential to keep the length, such “happiness” can be filed. The most important thing is to hold the file from below at 30-45 degrees, cut carefully, in one direction and so that only artificial material remains protruding at the tip.With such a nail, you can easily live even a week.

If the material has peeled off deeply, it is impossible to file it or it is a priority to keep the length of the natural nail, then your task is to wet such a nail as little as possible. My head is in gloves, we delegate the floor and dishes to my husband. Dry detachment will be less likely to “walk”, respectively, less likely to finish it off.

Near cuticle or lateral. If the detachment is small, you can do nothing with it, the most unpleasant thing is that hair gets into it when you wash your hair, so you should wear gloves for this procedure.If the detachment is deep, almost to the entire depth of the nail bed, and the free edge is decent, you can use superglue: rinse the gap thoroughly with alcohol or an antiseptic, dry it, drop a drop of glue and press the exfoliated material to the nail for a couple of seconds. You can walk with such a patch for no more than 2-3 days, otherwise there is a risk of pseudomonas infection multiplying in disheveled nail scales.

To keep the detachment as little as possible, see How to choose a gel polish to wear a manicure for weeks.The master tells.

If the nail is broken

On the edge and slightly. Then it makes sense to file it, as is the case with a small end detachment. There is nothing to lose, but life will be more convenient.

At the point of growth or higher. Such breakdowns are popularly called “in meat”, they are painful and constantly cling, risking breaking the entire system. To “convey” such a breakdown to the master, you need to fix it with an ordinary plaster, wrapping it a couple of times around the phalanx of the finger in the right place.Do not forget to change the patch 1-2 times a day. And, of course, it is better to get to the master as soon as possible. We act in the same way if the nail cracked vertically on the free edge from the impact.

And nail damage also happens if the manicure is done unprofessionally. Find out how to avoid this: How to recognize in advance an inept manicurist: 6 sure signs.

Did you know what to do in such cases?

How to fix a broken nail at home

Created: 17.02.2020 Updated: 28.01.2021 22:48:44

Many women take great care of their nails, spend weeks growing them, making them beautiful. But often at the most inopportune moment one of the nails breaks, after which it must be cut off, shortening the length on the other fingers. The manicure turns out to be irrevocably ruined, as well as the mood. Indeed, in order to grow marigolds again, you will have to spend at least a month. However, expertology.ru journalists learned that there are several methods to fix a broken nail and save a manicure for at least one evening, or even for several days.In this article, you will learn why the nail plates break, how to prevent this problem, how to restore the integrity of the broken element at home.

Reasons why nails break

Even if you carefully care for the nails, they can break, Several factors, individually or in combination, can cause this phenomenon:

1. Lack of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.The condition of the nails directly depends on the quality of nutrition and the completeness of the diet. To keep your nails strong, and you do not have to constantly face the need to fix one of them, be sure to eat fruits and vegetables, fresh juices, dairy products, cereals and lean meat.

2. Insufficient use of pure water. Dehydration of the body, which occurs if you drink less than 1.5-2 lira of water per day, leads to increased dryness and fragility of tissues.

3. Lack of physical activity. This is an indirect cause of nail breakage, but it needs to be mentioned nonetheless. The fact is that in people who move little, metabolic processes slow down and the quality of blood circulation deteriorates. As a result, tissues and organs suffer, including the nail plates, which lack oxygen and nutrients.

4. Errors when performing a manicure.If you deliberately file the edges in such a way that they have right angles, the nails can cling to objects around you, to clothing. In this case, the need to fix a broken nail can arise quite often.

5. Constant mechanical effect on the marigold. If you work with your hands frequently, such as gardening, your nails may deteriorate from contact with hard objects.

6. Regular exposure to chemicals.If the nails are often in contact with household chemicals, detergents, their structure may deteriorate, there is increased dryness, brittleness, and stratification.

7. Excessive exposure to moisture. If hands are in constant contact with water, they become weak and brittle.

8. Bad habits. If you smoke, or often drink alcoholic beverages, this greatly affects the state of various body tissues.A broken nail that needs to be repaired is a constant problem for people who cannot give up the habit of chewing on the nail plates.

9. Diseases, including diseases of the internal organs (thyroid, liver, kidneys), skin infections, psoriasis, lead to a deterioration in the health of the marigolds.

10. The use of low-quality care or decorative cosmetics is one of the main reasons for frequent nail breakage.If in the composition of drugs that you use regularly, there are harmful components, the nails weaken, the degree of their resistance to the effects of various negative factors, both external and internal, decreases. For example, if a woman regularly does a manicure with gel polish or shellac, in between procedures she repeatedly encounters such a nuisance as a broken nail. After all, acetone or other agents that are no less harmful to marigolds are often used to remove a persistent polymer decorative coating.

Broken nail plate – types of damage

In order to understand how to fix a broken nail correctly and without causing even greater damage to health, you need to find out what types of “breakage” are, how severe tissue trauma can be:

1. The edge of the nail has broken, that is, the part that protrudes forward and which can be cut or filed.This is the easiest type of injury and does not cause pain, as there is no injury to the bed.

2. The nail broke at the very edge, where it is bound to the soft tissue. This type of injury causes pain and discomfort, but in some cases it is still possible to repair a broken element.

3. Nail injury with damage to the bed. A very painful type of injury, in which the nail will most likely not be repaired.

4. Trauma to the nail plate with its separation from the bed, damage to soft tissues. In this situation, you need to think not about how to fix a broken nail, but about how to provide first aid and reduce pain. You may have to see a doctor; you should forget about a beautiful manicure with long nails until you are fully recovered.

5. Also, the possibility of restoring a broken nail depends on where the plate is cracked, on the size of the fracture, and the length of the nails.Look carefully at the damaged element, or rather at its free edge. If it is broken by more than one third of its entire length, then the result of the repair will be short-lived, it will be possible to restore the beauty of the manicure for just a couple of days. If the breakage has led to the fact that less than one third of the length of the nail is separated, then the effect of resuscitation measures can last much longer.

What you need to fix a broken nail

In order to quickly and efficiently carry out the recovery procedure, you need to prepare a set of materials and tools:

1. Disinfectant drug.It can be a pharmacy product or alcohol.

2. Dehydrator – this tool will remove excess moisture from the surface of the damaged nail plate, so that the glue and the artificial tip of the nail will hold on tightly.

3. Special fabric that allows you to effectively repair a broken nail at home. It can be natural material, for example, silk or linen, as well as artificial – fiberglass.The fabric can be purchased in tape, cut. There are also sets of individual samples that match the sizes of the nails. If you don’t have the time or opportunity to buy fabric, you can use a regular tea bag. We will also tell you about this method of restoring the integrity of broken nail plates.

4. Special glue for repairing nail plates. In extreme cases, you can use a drug of the “Moment” type.

5. Cotton buds and discs.

6. Manicure scissors or nippers for shortening the length of the nail plates.

7. Nail file and buffs (files for surface polishing).

If your marigolds break often, it is recommended to always keep the necessary materials and tools at hand, so to speak, “on alert.”

How to fix a broken nail with a regular egg

If the free edge of the nail does not come off completely, but just cracked, a raw chicken or quail egg will help to fix it.Preparation for the procedure must be carried out by the standard method – remove the varnish, wash your hands, disinfect, polish the surface of the nail. After that, we act in this way:

1. Gently break the egg, separate the white from the yolk.

2. There is a thin film on the inside of the egg shell, you need to pick it up and carefully separate it.

3. Using tweezers, place the film on the surface of the nail plate so that the film covers it completely, including the area where the nail is cracked.

4. Wait until the film is completely dry, then cut it so that it does not go beyond the contours of the nail shape.

5. You can apply a thin layer of chicken protein on top of the film, but you do not need to do this so that the varnish holds better.

6. Cover the restored element with a transparent, then colored varnish.

How to fix a broken nail in the most economical way

Let’s say the nail is broken at the most inopportune moment, there is no time to buy fabrics, there is no specialized glue.This means that you need to use what you always have at home – a tea bag, PVA glue, some kind of alcohol-containing liquid (alcohol, cognac, cologne, etc.). As well as a nail file and buff – if you regularly do manicure, you definitely have such accessories.

Broken nail repair process:

1. Wash your hands, treat the surface of the nail plates with a disinfectant.

2. File away the broken edge with a nail file to remove sharp corners.

3. Polish the surface of the nail plate so that it becomes slightly rough.

4. Wash your hands again, dry them, treat your nails with dehydrate, if you have this drug.

5. Cut open the tea bag and cut a piece out of it that exactly matches the shape of the nail as it was before the injury.

6. Take a cotton swab, dip it in glue, apply the product to the entire surface of the improvised patch, let it dry a little. Also, a thin layer of glue must be applied to the very surface of the nail.

7. Apply the artificial element to the natural one, wait until the glue is completely dry and the free edge of the “patch” hardens.

8. If necessary, if the crack is too large, you can make not one, but several patches, applying them one on top of the other after the previous layer has completely dried.

9. Cover the surface of the nail plate with transparent and then colored varnish so that the manicure on all fingers looks the same.

10. After completing the procedure, you do not need to try the resuscitated nail for strength. Also, you cannot wet your hands or at least the finger on which the nail has been damaged.

11. In addition to the tea bag, you can use filter paper, paper plaster.

How to fix a nail plate using tips

Tipsa is a special nail-like patch that is used to repair a damaged element if the fracture goes deep inside. All tips have a large margin of length, so you can easily adjust it to the shape of natural nails using a file.

The process of restoring the nail plate using tips:

1. Cleaning the surface from old varnish, polishing all sharp corners and irregularities.

2. Degreasing the marigold and the inside of the tips.

3. Applying glue to the surface of the nail plate and the inner side of the tips.

4. Fixation of tips on the surface of the damaged element. At this stage, you need to wait a little so that the glue dries well.

5. Formation of the correct outline of the outer edge of the tips – it must match the shape of the rest of the nails.

6. Implementation of decorative coating.

We use the extension method

This method is suitable for those girls whose marigolds broke at the point of growth or close to it. You can fix the nail in this way if you have gel polish and a special lamp for its polymerization.

How to restore the length of the nail with a large fracture using extensions:

1. Clean the plate from varnish, file its edge, if it protrudes, disinfect, dry.

2. Apply the primer you use before your gel polish manicure.

3. Apply a base preparation that provides the strength and durability of the polymer coating and extended nails, cure it under the light of a UV lamp.

4. Put a special pad on your finger, on top of which the free edge of the nail is extended to the desired length.Foil can be used instead of an overlay if it is not at hand. Wrap it around the tip of your finger and it will become an excellent “substrate” on which you can shape the contours of the free edge of the artificial nail plate.

5. Apply the gel polish, trying to give the coating a shape as close as possible to the shape of the other nails on your hand.

6. Dry the first coat under the lamp.

7. Apply one or two more layers of coverage so that the extended marigold is really strong and does not break as well as natural.

8. Apply a top product.

If you fix a broken nail in this way, the manicure can last for one or two weeks. If you carry out the procedure not at home, but in the salon (or visit a private master), you can count on a better result than in the case when the extension is performed independently.

How to fix a cracked nail with varnish

Ordinary manicure varnish can come in handy in order to restore the integrity of the nail in case it does not break off, but just cracks.This often happens after a short-term mechanical impact, for example, if you hit your hand hard on a hard surface. If the crack is not fastened, then the free edge of the marigold will collapse more and more, as a result, it will catch on to something and come off completely. And varnish, which you can quickly buy at the nearest store, will stop the damage process, at least until more drastic measures arise. Therefore, this method is suitable if the trouble happened outside the home and you need to take urgent measures.

What to Buy – First Aid Kit:

1. Nail polish remover (if you have a decorative manicure).

2. Varnish of any color. Even if your nails are covered with varnish, for example, yellow, and you can only buy blue, you can use it. Just instead of painting one broken nail, paint a few on both hands. Now such a multi-colored manicure is in vogue, no one will guess that you are using two different shades from hopelessness.

3. Buff for polishing.

4. Cotton buds and discs.

This set is enough to quickly, but for a short time, hide the crack and prevent it from growing, finally ruining the manicure, especially if the rest of the nails are even, long and beautiful.

How to fix a cracked nail:

1. Remove old decorative coat using nail polish remover.

2. Connect the edges of the crack, dripping varnish between them, wait until the cosmetic product is completely dry.

3. On the surface of the nail, excess varnish must have appeared, squeezed out when the edges of the crack were joined. Polish them carefully with a buff.

4. Cover the nail with several layers of varnish, if the length allows, apply one layer on the inner surface of the free edge to ensure the strengthening of the damaged plate both above and below.

At this point, the resuscitation measures can be considered over, the cracked nail will not spoil the appearance of the hands, it will not cling to everything and make puffs.

Using the special recovery kit

An ambulance for a broken nail can be provided using a special repair kit. For example, Nail Rescue Kit Easily Repairs Cracked & Broken Nails from the American company Orly, popular among modern fashionistas.

The set, which allows you to properly repair a broken nail, includes:

1. Specialized safe glue for nails Orly Brush-On Nail Glue of gel consistency, very convenient to use, as it does not spread. The bottle is equipped with a brush, which allows you to apply the drug in a very thin layer.

2. Orly Nail Repair Powder.

3. Block buff for surface grinding Orly buffer.

4. A set for correcting the shape of the nail plate is used in this way:

5. Varnish, dirt and sweat secretions are removed from the marigold. To do this, you can use a conventional decorative stripper based on acetone or other similar substance.

6. Using a brush, an adhesive is applied to the damaged area.

7. The nail is gently dipped into a jar of powder. It resembles the smallest white dust, has no odor, does not cause tissue irritation, and is hypoallergenic. The jar with powder is equipped with a tightly screwed lid, so the product will not crumble and will not absorb moisture from the air, it will be perfectly preserved until the next use.

8. To smooth the surface of the nail plate and give it a shine, you need to use a sanding block.The side with the highest stiffness is applied first, then the softer side. You need to grind the nail with soft but vigorous movements, first in one, then in both directions.

After using this kit, the damaged nail will look as good as new for at least five to seven days.

With glue and special fabric

One of the surest ways to fix a broken nail is to reinforce it with tissue.Most common users as well as manicurists prefer to use special silk that is already cut by the manufacturer to the size and shape of the nails.

Repair sequence using fabric strips:

1. A fracture or crack in the nail must be prepared by cleaning it with a buff. Movements are made from the cuticle area to the outer edge of the nail. This treatment also allows you to remove shine and remove the thinnest keratin layer in order to improve the quality of the traction of all layers.Next, you need to disinfect the surface using alcohol, a pharmaceutical preparation or a nail polish remover based on acetone.

2. Cut off the right amount of silk to bond the damaged nail. There is an adhesive layer on the back of the strip, so the material can be fixed in place of the break without much effort.

3. Apply glue to the break point and to the entire surface of the plate, wait until it is completely dry.If the drug gets on the skin, it can be gently removed with the sharp edge of a wooden toothpick. If you have a specialty nail repair powder, apply a small amount of this product to the glue layer until it hardens.

4. When all layers of the applied products are dry, you need to polish the nail, giving it a natural shine.

The advantage of this method is that silk, glue and powder are completely invisible on the nail.You may not even cover the platinum with colored varnish; only you will know that the repair has been made. However, using varnish will prolong the result. Without a decorative coating, the marigold will remain intact for two to three days, and with several layers of varnish – seven to ten days.

How to fix a broken nail without harming your health – safety rules

Manicure experts recommend following a few tips that will save you from common mistakes that often arise in the process of repairing broken marigolds:

1. You should try to fix a broken nail immediately after the problem has arisen.Especially if the damage is at the crack stage. It is easier to restore the integrity of the nail plate at an early stage, until the crack has grown, the fracture has not increased, and the edge of the nail has not completely separated.

2. If you use glue, then it must be either a specialized product, or PVA, or a preparation based on a rubber (rubber, silicone) basis. It is not recommended to use other types of adhesives, as aggressive chemicals in their composition can corrode the natural nail plate.

3. If a broken nail causes a wound, care must be taken to ensure that no glue, acetone, or other chemicals get onto the damaged tissue. Otherwise, severe pain, chemical burns, irritation and inflammation of tissues may occur, which will take a long time to heal.

In order for the result of the restoration to please you as long as possible, you need to try to protect your nails from any negative impact – mechanical, temperature, etc.etc.

How to prevent future nail breakage

Fixing a broken nail is much more difficult than preventing such a problem from occurring. Following these simple rules will reduce the chances that a broken nail will ruin your mood and break your plans again:

1. Do a manicure, use a nail file, and do not leave sharp corners or chips on the edges of your nails.

2. Perform procedures that promote the health of the nail plates.Baths, vegetable oils, specialized preparations used once or twice a week will help make the marigolds less brittle and stronger.

3. Drink plenty of clean water, normalize your diet, give up bad habits, and increase your physical activity. A healthy lifestyle will definitely affect the condition of your marigolds.

4. Cleaning, washing dishes, housework and gardening should be done with rubber gloves so that your hands do not come into contact with chemicals that are potentially harmful to the nail plates.

5. Do not use marigolds to tear off or pick out anything (open packages, cans, bottles), protect them from any mechanical stress.

6. Use care and decorative cosmetics for nails with a safe, predominantly natural composition. It is advisable to completely abandon drugs that contain acetone or formaldehyde. The tools and accessories used must be of high quality, sharp edges well sharpened.

7. If you often do not only hygienic, but also decorative manicure, do not forget to give your nails time to rest and recover. Especially if you are a fan of acrylic, shellac, gel polish coatings.

How to fix a broken nail under the root on your hand at home?

Date of publication: 25.08.2018

An accidentally broken fingernail is a nuisance for any woman who cares about her appearance. If the nail was “my own”, then I feel sorry for the time spent on growing it, if extended, I feel sorry for the money spent on the manicure. Be that as it may, theoretically, you can try to restore a damaged claw at home, which we will tell you about in this article.

What can not be done categorically?

Let’s start by mentioning what you shouldn’t do, no matter how much you want to save your manicure:

• Try to restore the nail if it breaks under the root, that is, with the formation of a wound in the skin under it.In this case, you need to first of all think about your health, and not about manicure. Attempts to correct the situation at home can cause an infection, therefore, such a nail must either be cut off, treated with an antiseptic and covered with a plaster, or entrusted to restore it to an experienced manicure specialist.
• Use superglue, glue-moment and other similar adhesives. They have an extremely negative effect on the condition of the nail plate: with this technique, you may eliminate the breakage for a couple of days, but later the plate will become more brittle and fragile.

How to repair a broken nail yourself?

Now let’s move on to the allowed list of what to do if a nail breaks. The most popular method involves the use of nail glue, self-adhesive tissue, a nail file, and some means to degrease the surface of the nail plate (for example, alcohol). To fix a breakdown using these simple tools, you need to do the following:

1. Polish the damaged area of ​​the nail with a nail file or polishing buff to even out its surface to the maximum.
2. Degrease this area with an appropriate product.
3. Apply a small piece of self-adhesive cloth (preferably silk) to the fractured area. The fabric should completely cover the crack, as well as some of the nearby surface.

4. Apply nail glue over the self-adhesive fabric to fix and strengthen this patch.
5. After the glue dries, polish the damaged area again with a nail file or buffing buff.
6. Apply one or two coats of colored varnish to make the damage completely invisible.

This is, in fact, a universal method that can be used regardless of where the claw is broken. However, like any other method for manicure repair, it cannot guarantee a long-term effect. Therefore, it is advisable in the next few days after an unpleasant incident to contact your master to professionally restore the nail plate.

Repair with tips

Another option for how to resuscitate a damaged nail at home involves the use of a special nail tip. This is, in fact, an artificial nail plate, which after gluing can be “adjusted” to the size and shape of the others. When using it, you need to do the following:

1. Remove the varnish, polish and clean the damaged nail from all sides.
2. Degrease the inner surface of the tips (for this, again, you can use rubbing alcohol, or, in extreme cases, nail polish remover).
3. After the tips have dried, apply special glue to the inside of the tips.

4. Attach the tips to your own nail so that their bases coincide, and lightly press on it for a firm touch.
5. After the glue dries, give the resulting nail plate the desired shape and cover it with colored varnish.

How to prevent nail breakage?

In order to think as little as possible about how to fix a broken nail, it is best to worry about the health and strength of your nail plates in advance.To do this, it does not hurt to observe the following rules:

• Provide your nails with enough calcium and sulfur so they don’t break or flake off accordingly. If you see that they look worse than before, add special vitamins to your diet.
• Use nail and cuticle oils to help strengthen and heal your nails. For example, in recent years, active oxygen products have been very popular.

• Do not expose your nails to frequent exposure to chemicals. This includes wearing rubber gloves when cleaning with them.

Thus, restoring a nail that has broken at home is a completely doable task. However, for the best effect, it does not hurt to contact a manicurist, and to prevent such situations – to provide your nail plates with proper care.

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90,000 How to build up a broken nail at home?

Of course, well-groomed nails with beautiful manicure noticeably transform a woman.However, if the nail is unsuccessfully touched, it will break. In this case, broken nails are no longer a very aesthetic sight. That is why it is recommended to put them in proper order. And this article will focus on how to repair a broken nail at home.

The main causes of broken nails

As a rule, this happens for a reason. There are certain factors that can cause nails to break.This usually happens due to the fact that there is no proper care for them, or it is completely wrong. Any woman often uses, for example, nail polish remover, which contains harmful components such as formaldehyde and acetone. As a result, the nails are noticeably weakened and broken.

In the same way, you can worsen the condition of the nail plate with household chemicals, which you cannot do without in our time. That is why it is necessary to properly care for the nails, especially since it is easy to do at the moment.The complex of caring procedures includes baths with various oils, as well as strengthening varnishes.

Another broken nail indicates a lack of vitamins in the body. In this case, you should include more in your diet:

• nuts;

90,013 dairy products;

90,013 seeds;

90,013 seafood;

90,013 zucchini;

• seaweed;
• oily fish;
• greenery.

What tools can restore broken nails?

A broken nail is restored with the help of special tools and various kinds of instruments. What exactly do you need to stock up on? There should always be a disinfectant on hand, which not only degreases the nail, but also helps to remove dirt. Also, thanks to this composition, excess moisture leaves in such a way that the nail plate does not dry out.

You also need glue, and not an ordinary clerical one, but intended for the restoration of nail plates. It usually dries quickly. You definitely can’t do without a set of files and buffs. It is necessary to take into account the fact that the abrasiveness of the nail file must be at least 240 grit.

There should always be fabrics in stock, and it is best to use natural fabrics such as linen or silk. And if you choose artificial, then fiberglass. The most convenient option is fiberglass and silk.They can be purchased in separate samples according to the size of the nail plates or in tapes.

Broken nail: what to do at home?

If the nail plate breaks unexpectedly, it is, of course, unpleasant. Moreover, the nail can break in different ways: at the root, on the side, the plate itself can also be torn off, which is quite painful. What if the nail is broken off?

1. First, remove the varnish and treat the nail with an antiseptic.
2. Then it is necessary to cut the nail plate and file properly. It is also recommended to treat the plate with a buff.
3. The broken part is often glued. If the crack is small, and even more so along the smile itself, you can simply seal it with a plaster.
4. A patch is also made from natural fabric, and the size should be such that the crack is covered by 2-3 mm on each side. To do this, glue is first applied, and then applied over the nail.You can use an orange stick or a toothpick to flatten the patch.
5. As soon as the glue dries, the nail is polished with a buff.
6. Another layer of cloth can also be added if the damage is severe.
7. The last step is to cover the nail plate with varnish.

In case the free edge of the nail is broken or along the axis of the finger, acrylic tips can be applied on top. In addition, these actions will only give results if the nail is broken no more than 1/3 of the free edge.But what if the nail is broken too much? Then it is best to resort to the services of a manicure master. It is also not recommended to try to squeeze the glue onto your natural finish, which is not protected by varnish.

It is strictly forbidden to glue a natural nail plate onto ordinary glue, since the harmful substances contained in the glue can corrode the entire nail. This method can be effective if the nail plate has grown. What else cannot be done if the nail is broken to meat? Of course, allow acetone to get in, as it can provoke inflammation of an open wound.

What if the nail is broken in the middle?

Tips are definitely indispensable here. As a rule, it should be square and transparent.

1. To begin with, all the irregularities at the edges are treated with a buff.
2. The varnish is being removed.
3. The surface of the nail is covered with a special glue. Similar actions are carried out from the inside.
4. The tips are applied to the nail so that its edges coincide with the edges of the natural nail plate.
5. As soon as the glue is dry, the tips should be reshaped so that all nails look harmonious. The joint must be glued.

The nail cracked on the side: how to fix it?

What to do if the nail is broken on the side? In this case, the nail plate is wiped with a disinfectant, and only then the cracked place is polished so that a flat surface is obtained. In this case, you cannot do without a patch.

As a rule, two strips are made. What is it for? The first piece of fabric is used as the starting layer. Its size is usually slightly larger than the fracture itself. As for the second, this is an additional layer. This patch should already match the width of the nail itself. After that, it is necessary to carry out a restorative procedure:

1. The patch is greased with glue and straightened with the sharp tip of a toothpick.
2. Then a piece of tissue is fixed on the nail plate and covered with glue.
3. After the glue dries, the surface of the nail is polished.

The second layer is glued in the same way. The main thing is not to forget to polish the nail with a buff. Tipsu are worn until the nail plate grows back.

If nails break at the root

How to fix a broken nail in this case? To begin with, the nail plate should be treated with hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine. However, it is best to go to a salon, because it will be quite difficult to restore the nail at home.Moreover, it is necessary to start restoring the nail only after the wound has healed.

As a rule, in this case, salons use various biogels containing proteins. These substances just contribute to the restoration of the nail plate. They also provide reliable protection against infections. However, it should be understood that these biogels can dissolve if they interact with acetone or biogel.

However, if the nail is broken at the base, and there is no opportunity to visit the master, in this case, these rules should be followed:

1. The first step is to remove the broken nail plate.As a rule, the manipulation is best done with nail scissors. Tweezers can be used to lift the broken off part.
2. The bleeding must then be stopped. In this case, a bandage is applied to the wound.
3. After that, using nail scissors, remove irregularities from the damaged area.

It is recommended to keep your finger in cold water for no more than twenty minutes. Thus, blood flow is normalized. Also, it will not be superfluous to make a bath with warm water, in which you can dilute the salt.The proportions are as follows: four cups of water and one dessert spoon of salt. It is necessary to keep the same amount in time. This procedure is usually performed two or three times a day in the first 3 days after the nail breaks.

Also, the wound is wiped with antibiotic ointment so that recovery occurs as quickly as possible. They also apply a gauze bandage, otherwise the broken nail will cling to things. Dressings need to be changed periodically. Do not wet the damaged area with water.In case of infection, there may be inflammation, fever, fever. In this case, you should consult a doctor.

How to restore a broken nail with glue?

Of course, first you should wash your hands and dry them properly. Then they lower their hands with warm water, otherwise the plate will harden. After that, it should be greased with a small amount of special glue, which is distributed over the entire surface with the tip of an orange stick or a toothpick.

Then you need to proceed directly to the procedure.

1. To fix the deformed area on the plate, you should attach it and hold it for no more than a minute. This will secure the plate well.
2. Before the glue has time to dry, the residues must be removed with a cotton pad.
3. After that, the nail plate is processed with a polishing file. The polisher should only be guided in one direction.
4. After all this, a protective varnish must be applied.

How to seal a nail with a tea bag?

This is a pretty good way to reanimate a cracked nail. The procedure is as follows:

1. Remove the tea from the bag.
2. Then a small rectangular strip is cut out of it, which should be slightly larger than the fracture itself.
3. After that, the nail plate is processed with a buff.
4. The strip is greased with super glue (the quantity should be small).
5. After that, it is applied to the nail and a second layer of glue is applied.
6. If any of the paper ends protrude, they can be cut off with nail scissors.
7. After that, the nail plate is treated with a buff.
8. The adhesive is removed with alcohol or acetone.
9. At the very end, the nail is covered with a transparent varnish.

What to do if a nail with gel polish is broken?

A crack in a nail under a gel polish will not please any woman.The first step, of course, is to remove the coating itself, it is enough only from the broken nail. In this case, it is worth choosing a means for removing biogel or shellac.

But it so happens that there is no way to remove the varnish. How then can you glue the nail under the shellac? Of course, this will be the patch mentioned above. It should be glued in the same way as on a natural plate. After that, another layer of varnish is applied, which is dried in a UV lamp.

The nail can break along the edge, then its broken part is cut off and built up with biogel.The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. A piece of foil is taken and placed under the nail plate. This will be the so-called shellac support.
2. After that, the nail is dried as usual in a special device.
3. The foil is removed.

What to do if the extended nail breaks?

Often, many women have the question of how to fix a broken extended nail. Of course, acrylic tips are indispensable here.As a rule, these are special artificial devices, therefore, during restoration, you can use Moment glue.

The patch itself can be made not only of silk, it is also recommended to use filter paper or paper plaster.

1. First, glue is applied to the plate.
2. A patch is then applied.
3. Another layer of glue follows. Once it is dry, apply a third.
4. The nail plate is polished and varnished.

It will be much easier to replace the broken tip with a new one.

How to save a cracked nail in the salon?

Not many people know how to disguise a broken nail in a salon. Typically, in this case, sealing is done. This procedure is restorative. Also, the effect of it lasts for several days. The procedure is repeated only when the film is erased.

As a rule, first you need to arrange the nail plate and process it with a buff. After that, various impurities are removed, then the nails are covered with wax and nourishing oils. It is impossible to apply varnish immediately after the procedure, only after twenty minutes have passed.

Also in the salons, the nail is strengthened with paper. The nail plate is polished, then glue and transparent varnish are applied to it. After that, a piece of fabric is glued and folded under the plate.The next step is to apply the fixer. Thus, such a patch stays on the nail for no more than four days, moreover, it is allowed to use varnish. If paper was used as reinforcement, then you should not do a manicure.

What preventive measures should be taken?

Now we know how to save a broken nail. But still, you should adhere to good advice so that your nails do not break often. As a rule, for this it is necessary to do baths, use firming oils and moisturizers for the cuticle.

It is also necessary to protect the nail plates from mechanical stress, and as for cleaning, it is best to carry it out with gloves. If you use nail polish removers, it is best to choose without acetone. It is also recommended to carefully remove burrs, to give preference to ceramic or glass nail files.

Iodine can be used to strengthen nails. It is applied with a cotton swab to the surface of the nail, and after that it is smeared with cream.The top can be varnished. An indispensable assistant in this will be sea salt, which will sufficiently strengthen the nail plate. Clay wraps will be no less useful, after which it is recommended to apply a moisturizer. Healing wax also helps in this case. This substance is able to eliminate dry nails. And, of course, you should also use various essential oils, especially if they are citrus fruits or conifers. They are usually capable of killing bacteria.

Repair of natural nails with silk at home!

Probably the most offensive and unpleasant thing for a girl is when one of the nails breaks. Especially if everyone else is smooth, long and beautiful. And he also interferes – clings to everything, makes puffs … And you don’t want to lose a wonderful manicure because of one nail! If your nail is broken a little (3-4th part of the nail), then the situation can still be saved, although not for long, as we would like.

Nail repair kit!

There are special kits for sale, and it is much easier than buying all the tools necessary for this procedure separately. The kit usually contains a disinfectant, a special tissue for nail repair, glue, a file or buff, powder, and excellent manicure scissors will not interfere. This kit is enough to make urgent nail repairs at home.

Disinfector is a special agent for degreasing the nail plate, preventing infection under the varnish layer.It does not dry out the nail, but it does not last very long. After half an hour, the nail becomes as wet as it was before.

There are three types of fabrics – silk, linen and fiberglass. Linen is used very rarely, as its structure is very coarse and is not suitable for a delicate nail in the best way. It is easier to use the other two types of fabric. I give my preference to silk. Silk for nail repair is sold as ribbons or already cut to size. And the mechanism of its use is as simple as an ordinary plaster.

Nail glue has a special structure. It is very soft and does not harm the nail plate, unlike Moment adhesives. If it gets on the skin, just remove the glue after drying with a needle.

A nail file or buff should be very soft so as not to scratch the nail, but only to give it shine and to compare the surface. The abrasiveness of such files varies around 240 grids. Buffs differ from files in that they have a slightly different structure, reminiscent of polystyrene, and are very soft.

Powder is almost transparent or light in color and odorless. Used to strengthen the adhesive and give it color.

Repair technique

Now let’s consider what is the correct sequence and mechanism for using these tools.

1. A fracture in the nail must first be properly prepared. First of all, we clean it with a buff or a soft file, directing movements from the cuticle to the free edge of the nail. By these actions, we also remove the shine.We degrease the nail plate with a disinfector. At home, you can also use a simple nail polish remover for this purpose.

2. Cut off the required amount of silk for nail repair (or other fabric). On the other hand, it is sticky, so you can simply glue it to the nail at the fracture site, so that it completely covers the crack.

3.We drip a drop of glue onto this structure, it will help the silk to hold out longer. If it gets a little on the skin, then after the glue dries, remove these residues on the skin with a needle.

4. Until the glue is dry, dip your nail into the powder or, if you have the powder in a tube, sprinkle it on the nail plate. When it dries a little, the powder can be wiped off with a napkin. After that, you can apply some more glue.

5. When the structure dries up a little, it is necessary to polish the nail. For this we will also use a soft file or buff. We carefully clean the surface of the resulting silk structure in order to bring it as close as possible to the surface of the nail.

This procedure is very convenient, not expensive and lasts only about 5 minutes, and all this lasts only 2-3 days, if you take special care, then up to a week.Therefore, this method of repair is used in order to let it grow a little, and not cut it off “meat” and keep you a charming manicure created at home for a few more days. To make the patch less noticeable, cover the nail with several layers of varnish. You can also place rhinestones or other designer things in the place of the breakdown. In no case should you resort to this type of nail repair if it is broken so that the skin is touched and the wound bleeds. Otherwise it will only get worse. It is better to turn to specialists here.That is, in general, all that I wanted to tell here! And most importantly, let your nails never break, then there will be no need to repair them!

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