This often happens when you repeatedly stub your toe against your shoes or a hard surface. Follow your doctor's instructions to manage these issues and lower the odds of related problems. Any misstep and you may end up adding to your problems, and needing more intervention than if a doctor performed the procedure in the first place. See a doctor. (2016, January). Use nail clippers or nail scissors to remove your affected nail as it grows out. If a person suspects an infection, medical attention may be appropriate. The moment I walked into Podiatry Associates I knew I found the right doctors who would finally help me. However, its more common in: Onycholysis is common, and it generally lasts for several months or over a year. 2. Your doctor will start by separating the nail from the skin. However, the buildup of skin cells can act in the same way as blood forming under an injured nail eventually, the pressure can cause the nail to fall off. In mild cases, the infection will usually clear up on its own. Its unlikely that youll be able to do the same at home. Coat the area with antibiotic ointment and top with a nonstick bandage. Prevention. The non-adhering portion of the nail should be removed. What to Do When Your Toenail Falls Off "If your toenail falls off and it's bleeding, the first thing to do is apply pressure to the area until it stops bleeding. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. If you have onycholysis because of an injury, the detached part of your nail will eventually grow out. Theres also a good chance of injuring the skin around the nail. Leggit, J. C. (2017). On the first day, do this every 2 hours; after that first day, ice your toe every 3 to 4 hours. What Is It? Take good care of toes by making. Fingernail and toenail injury, Nail psoriasis [Fact sheet]. 9th ed. Clean your toe, making sure you remove any debris, and apply an. Ingrown fingernails are a common issue that people can usually treat at home using simple remedies. Another thing your doctor could do is relieve pressure from blood pooling under the nail. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Soaking your foot in cold water. They also reduce the risk of your new toenail getting infected as well. Sometimes, nails become black because of a traumatic injury, but other nail changes may reflect an, Ingrown fingernails are a common issue that people can usually treat at home using simple remedies. There is usually a disruption in the barrier between the nail plate and nail fold. Onycholysis (on-uh-coll-uh-sis) is when a nail (nail plate) on your fingers or toes separates from the skin on which it rests (the nail bed). The tear isn't too far down toward your foot, and the nail is still attached to the nail bed. Last medically reviewed on December 7, 2020. You may need other treatments, such as antibiotics, to clear up the infection and help you heal. When a bacterial infection causes acute paronychia, a doctor may recommend an antibiotic, such as dicloxacillin or clindamycin. But if youve simply injured your toe, you can use basic home care to treat the problem. Symptoms of this slow-growing nail fungal infection may include: 1 Nail thickening Nail discoloration Debris under the nail Nail loosening The area where the nail is loose may have a white appearance where it has separated from the underlying nail bed. As long as there is no permanent damage to the nail matrix or nail bed, the nail ought to entirely regrow and appear completely normal. Learn about shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis, including how it's done, how effective it is, and other treatments that may also help reduce, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, wearing breathable socks and changing them when damp from sweat, disinfecting shoes and changing them when damp, wearing flip flops near public pools and in public showers, letting your feet out for air when relaxing at home. However, sometimes the buildup of skin cells in your nail bed can cause your toenail to fall off. Welcome Dr. Katherine Heugel, DPM to the Practice! The sides of the nail can also be affected. Covering it with antibiotic ointment. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. If a fungal infection causes chronic paronychia, a doctor will prescribe antifungal medication. Fungal infections or injuries may require additional medical attention to help ensure the toenail grows back properly. If there is any damage to adjacent tissues, the nail bed, the nail matrix, or the proximal nail fold that could result in scarring, this should be assessed by a physician and repaired if appropriate. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Medications to treat fungal infections of the toenail can sometimes cause side effects. Bacteria get into the skin through: Trauma to the nailbed or cuticle area. Use. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All nails, including toenails, are made of a tough, non-living substance called keratin. How Long Does It Take for a Toenail to Grow Back? information submitted for this request. regularly apply hand cream to your nails and fingertips regularly trim your nails (it may help to cut them after a shower or bath) cut injured, loose nails back to where they are still attached, as this helps them to grow back normally Don't do not cut your nails down the edges, and only trim straight across the top to help avoid an ingrown toenail Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to change bandages, wash, and care for your toe. Take medications and apply treatments as instructed by your healthcare professional. It's possible for a painful ingrown toenail to become infected. Getting the right treatment promptly can help your nail grow back normally. How to Tell When Your Toe Is Infected, and How to Treat It, How to Identify and Treat an Ingrown Toenail Infection, The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis of 2023, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, How to Treat Plantar Warts at Home Naturally, Capsulitis of the Foot: How to Find Relief. Onychia is an infection of the nail itself, which causes inflammation of the nail and swelling of the surrounding tissue. To heal your toe injury and reduce swelling, use an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 20 minutes at a time. Most cases of bacterial paronychia will get better in less than a week once you start treating it. Pus that builds up under the skin. All rights reserved. Suddenly injuring your digit can cause a separation as well. It is important to wear well-fitting shoes and socks and keep the nail well-trimmed to prevent further injury. Here's what current research on vitamin deficiencies says and, Mold grows in your bath but not in your hair. The most common causes of this nail disorder are fungal infection or a toenail injury. A person can start to treat psoriasis by soaking the nail in warm water. Toenails grow more slowly, usually close to half the rate of fingernails. 9397 Crown Crest Blvd., Suite 311 Phototherapy (light therapy) may also be an option. Vlahovic TC. If you aren't comfortable tending to the nail yourself or think the damage is serious, call your doctor or a podiatrist. It can cause symptoms such as. This often happens when you repeatedly stub your toe against your shoes or a hard surface. You might need an X-ray. (If any part gets stuck, soak it under warm running water until it slips off.). Now, if a fungal infection or a problem like psoriasis are damaging your hard keratin, youll need to address those problems first. If a persons job requires their hands to be wet or exposed to germs, they may need to take time off. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. What Is Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis? Minor damage will produce minor defects in the nail. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27170940/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. No wonder many of us end up with tired, achy, and stinky feet. Take over the counter pain killers or NSAIDs. Acute paronychia develops quickly and treatment can reduce symptoms rapidly. A detached toenail can result from an injury or infection. Well. An infection may require medication. A person can take steps at home to help ensure that the nail bed is kept clean and protected. There are two primary causes for toenail loss, fungus, and injury. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544307/), (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/skin-disorders/nail-disorders/acute-paronychia). Cover the area where your toenail fell off with a bandage. Lost all or part of your toenail? Dents or pits (cupuliform depressions) in your nails. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Nail psoriasis and nail fungus can look very similar. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. If you havent experienced an injury or trauma to your affected nails, its a good idea to contact your healthcare provider as soon as you notice onycholysis. Use lotion on your nail fold and cuticles if your skin is dry. If you feel throbbing or intense pain near the hematoma, your doctor can use a heated needle or wire to make a small hole in your toenail to relieve the pressure. Detached toenails are usually safe to remove, and they will typically grow back within a year and a half. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Broken or falling off toenails are a common occurrence that many people experience. [7] Always wrap an ice pack in a towel to avoid hurting your skin. Removing a damaged toenail yourself could lead to serious complications that end up making matters worse. Trim sharp edges that may catch on your footwear, then use tape or a bandage to cover the nail and keep it attached to your toe. Trim off the loose part so that it won't catch on clothes, carpeting, or anything else and rip more. However, fungal infections can sometimes cause onycholysis. If your toenail falls off, itll usually grow back within a few months to a year. 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