To avoid nail injuries, it is advisable to maintain short nails, wear appropriate shoes, and use protective gear while engaging in sports activities. In the event of a nail injury, board-certified dermatologists recommend the following steps for at-home care. Nail injuries can be caused by various incidents such as car doors, kitchen accidents, sports injuries, stubbing toes, or wearing ill-fitting shoes.
If you cannot bend your finger or toe, your nail is black or purple, blood covers more than half of your nail, or the injury is extremely painful, it is best to seek the assistance of a dermatologist or emergency medical attention. If you have a mild nail injury, board-certified dermatologists recommend following these tips.
Treat your wound
If any part of your nail is hanging off, gently trim away the part not connected to your skin. Then, gently clean the wound using soap and water. If the wound is bleeding, don’t put a dry bandage or gauze on top — once the bleeding stops, this will stick. Instead, apply petroleum jelly to keep your wound moist and then cover it with gauze or a bandage. Repeat these steps every day while your wound heals.
Do not put sticky products on your nails
Make sure to only apply sticky products, such as an adhesive bandage or medical tape, to the skin around your nail so you don’t irritate the injury further. Wrapping your wound with an elastic bandage is another good option, however, do not wrap the bandage too tightly.
Get relief
Apply a cool, damp washcloth to your wound to reduce swelling. Prop the arm or leg with an injured nail on pillows so the nail is higher than your heart. This helps reduce swelling. Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain and reduce swelling when your nail injury is new.
Protect your nail while it heals
A nail injury can take several weeks to feel completely better. Even after your wound stops bleeding, keeping a light dressing on the nail, such as an adhesive bandage or a small piece of gauze, provides padding and protection.
To prevent another nail injury, keep your nails short so they do not bend or catch on objects. Make sure your shoes fit well and have a wide toe box to prevent rubbing, and wear the proper gear to protect your nails while playing sports.
If you’re following these tips and your nail injury isn’t looking or feeling better after a few days, see a board-certified dermatologist. A dermatologist can help provide relief and make sure that there are no underlying issues with your nail.
