What to do if part of toenail breaks off?

Protect any exposed part of the nail bed for 7 to 10 days until this skin hardens and isn’t sensitive anymore. Coat the area with antibiotic ointment and top with a nonstick bandage. Change the bandage every day and whenever it gets wet. (If any part gets stuck, soak it under warm running water until it slips off.)

Does your pinky toenail grow back?

After a nail separates from the nail bed for whatever reason, it will not reattach. A new nail will have to grow back in its place. Nails grow back slowly. It takes about 6 months for a fingernail and up to 18 months for a toenail to grow back.

Is it bad if my pinky toenail falls off?

Merely losing a toenail is not cause for panic. “If you’re a runner, you develop a hematoma underneath the nail plate, and the nail falls off, you’re going to grow another nail back normally after,” Rothschild says.

Why is my little toenail broken?

Split nails are common. They can affect both fingernails and toenails and are usually the result of physical trauma, such as an object crushing them. However, wear and tear, as well as nutrient deficiencies, are also potential causes. In some cases, a person can take preventive measures to avoid splitting their nails.

What happens if you lose a toenail?

If you lose your nail, it will take about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal. A new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow to replace the lost nail. Toenails take about 12 months to grow back. The new nail will probably have grooves or ridges and be somewhat misshapen.

What to do if toenail falls off?

Clean your toe, making sure you remove any debris, and apply an antibiotic ointment. Cover the area where your toenail fell off with a bandage. Seek immediate treatment if your entire toenail falls off or the area around your toenail won’t stop bleeding.

What causes a toenail to fall off?

Overview. A detached toenail is a common condition, but it can be painful. It’s usually caused by an injury, fungal infection, or psoriasis. However, chemicals, certain medications, and serious illness can also make your toenail fall off. Once your toenail falls off, it can’t reattach itself and keep growing.

What causes toenails to break off?

The medical name to describe a toenail that separates from its nail bed and falls off is onycholysis or onychoptosis. The most common causes of this nail disorder are fungal infection or a toenail injury. However, other types of infections and skin conditions can also cause the toenail to break off.