Injured toenail. Remove, protect or let fall off by itself?

Question

My son injured his big toe at camp two weeks ago and his nail has detached from the nail bed. It's still attached at the back and along the sides (I think). We've been covering it with a guaze bandage and it hasn't fallen off yet. Should we continue to protect it or let it come off. I heard if you take it off too soon you can cause the cuticle to close and a new nail will not form. He plays ice hockey and wants to play a pick up game tonight. I'm afraid it will cause the nail to come off completely.

Answer 1

It doesn't really matter what you do. A new nail will grow in regardless. If you haven't removed the old nail by that time, the new nail will push it out.

If it's fairly secure, you can leave it in place to protect the nail bed, which will be sensitive to touch until the nail grows back. If it's loose and likely to get pulled off by accident, just yank it, or trim away all the loose parts.

Answer 2

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Injured toenail. Remove, protect or let fall off by itself?
My son injured his big toe at camp two weeks ago and his nail has detached from the nail bed. It's still attached at the back and along the sides (I think). We've been covering it with a guaze bandage and it hasn't fallen off yet. Should we continue to protect it or let it come off. I...

Answer 3

The same thing happened to me except I slipped off a slippery rock while I was swimming. The nail will come off, but the bed will be sensitive for a few days. The nail will grow back, but it takes a long time. I'd keep it wrapped for his game, then have it removed tomorrow. Soak his foot in a tub of Epson salts a few times a day and keep the nail bed clean after the nail is removed. I guarantee he will stub his toe on everything until the sensitivity is gone.

Answer 4

Try to cut as much of it off as you can and clean it well. I had this happen recently at the post office when their door caught my baby toe and tore the nail off. If you're not careful and leave it too long the nail will grow back under the old broken nail and then it will really hurt. Also, don't keep a bandage on it any longer than necessary because it needs to dry to heal properly.

Answer 5

I would definitely let it fall off naturally. Don't pull, or tug on it 'cuz it will definitely cause a load of pain! Maybe something that you could try and do to speed up that process would be to soak his foot and toe in epsom salt/water solution. I hope that he feel better soon. Ice hockey probably isn't the best at this time...

Answer 6

keep protecting it. Also put some neosporin on it to prevent infection. they have actual toe covers at the pharmacy that cushion they look like a glove finger only thicker. that would be the best bet. Yes if you remove it i can cause damage. Also be painful if its attached any where. its best to let it fall off on its own. He can soak it also in epsons salts and warm water. that will help with infection and to keep it clean and come off easier.

Answer 7

The advise I gave to my son when that happened to him was to let if fall on its own. Now if it happens again and you want to save the nail, simply add pressure to it with a bandage it worked for my pinkie fingernail (ouch) it literally attaches itself back to the nailbed. it will take a while but it's worth the wait and it's less of a pain.

Answer 8

Just cover it well to keep it from ripping off. It will fall off when it is ready. Soaking in epsom salt is good in the evening. Then just lightly wrap for bed.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

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