Finger nail about to fall off... what should i do??

Question

Hello, I smashed my middle finger with a 50lb wieght awhile back and the nail is VERY close to finally falling off. I would say it is 90% loose. However, on the corner front tip of my finger nail does not seem to be detached like the rest of it has. Obviously it'll have to come off sooner or later and one way or another, but what should I do?
Should I leave it alone or should I try to take it off?
Also, any tips on what to do after it does come off is appreciated as well!

Thanks for your help eveyrone!!

Answer 1

Wrap some adhesive or medical tape around it to keep it still.
let it breathe too eh. If it's comming off as you say it's probably pretty dark coloured, any way, leave it there for as long as possible and let it grow back underneath, it can be tender without any protection so let the old one protect you i'tll come off soon enough. Just stableize it to minimize aggravation while the new one grows beneath it.

Ouch . just curious for more details lol did you swear?

It's been a while but 3 decades ago i lost by big toe nail with a 50 pound rock or so, a fairly memorable event.

my hands a little sore at the moment so we're injured at the same time, dinged my rt hand (thumb), it's mending but like with you its taking it's time ~ cheers on the mend

Ob1

Answer 2

You can cut around the area that is still attached. This will make it easier to snag though, so during the day, while working etc, you will want to wear a "band-aid" or covering.
If you try to pull off the attached part, you will probably break the skin, making it vulnerable to infection.
Once the nail is off, you will gradually get another nail in it's place, nothing special to do, just make sure you wash your hands frequently - to avoid infection.
If you do use a "band-aid" you need to remove it sometime, like at night when you are sleeping. Keeping a wound covered all the time can cause bacteria and fungus to grow rapidly.
You can also use a triple antibiotic ointment on the area with no nail, but this should be a VERY thin layer, again, just like the "band-aid" this should be taken off, the area cleaned, and then put back on after the area has had some time to "breathe".

Answer 3

The very reason why I don't wear acrylic on my nails anymore. Not healthy. Put some rubbing alcohol and peroxide on it and a bandaid. If you're worried about it, go the ER. Hope it's alright.

Answer 4

I'd still put a band-aid (plaster) on it -- it will eventually fall off but you don't want it catching on something. In theory, a new nail should be growing underneath it so that once it does fall off, you'll have a new nail. It happened to me that way.

Answer 5

dont worry u should just pull it off it has happend to me and it should be ok after wards but if it starts to throb go to a docter. it will grow back sooner or later

Answer 6

Let it heal, there's not much else you can do.