Is it normal for a toenail to come off

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Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. Then clean the skin underneath with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection before covering the open wound with a bandage," says Dr. Keep the area clean and covered until the wound closes and heals.

If there are open cuts or tears in the underlying skin from the toenail falling off, you should keep the skin cleaned and covered to prevent bacteria from entering and causing infection , she says. Once all open wounds have healed, it's fine to leave the area uncovered—just make sure to keep it clean and dry. It's worth giving your toe a little extra TLC because you definitely don't want an infection to spread to the new nail growing in.

Obviously, not great—so if you think it could be infected, go get it looked at by a doc. After you've been through the misery of a toenail falling off, you'll start to see a new nail coming in after about six weeks yay! It usually takes about a year for a toenail to grow back out from cuticle to tip. Here's how to monitor the progress:. When your nail is back in business, try one of these good-for-you polishes.

If the toenail is falling off from injury, painting the new one isn't too risky. But if it's falling off from a fungal infection, you'll likely make the infection harder to treat, she warns. Not to mention, "acetone-containing nail polish remover can also weaken the new nail plate as it grows in and make it more susceptible to infection," she says. You're probably fine painting the skin while you're waiting for the new nail to grow in.

Here's what you need to know about shellac and gel manicures. If you lost it due to injury, however, an acrylic toenail is an option for a short-term fix like a wedding , says Dr. Once clipped, the remaining nail should be smoothed out with a file. If a person removes a nail, they are at greater risk of damaging the skin of the nail bed and of developing an infection. Signs of infection can include:. Fungal infections that do not resolve at home should be seen by a doctor to get appropriate treatment.

A person should see their doctor if they suspect an infection in or around the nail, or if they have an injury that is causing concern. If a person suspects psoriasis, a doctor may be able to advise on the best course of treatment for skin and nail symptoms. While a toenail falling off is usually not a major medical concern, it can be painful and annoying.

In some cases, a damaged or detaching toenail may become infected, or it may be a sign of a more serious medical condition. A person can take steps at home to help ensure that the nail bed is kept clean and protected. If a person suspects an infection, medical attention may be appropriate. Nail pitting is characterized by small indents or depressions on the nail surface.

It is often linked to psoriasis but can indicate a number of…. Nails can thicken and become unsightly, but this symptom is not just cosmetic in nature and can progress to causing pain. Learn about the different….

Black toenails can be unsightly and painful. Sometimes, nails become black because of a traumatic injury, but other nail changes may reflect an…. How to manage a detached toenail. What to do Causes Removal Complications When to see a doctor Outcome A broken or detached toenail is a common and often painful condition that many people experience in their lifetime. What to do when a toenail is falling off. Bacterial infections are usually more severe and progress more quickly than fungal infections.

Regardless of the cause of nail loosening, it's best to seek medical care to decrease the chance of complications related to a bacterial infection.

A common question people have when they lose a nail, or part of it, is whether the nail will grow back. The exposed nail bed will heal within a few weeks. The nail itself will grow back. However, it is a lengthy process that can take 12 to 18 months. A further question is whether the new nail will grow back normal. Any time the nail's matrix growth center is injured, whether it's by trauma or inflammation due to infection, permanent changes to nail growth usually occur.

The changes can be as subtle as a bumpy texture or thickening of the nail. If part of the nail is still healthy and attached to the nail bed the skin underneath , then trim off the detached area and leave the healthy part to regrow. Keep the toe covered and see a doctor or podiatrist to check whether medication or additional care is needed while the nail grows back. However, the risk is significantly higher in Africa; in Japan and China, it's also more common. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Merck Manual Professional Version. Updated August Richardson M. Selecting a treatment option in subungual haematoma management. Nurs Times. MyHealth Alberta. Toenail or fingernail avulsion: Care instructions. University of Michigan Health. Torn or Detached Nail. Updated July 2,