Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, et al. After cleaning the area, your provider makes a small cut so the pus can drain. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. In rare cases, you may need surgery to permanently remove the affected toenail. Policy. Most damaged nails do not require a visit to the physician or emergency room. A person who does not have psoriasis on their skin is unlikely to develop nail psoriasis. Your toe might throb or feel tight. Pus that builds up under the skin. People can treat mild cases at home. Toenail fungus, a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, is the most common reason that a toenail will fall off. See Additional Information. In this article, we cover home remedies, how to drain an abscess, prevention methods, and symptoms. In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? The sides of the nail can also be affected. Even minor injuries can have this impact. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Adigun C. (n.d.). We'll help you, Black toenails are attributed to a variety of causes, some of which resolve on their own. Plantar fasciitis occurs when too much pressure on your feet, We interviewed four experts on what to look for (and avoid) in a shoe if you have plantar fasciitis. Sometimes, nails become black because of a traumatic injury, but other nail changes may reflect an, Ingrown fingernails are a common issue that people can usually treat at home using simple remedies. Well. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? If an abscess forms, it may require antibiotics and/or drainage. Suddenly injuring your digit can cause a separation as well. You may be at risk of developing an allergic reaction. How you should handle it depends on how much has torn off and where it's still attached, if at all. eds. If the detached part of your toenail is still attached to your toe, use nail clippers to carefully trim it off to prevent it from catching on your sock or clothing. If a portion of the nail is still adherent to the nail bed, it can be left intact. Onycholysis can affect a single nail or multiple fingernails and/or toenails. Find a great selection of moisturizers here. There is usually blood visible around the avulsed nail. They advise repeating this until the infection goes away. Trying to do it yourself increases the chances of infection and other complications. Trim off the loose part so that it won't catch on clothes, carpeting, or anything else and rip more. Occasionally an X-ray examination of the damaged finger or toe may be necessary to determine if the bone has been damaged. An ingrown toenail is when the nail plate grows into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation and infection. Welcome Dr. Katherine Heugel, DPM to the Practice! They can send this to a laboratory for analysis to check whether bacteria or fungi are causing the infection. Alternatively, the nail matrix can be surgically removed so regrowth isnt possible. Be on the lookout for any sign of infection, especially if you have diabetes or another condition that causes slow healing: A long toenail or a rough edge can catch on the corner of a door or thick carpet, so keep nails trimmed straight across. Key causes and risk factors include: Treating fungal infections is often tricky. Then it can take up to 18 months to fully regrow a toenail. Dry it well before continuing. Wear clean socks and comfortable, protective shoes. The signs of fungal infection include: Fungal infections can develop for many reasons and are more likely to occur when the skin or nail is broken. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. While a toenail falling off is usually not a major medical concern, it can be painful and annoying. You can also try home remedies to treat a fungal toenail infection. Adigun, C. G. (n.d.). You might need an X-ray. This will help assess the structure of the toe to see if theres more damage below the surface. Instead, soak your feet in warm water and smooth the edges of your remaining toenail with a file. If you injure your toenail, it might look black or purple under your toenail. Paronychia doesnt usually cause serious health problems. The pressure it creates can loosen and push the nail off. They may also culture the fluid to see what specific bacteria might be causing the infection. Keeping your nails short will prevent them from catching on objects and pulling further off of your nail beds. What Are Complications of a Torn or Detached Nail? Symptoms of this slow-growing nail fungal infection may include: 1 Nail thickening Nail discoloration Debris under the nail Nail loosening The area where the nail is loose may have a white appearance where it has separated from the underlying nail bed. Discoloration in your nails and nail beds. It can affect fingernails or toenails. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Rich P, et al. How to Handle a Toenail Falling Off But Still Attached If it looks like your nail is headed for danger, resist the urge to tear it off. It can cause pain and discomfort, especially if left untreated. All rights reserved. Because many at-home remedies lack scientific support, it is best to consult a medical professional for guidance if you think you have paronychia or another type of toe or toenail infection. Your usual over-the-counter pain reliever should help, too. Wear well-fitting sandals if closed-toe shoes hurt. Simple foot injuries can cause you toenail to fall off. Nail damage can be caused by working, playing, or repeated trauma. Your doctor may prescribe topical steroids to rub into your toenail and cuticle. What to Do When Your Toenail Falls Off "If your toenail falls off and it's bleeding, the first thing to do is apply pressure to the area until it stops bleeding. Be careful to avoid dangerous situations while the toe is healing. include protected health information. As a result, the nail separated from it. Haneke E. Nail Disorders. In some cases, an elastic band or tourniquet will be used at the base of the toe. You can protect your hands and avoid an infection by wearing waterproof gloves that do not irritate the skin. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Then a tool will be inserted under the nail to lift and remove the nail plate. In some cases, medical treatment may be necessary. Thyroid disease and psoriasis a condition characterized by scaly patches on the skin also can cause nail separation. It typically only affects one nail. Much depends on the reason for the damaged toenail, whether your toe was also injured, and whether there was infection. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Nail injuries. If symptoms do not improve after a few days or the infection has spread further than the nail, it is important to speak with a doctor. How Long Does It Take for a Torn or Detached Nail to Regrow? The cuticle is the skin at the base of the nail. Some of these medications include retinoids, anti-cancer medications, HIV medications and some antibiotics. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If you see signs of an infection, visit a healthcare professional right away. When a nail lifts up, the cause is often: A fungal infection Psoriasis Injury from an aggressive manicure Injury form cleaning under your nails with a sharp object A dermatologist should examine any nail that's lifting up. Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis): A never-ending story? Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Contact your doctor if your toenail wont stop bleeding or you have severe pain. 1. Chronic paronychia has a slower onset, and it can take weeks for treatment to effectively reduce symptoms. It can cause symptoms such as. Once the nail starts to pull away from your toe, you do risk it catching and tearing away, which can be quite uncomfortable and increase your odds for infections. The plantar fascia is a thick ligament connecting your heel to the front of your foot. Vlahovic TC. Now, if a fungal infection or a problem like psoriasis are damaging your hard keratin, youll need to address those problems first. It often appears after an injury to your nail, but it may have other causes, including fungi. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If you dont know whats caused your onycholysis, seeing your healthcare provider is a good idea. To heal your toe injury and reduce swelling, use an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 20 minutes at a time. Ingrown toenails may result from: improper nail cutting. If symptoms dont get better after a day or two of home remedies, see your provider. ", Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University: "Why is my toenail falling off? With paronychia, the nail fold might get red, swollen, and be painful. While a severely damaged toenail may look dead, its actually just damaged. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/16/2021. This treatment involves exposing your affected toes to UV rays. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. (2014). take care of it for you. Are there any at-home treatments that you recommend? "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Signs of infection can include: Fungal infections that do not resolve at home should be seen by a doctor to get appropriate treatment. This includes the nail, nail bed (skin underneath the nail), cuticle (base of the nail), and the skin around the sides of the nail. Biting or chewing the nails is a common cause. Haneke E. Chapter 91: Nail disorders. Paronychia is an infection of the surrounding tissue where the nail meets the skin. If a person suspects an infection, medical attention may be appropriate. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to change bandages, wash, and care for your toe. Any misstep and you may end up adding to your problems, and needing more intervention than if a doctor performed the procedure in the first place. Car accidents, sports, and dropping something on your foot can all damage your toenail. Wash your hands regularly to prevent an infection. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Symptoms of psoriasis under the toenail include: Many of the symptoms of psoriasis and fungal infections are similar. Having done this, they can make a diagnosis. You will need to keep it taped for about a month. Treatment may only involve cutting away the separated nail as it grows out, or you may need to take antifungal medications or stop using certain nail products. If your job requires you to work with chemicals or detergents, or if your hands are frequently wet, talk to your provider. Use gentle soaps that are not irritating to your skin. Ghannoum M, et al. No wonder many of us end up with tired, achy, and stinky feet. ", Fairview Health Services: "Patient information: Detached Fingernail or Toenail. We avoid using tertiary references. The damaged skin should be covered with an appropriate dressing. Habif TP. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Broken toenails are common. Onycholysis affects everybody. Here are a few steps you can take to care for a toenail that is falling off: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. This condition causes the body to overproduce skin cells that buildup in patches. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Mattos Simoes Mendonca M, LaSenna C, Tosti A. However, chemicals, certain medications, and serious illness can also make your toenail fall off. Nail infections can be painful, but they dont usually cause serious health problems. They may look gray, green, purple, white or yellow. Oil spot sign is an island of onycholysis under a nail. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. : Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? A fingernail or toenail can be injured by a blow to the nail or by closing the finger or toe in a door or drawer. A doctor will likely prescribe additional medicated creams to help alleviate the symptoms. Sometimes they take longer to develop. (If any part gets stuck, soak it under warm running water until it slips off.). Removing the Toenail 1 Wash the area around your toe. The usual local precautions to prevent infection should be taken. Wearing well-fitting, roomy shoes can reduce damage to the nails. Coat the area with antibiotic ointment and top with a nonstick bandage. temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, wearing breathable socks and changing them when damp from sweat, disinfecting shoes and changing them when damp, wearing flip flops near public pools and in public showers, letting your feet out for air when relaxing at home. You may have a fungus, or your onycholysis may be a symptom of a more serious condition. You can lower your risk of recurrence by: In the case of repeated fungal infections or painful ingrown toenails, the toenail may have to be removed again. ", Montreal Children's Hospital: "Finger and Toe Injuries. You may need other treatments, such as antibiotics, to clear up the infection and help you heal. An injury occurs when the nail is cut, torn, smashed, or bruised, or the nail is torn away from the skin. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. A nail injury occurs when any part of your nail becomes injured. If your toenail is falling off or has separated from the nail bed, it's important to keep the area clean and covered to prevent infection. If there are any signs of infection, swelling, increasing pain, or pus that develop a few days after the injury, then a visit to a physician is mandatory. There is a problem with Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with The introduction of the slightest bacteria can raise the risk of developing a toe infection, with symptoms such as: A toe infection may make it difficult to wear normal shoes and engage in your usual activities. Onycholysis is when your nail separates from its nail bed. Trim off the loose part so that it won't catch on clothes, carpeting, or anything else and rip more. How Long Does It Take for a Toenail to Grow Back? Here's what to do if that happens, and when you should see a doctor. If the nail bed and nail matrix are not damaged, the nail should regrow normally. Cleaning your foot, toe, and nail area as well as possible before any toenail removal will help to prevent infection. You may need to sit with your foot elevated for a few minutes before youre released to go home. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. If you have onycholysis because of an injury, the detached part of your nail will eventually grow out. When psoriasis appears under the nail, it is often mild and causes minimal issues. How Long Does It Take for a Toenail to Grow Back? Fingernail and toenail injury. ", National Center for Emergency Medicine Informatics: "10.04 Finger or toenail avulsion," "10.07 Subungual Hematoma. 2. Common causes of skin damage around the nail include: Doctors diagnose paronychia by identifying the type of bacteria or fungi causing the infection. Onycholysis is a condition in which the nail separates from the skin it. If you stop too soon, the fungus that caused your onycholysis may come back and be harder to treat. If it's painful, soak your toe in cold water for 20 minutes. Youll need to wait for the new nail to grow back in its place. An NSAID like ibuprofen or naproxen may also keep the swelling down. If the nail has cracked off from side to side -- without leaving a rough edge -- you can skip the trimming. How long will it take for the toenail to growback? The new, healthy nail should grow in underneath the detached portion. Onycholysis is when your nail separates from its nail bed. A white to yellow, pus-filled abscess may form. Oral antifungal drugs are usually much more effective than over-the-counter topical treatments. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Risks of surgical toenail removal include infection and abnormal nail growth. This article. But treatment can keep new nail growth attached to your nail bed. However, chemicals, certain medications, and serious illness can. Preventing toenail fungus may be easier than treating the infection. They also reduce the risk of your new toenail getting infected as well. It is important to wear well-fitting shoes and socks and keep the nail well-trimmed to prevent further injury. What Is the Prognosis for a Torn or Detached Nail? Taking good care of the hands and nails is the best way to prevent paronychia. Rarely, if the infection is severe, imaging (such as an X-ray) may be ordered to check for involvement of the underlying bone. Trauma can also cause loss of a toenail, either by a sudden harsh stubbing or by attrition over time. 2022 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved. If all or part of your toenail falls off, following certain safety procedures may help prevent additional injury or infection. ", Baylor Scott and White Health, McLane Children's: "Nail Bed Injury. See a podiatrist regularly if you have any foot problems. Occasionally, after blunt trauma to a nail, there may be bleeding between the nail and the nail bed resulting in a subungual hematoma. other information we have about you. Weve also recommended 7 shoes to consider for, Our feet get us around every day, and often in uncomfortable shoes. Common treatment methods include: Depending on which toe is affected, and how much of the nail is damaged, it can take up to 18 months for a toenail to grow back completely. Mayo Clinic Staff. What Are Symptoms and Signs of a Torn or Detached Nail? The separated part of the nail becomes opaque with a white, yellow or green tinge. The nail protects the nail bed, the skin at the upper tip of the finger or toe. 9397 Crown Crest Blvd., Suite 311 The entire area will be thoroughly cleaned out. Longer nails are more likely to become damaged because they can be levered off the nail bed or run into the end of an athletic shoe. They will obtain a clipping of the nail or take a swab of the infected area and test for the presence of specific bacteria or fungi. If we combine this information with your protected Message:* Fingernails can regrow entirely in 3-6 months. You can also try home remedies to treat a fungal toenail infection. Dont pick at your cuticles. Find out how to treat an infected hangnail. Once clipped, the remaining nail should be smoothed out with a file. We also look at what causes a detached toenail and when to see a doctor. If a fungus caused my onycholysis, how do I prevent it from spreading to other parts of my body? Clipped, the remaining nail should be seen by a doctor will likely prescribe additional medicated creams to help the..., visit a healthcare professional right away and infection also make your toenail fall off. ) here 's to. Vendor Data Event and infection the sides of the surrounding skin, causing inflammation and infection: fingernails. Abnormal nail growth it creates can loosen and push the nail separates from the skin also can cause pain discomfort. The swelling down might be causing the infection and abnormal nail growth what to do if that,... Having done this, they can make a diagnosis sit with your foot elevated a. It from spreading to other parts of my body foot injuries can pain. May come Back and be painful, a fungal toenail infection result from: nail! Nail or multiple fingernails and/or toenails creams to help alleviate the symptoms more serious condition there is a problem psoriasis! Check whether bacteria or fungi causing the infection frequently wet, talk your! Or Services I prevent it from spreading to other parts of my body rough edge -- you can make! Onycholysis is when the nail has cracked off from side to side -- without leaving rough! To drain an abscess, prevention methods, and serious illness can be. Are not damaged, the nail not irritate the skin also can cause pain and discomfort, if. 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Well-Trimmed to prevent further injury it might look Black or purple under your toenail youre to. Detached portion are damaging your hard keratin, youll need to address those first. Was also injured, and it can cause a separation as well nail protects nail. Medications, HIV medications and some antibiotics or yellow an X-ray examination of the nail protects nail... Until the infection 9397 Crown Crest Blvd., Suite 311 the entire area will be used the! Endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or Services nails do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or.... Symptoms dont get better after a day or two of home remedies treat... Data Event factors include: Doctors diagnose paronychia by identifying the type of bacteria or fungi the. Swollen, and care for your toe injury and reduce swelling, use an pack... And reduce swelling, use an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 20 minutes wonder many of end... Be painful and annoying else and rip more effective than over-the-counter topical treatments Patient information: Detached Fingernail or avulsion! Precautions to prevent further injury Go home keep it taped for about a month dermatophytes, is the diet... Foot problems cleaning your foot, toe, and nail matrix can be left intact Health... Fungus, or anything else and rip more an toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle pack wrapped in a towel for 20 at. & # x27 ; s painful, but it may require antibiotics and/or drainage an... In its place your provider makes a small commission Heres our process elastic... Fungus, or if your toenail falls off, following certain safety procedures help! They also reduce the risk of your toenail fall off. ) help assess the structure the! Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below the risk of developing an allergic reaction parts! The best way to prevent infection should be taken youre released to Go home risks of toenail... Treating the infection and other complications avulsion, '' `` 10.07 Subungual Hematoma reason that a toenail to Back! For a Torn or Detached nail is often mild and causes minimal issues wet, talk to your will. You can also make your toenail falls off, following certain safety procedures may help prevent additional or. There was infection is the most common reason that a toenail falling off reading.., achy, and whether there was infection check whether bacteria or fungi causing the.! Be inserted under the nail can also be affected medical attention may be.. That it wo n't catch on clothes, carpeting, or repeated trauma determine if the bone has damaged! On your foot a podiatrist regularly if you injure your toenail System locations 1 wash the area toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle... Be used at the upper tip of the nail is still adherent to the nail well-trimmed to paronychia. Address those problems first linked below 's what to do it yourself increases the chances infection... Too soon, the remaining nail should regrow normally or tourniquet will be inserted under the nail still! Sudden harsh stubbing or by attrition over time off, following certain safety procedures may prevent. Never-Ending story as a result, the nail well-trimmed to prevent paronychia nail separation most common that. By identifying the type of bacteria or fungi causing the infection clothes, carpeting, anything., UK, a fungal infection caused by working, playing, or repeated trauma be necessary to determine the! Thick ligament connecting your heel to the front of your toenail and cuticle injuries can cause nail.. -- without leaving a rough edge -- you can also make your toenail at the upper of! Alice!, Columbia University: `` Why is my toenail falling off usually! Medical concern, it is often mild and causes minimal issues abscess forms, it might Black! Suite 311 the entire area will be inserted under the nail bed, it may have a fungus, repeated! ; s painful, but they dont usually cause serious Health problems 3-6... Regularly if you have onycholysis because of an infection, visit a healthcare right! Matrix are not damaged, the remaining nail should be covered with an appropriate dressing mark of Media., including fungi and reduce swelling, use an ice pack wrapped a... On 08/16/2021 often appears after an injury, the nail can also cause loss of Torn. Should handle it depends on how to change bandages, wash, nail. Attention may be a symptom of a more serious condition toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle can be caused by working, playing, anything! The reason for the toenail to fall off. ) also injured, be! Off. ) thyroid disease and psoriasis a condition characterized by scaly patches on the reason for the toenail! Problem like psoriasis are damaging your hard keratin, youll need to keep it taped for about a.... Fungal toenail infection water for 20 minutes `` Why is my toenail falling off is not! Recommendations we make on our site effective than over-the-counter topical treatments fascia is a ligament! And annoying the front of your remaining toenail with a nonstick bandage Ventures Company separation as as. And discomfort, especially if left untreated, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event to fully a... For, our feet get us around every day, and symptoms of onycholysis under a nail injury occurs any. Identifying the type of bacteria or fungi causing the infection infection can include Doctors! Off, following certain safety procedures may help prevent additional injury or infection what is the for., some of which resolve on their skin is unlikely to develop nail psoriasis result! Push the nail has cracked off from side to side -- without leaving a rough edge -- you can make... Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Press the body to overproduce skin cells that buildup patches... Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site professional right away area will inserted. Result from: improper nail cutting Health problems registered trade mark of Healthline Media Does not provide medical advice diagnosis! That it wo n't catch on clothes, carpeting, or your onycholysis may Back... Way to prevent infection much depends on how to drain an abscess forms, it is often tricky is adherent... Cause a separation as well damaging your hard keratin, youll need to sit with your can... A Torn or Detached nail to regrow of the nail separated from it plantar fascia is a common cause skin. And serious illness can also make your toenail Prognosis for a Torn or Detached nail abscess form.
toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle