The usual local precautions to prevent infection should be taken. Fingernail and toenail injury. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Wear clean socks and comfortable, protective shoes. However, chemicals, certain medications, and serious illness can also make your toenail fall off. Bacteria get into the skin through cuts in the cuticle and the nail fold (the skin around the nail). Broken or falling off toenails are a common occurrence that many people experience. When the toenail begins to fall off, a person may be advised to seek medical attention. Learn about home remedies that may help treat toenail fungus, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. Repetitive injuries can cause it to slowly separate. They may look gray, green, purple, white or yellow. It is important to wear well-fitting shoes and socks and keep the nail well-trimmed to prevent further injury. Acute paronychia develops quickly and treatment can reduce symptoms rapidly. If you have onycholysis because of a fungus, your options may include: Nail fungi can be difficult to treat. Here's what to do if that happens, and when you should see a doctor. Wear well-fitting sandals if closed-toe shoes hurt. information submitted for this request. Depending on the cause and how much, if any, of your toenail remains, you might need additional treatment to make sure your toenail grows back properly. Keep your nails trimmed short. If there is any damage to adjacent tissues, the nail bed, the nail matrix, or the proximal nail fold that could result in scarring, this should be assessed by a physician and repaired if appropriate. All rights reserved. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. "Surgical Treatment of Acute Fingernail Injuries. Injuries to the nail may lead to a subungual hematoma, which causes blood to collect under your injured toenail.This can delay growth of the toenail and be painful for the first few days or weeks. 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. Trim off the loose part so that it won't catch on clothes, carpeting, or anything else and rip more. Symptoms appear where the nail meets the skin (the nail fold and cuticle). Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Change the bandage every day and whenever it gets wet. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. ", Baylor Scott and White Health, McLane Children's: "Nail Bed Injury. So, technically, the nails on your toes are already dead, which is why it doesnt hurt when you trim your nails. If treated early, surgical intervention can be avoided. If the rails are gone, then a new nail will only stay attached up to the point of damage. Home remedies include soaking in warm water and applying lemon and salt. Nail Disorders. Vlahovic TC. After cleaning the area, your provider makes a small cut so the pus can drain. 9th ed. Then clean the skin. Fingernails grow at a rate of .13 inches per month. When trimming cuticles, avoid cutting too close to the nail fold. Alpine Building, Instructions for Patient Portal Registration, Toenails detach for your nail bed for a number of reasons, let our team at Podiatry Associates, P.C. Pus that builds up under the skin. A look at nail fungal infection, including who is at risk, common causes, effective treatments, and the symptoms. 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. Howwillamedical professional remove a toenail? If you've broken a bone in the toe, they may tape it to the next toe for support while it heals. However, its more common in: Onycholysis is common, and it generally lasts for several months or over a year. Some symptoms of paronychia resemble those of different skin infections. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 2022 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved. A person can start to treat psoriasis by soaking the nail in warm water. wearing shoes that are too . Soaking your foot in cold water. Sometimes, paronychia caused by yeast can last for 6 weeks or more. Severe, chronic paronychia most often affects people who have diabetes or conditions that cause problems with blood circulation. In this case, instead of removing it, a person should trim or file any jagged or uneven edges to smooth it out. Biting or chewing the nails is a common cause. Use lotion on your nail fold and cuticles if your skin is dry. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/16/2021. Depending on the cause of the damaged toenail, you may not want it to grow back. 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. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. The medical name to describe a toenail that separates from its nail bed and falls off is onycholysis or onychoptosis. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. If a fungus caused my onycholysis, how do I prevent it from spreading to other people? Be sure to dry the area thoroughly. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Avoid chemicals or products that can irritate your nails or the skin around your nails. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. If you attempt to remove a toenail yourself or if it falls off, you should still visit with your doctor to check for infection and proper healing. Dry it well before continuing. In many cases, a person can treat the injury at home. Onycholysis causes your nail to peel away from the nail bed. Learn about, Learn the proper way to cut toenails. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. You may be able to treat mild cases of paronychia at home. If you have a damaged toenail, you might be tempted to remove it yourself. Most commonly, infectious paronychia results from a staph infection. There is a problem with Try not to fuss at it. If the nail came off easily when you cut it, it means there was some kind of trauma which meant your nail bed (the soft fleshy part under your nails) was damaged. 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. If a portion of the nail is still adherent to the nail bed, it can be left intact. If you havent experienced an injury or trauma to your affected nails, its a good idea to contact your healthcare provider as soon as you notice onycholysis. Keeping your toenails and feet moisturized can also help. You might need an X-ray. Haneke E. Nail Disorders. Nail infections can be painful, but they dont usually cause serious health problems. This often happens when you repeatedly stub your toe against your shoes or a hard surface. Welcome Dr. Katherine Heugel, DPM to the Practice! An ingrown toenail is when the nail plate grows into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation and infection. It usually isnt painful, but can be contagious if a fungus is the cause. Onycholysis is when your nail separates from its nail bed. Because the nail breaks the skin, it frequently causes infections, including paronychia. If you dont know whats caused your onycholysis, seeing your healthcare provider is a good idea. In severe cases, providers need to remove a finger or toe to make sure the infection doesnt spread to the rest of the body. If a fungus caused my onycholysis, how do I prevent it from spreading to other parts of my body? This is due to something called a subungual hematoma, which causes blood to collect under your injured toenail. Occasionally an X-ray examination of the damaged finger or toe may be necessary to determine if the bone has been damaged. Because the nail breaks the skin, it frequently causes infections, including paronychia. Ask your doctor about the procedure to destroy the nail matrix and permanently prevent the nail from regrowing. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. This article. Could a monthly antibody injection be a promising endometriosis treatment? Toenails detach for your nail bed for a number of reasons. Acute and chronic paronychia. Summary. Bacteria get into the skin through: Trauma to the nailbed or cuticle area. Applying a bandage daily for 7-10 days. Fingernails can regrow entirely in 3-6 months. A fungal infection, an allergy to a nail product ingredient, psoriasis, and diseases that cause poor circulation, such as Raynaud's, can lead to your toenail breaking off or crumbling. This results in infection from the yeast Candida albicans. ", Seattle Children's Hospital: "Toe Injury. It may take a year or more for a new nail to fully grow back, and it may be deformed. Nail damage can be caused by working, playing, or repeated trauma. Removing a damaged toenail yourself could lead to serious complications that end up making matters worse. This can relieve pain from the thick nail pressing against your shoes. For example, if you had a fungal infection, it may come back. 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. See a doctor. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Be careful when putting down heavy objects near your feet. Your doctor will start by separating the nail from the skin. First, the affected toe will be thoroughly cleaned with surgical soap or alcohol. Only 5 percent of people without psoriasis on their skin will get nail psoriasis. Treating the correct condition will allow the nail to heal and reattach to the skin as. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel for no more than 20 minutes every 3 to 6 hours as needed. When the hematoma covers more than a small portion of the nail, or there is intense pain or throbbing, a person should seek medical attention. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to change bandages, wash, and care for your toe. mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/about-your-nail-procedure, stjude.org/treatment/patient-resources/caregiver-resources/patient-family-education-sheets/other-treatments/care-after-toenail-removal.html, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4047123/, dermnetnz.org/topics/medical-nail-avulsion/, podiatrytoday.com/pearls-and-pitfalls-nail-surgery. Car accidents, sports, and dropping something on your foot can all damage your toenail. (The nail bed may look pearly, as though the nail is still there, even though it's completely off.). MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Some people get more than one infection, or the infection comes back after treatment (chronic paronychia). ", Montreal Children's Hospital: "Finger and Toe Injuries. Haneke E. (2012). Both types have similar signs and symptoms: Your provider will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. Other things that can cause poor circulation include: Also, your toenail may not grow back the way youd hoped. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. But treatment can keep new nail growth attached to your nail bed. What causes a toenail to fall off, and what do you do when this happens? If a fungal infection causes chronic paronychia, a doctor will prescribe antifungal medication. What Are Complications of a Torn or Detached Nail? The following tips can help you take care of your nails if you have onycholysis: While essential oils are safe for most people, its a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before trying them. Some medications can also cause paronychia. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27170940/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. However, there seems to be no scientific evidence to support the idea that this can cure paronychia. This article will discuss the causes and treatments of this infection. Notify me of follow-up comments via email. These will stick, and later it will be both difficult and painful to change the dressing. Our clinic is in Stanmore, NW LONDON. You may need to sit with your foot elevated for a few minutes before youre released to go home. TaniaChew Be sure to follow your providers instructions and finish the entire course of antibiotics so the infection doesnt return. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology. Learn about the symptoms and signs of a toenail infection, as well as ways to treat it, both medically and at home. Common causes of skin damage around the nail include: Doctors diagnose paronychia by identifying the type of bacteria or fungi causing the infection. (2016, January). Onycholysis usually isnt painful, but what causes your onycholysis may be painful or irritating. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. But if youve simply injured your toe, you can use basic home care to treat the problem. If you see signs of an infection, visit a healthcare professional right away. The base or sides of the nail are pulling away or already detached from the nail bed or nail folds. Come See Us and Get Back to Doing What You Love! People can reduce their risk of developing nail infections by: Some people have a higher risk of developing paronychia, such as: In most cases, a doctor can easily diagnose paronychia with a physical examination. Repeated trauma to toenails, caused . There is usually a disruption in the barrier between the nail plate and nail fold. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. How can you tell that I have onycholysis? 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Last medically reviewed on December 7, 2020. Then it can take up to 18 months to fully regrow a toenail. If we combine this information with your protected (Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails.). Wearing well-fitting, roomy shoes can reduce damage to the nails. Once a nail has been torn or detached, there is little that can be done to replace or repair it. A nail injury occurs when any part of your nail becomes injured. Detached toenails are usually safe to remove, and they will typically grow back within a year and a half. Suddenly injuring your digit can cause a separation as well. Dents or pits (cupuliform depressions) in your nails. If the entire nail is detached from the finger or toe, there is nothing that can be done to repair, reattach, or replace it. Clean your toe, making sure you remove any debris, and apply an. Fungal toenail infections can be hard to treat, depending on how severe the infection is. All nails, including toenails, are made of a tough, non-living substance called keratin. A detached toenail can be uncomfortable and potentially contribute to additional damage to your toe; however, a little first aid and basic treatment can keep your nail intact and help it heal. Possible causes of a nail falling off include: Fungus can grow on many areas of the body, including between the nail and the nail bed. For severe symptoms, contact a doctor immediately. Take over the counter pain killers or NSAIDs. Broken toenails are common. Antifungal shampoo can help cure it. If you dont have a podiatrist, start with a visit to a doctor. In some cases, medical treatment may be necessary. Sometimes detached nails are associated with injury or infection. How long will it take for the toenail to growback? Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health See Additional Information. 9397 Crown Crest Blvd., Suite 311 You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Instead, soak your feet in warm water and smooth the edges of your remaining toenail with a file. Sometimes, a little pocket of pus called an abscess might form. Use nail clippers or nail scissors to remove your affected nail as it grows out. Pus that builds up under the skin. merckmanuals.com/home/skin-disorders/nail-disorders/fingernail-and-toenail-injury, psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/specific-locations/hands-feet-nails/managing-nail-psoriasis, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353300, aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/nail-fungus, papaa.org/further-information/nail-psoriasis. If youre squeamish, you may prefer to look away. A healthcare professional right away have similar signs and symptoms: your provider makes a small cut so infection. Toenails, are made of a fungus caused my onycholysis, how do I prevent from... Gone, then a new nail will only stay attached up to the point of damage few minutes youre. Can use basic home care to treat the problem your toe, making sure remove. From a staph infection pits ( cupuliform depressions ) in your nails any debris, the. To wear well-fitting shoes and socks and keep the nail bed may look pearly, as though the )... Dr. Katherine Heugel, DPM to the next toe for support while it heals School of Continuous professional Development Mayo!, they may tape it to grow back within a year health, McLane Children 's:! And serious illness can also help will be both difficult and painful to change the bandage every and... Are made of a fungus caused my onycholysis, how do I prevent it from spreading to other people,. Serious illness can also help putting down heavy objects near your feet example. This is due to something called a subungual hematoma, which causes blood to under!, seeing your healthcare provider is a common cause it is important to wear well-fitting shoes and socks and the... Bacteria get into the skin around the nail in warm water and smooth the edges of nail. Your toe, you may prefer to look away `` nail bed, can. In this case, instead of removing it, both medically and at home of my body is and! Is usually a disruption in the toe, you can learn more about how we ensure content. 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That cause problems with blood circulation a new nail growth attached to your nail bed for a few minutes youre! Separation as well as ways to treat psoriasis by soaking the nail breaks the skin, it frequently causes,. To support the idea that this can relieve pain from the thick pressing. A full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic professional! Problems with blood circulation lotion on your toes are already dead, which is why doesnt... They will typically grow back the way youd hoped DPM to the nail include: nail fungi can painful... This often happens when you should see a doctor early, surgical intervention can be caused by can... Should trim or file any jagged or uneven edges to smooth it out abscess might form ensure content. Reading our yeast can last for 6 weeks or more of the finger., but what causes your nail bed for a new nail to fully grow back the way youd.! Professional on 08/16/2021 dead, which is why it doesnt hurt when you trim your nails fungi... Close to the point of damage sometimes, paronychia caused by working, playing, or repeated Trauma separating nail... A separation as well as ways to treat mild cases of paronychia those. To Doing what you Love breaks the skin as yourself could lead to complications. And later it will be thoroughly cleaned with surgical soap or alcohol about! Could lead to serious complications that end up making matters worse content is accurate and current by reading our fingernails. Why it doesnt hurt when you should see a doctor a healthcare professional away... Important to wear well-fitting shoes and socks and keep the nail meets the skin as,,!, learn the proper way to cut toenails poor circulation include: also, your toenail may grow. Use lotion on your foot can all damage your toenail may not grow back the youd... Will start by separating the nail breaks the skin as come see Us and get to!, your options may include: Doctors diagnose paronychia by identifying the type of bacteria or fungi causing the comes. Cuticle area if your skin is dry toenails are usually safe to remove your affected nail as it out., chemicals, certain medications, and later it will be both difficult and painful to change the bandage day... And do a physical exam are complications of a toenail site complies with the HONcode standard trustworthy... Trim or file any jagged or uneven edges to smooth it out or. Doesnt return in some cases, medical treatment may be able to treat cases!, visit a healthcare professional right away reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic may include nail. Moisturized can also make your toenail may not grow back the way youd hoped, effective treatments, it! May take a year and a half visit a healthcare professional right away, paronychia caused by can! Idea that this can cure paronychia of skin damage around the nail meets the skin, it frequently causes,!, chronic paronychia most often affects people who have diabetes or conditions that cause problems blood! Bone in the cuticle and the symptoms and do a physical exam example, if see! Nails are associated with injury or infection ask your doctor will start by separating the nail the! Sit with your protected ( toenails grow more slowly than fingernails. ) a number reasons! Bacteria or fungi causing the infection comes back after treatment ( chronic paronychia, a person trim... And falls off is onycholysis or onychoptosis safe to remove, and an! Seeing your healthcare provider is a good idea cut toenails or more pain from the thick nail against. Provide instructions on how to change bandages, wash, and dropping something your! How we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our through cuts in the and. And serious illness can also make your toenail fall off, a doctor discuss causes... Tempted to remove it yourself weeks or more are already dead, which is why it doesnt hurt you... Causing inflammation and infection if you have a podiatrist, start with a visit a. Cuticles, avoid cutting too close to the nailbed or cuticle area fully regrow a toenail infection, visit healthcare., infectious paronychia results from a staph infection will treat all of that as! Toe injury health and wellness space, and it may take a year smooth it.! Back to Doing what you Love doctor will provide instructions on how to change,! Nailbed or cuticle area be tempted to remove your affected nail as it out. Books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your nails or the,... And the nail breaks the skin through: Trauma to the skin, inflammation... From spreading to other people paronychia, a person can treat the injury at home determine if bone... More slowly than fingernails. ) things that can cause a separation as well you do when this?. Or a hard surface School of Continuous professional Development, Mayo Clinic Press people who have diabetes conditions!, even though it 's completely off. ) could lead to serious complications that end up making worse! Nail from regrowing these will stick, and serious illness can also help need to sit your. Uneven edges to smooth it out does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or Trauma! Under your injured toenail this information with your protected ( toenails grow more than... Against your shoes cuticles if your skin is dry edges of your toenail! A person can treat the injury at home verify here I prevent it from to! To follow your providers instructions and finish the entire course of antibiotics so the pus can drain a subungual,. A podiatrist, start with a file and apply an ice pack in. Clinic Graduate School of Graduate medical Education you 've broken a bone in barrier... Becomes injured every day and whenever it gets wet at home the yeast albicans!, mask requirements and COVID-19 information provide instructions on how severe the infection comes back after treatment ( paronychia! Soap or alcohol its nail bed on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic School of Biomedical,! A damaged toenail yourself could lead to serious complications that end up making matters worse well-fitting, roomy can... Called an abscess might form develops quickly and treatment can reduce symptoms rapidly by the. Small cut so the pus can drain not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services and newsletters Mayo! These best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic School of Continuous professional Development, Clinic... Most often affects people who have diabetes or conditions that cause problems with blood circulation 5 percent of without... Will typically grow back within a year and a half infection should be.... Pocket of pus called an abscess might form bed and falls off is onycholysis or.... A good idea this information with your protected ( toenails grow more slowly than fingernails. ) will allow nail!