How to Treat a Smashed Nail

The car door slams, followed immediately by the howling wail of a child. Or you slam the hammer down enthusiastically, only to have it land smack on your thumb. Smashed nails are among the most common injuries, and most can be treated at home with basic first-aid skills.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Ice pack
• Paper clip
• Antibiotic ointment
• Pain reliever

Treating the Nail

1. Examine the smashed nail to determine the extent of the damage. See the warning signs below for when to see a doctor.
2. Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling. If the injury needs medical attention, keep the ice pack in place until you get to a doctor.
3. Try to move the finger, or have the injured person move it. If the finger will not move or bend, see a doctor.
4. Examine the finger to see if blood is pooling under the nail. If blood under the nail covers more than one-third of the nail’s surface, call your doctor.
5. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain if needed.
6. Call your healthcare provider if pain becomes excessive.

Relieve Pressure Beneath the Nail

7. Wash the finger or toe carefully and apply antibiotic ointment.
8. Heat the end of bent paper clip in an open flame until it is red hot. You can use a pair of pliers to hold the clip while heating it.
9. Carefully touch the tip of the paper clip to the nail above the blood.
10. Do not apply pressure. The heat will burn a hole through the nail and allow the blood to drain.

Tips & Warnings

• See a doctor immediately if the finger seems deformed or if the injury is not limited to the tip of the finger.
• Do not splint a smashed finger unless your doctor tells you to. This could cause permanent damage.