Losing a fingernail is an upsetting and frustrating experience that can make accomplishing the simplest tasks painful and difficult. In addition to causing physical discomfort throughout the fingers and hand, the sight of the exposed nail bed can also be unsettling. A number of situations can cause the nail to fall off, including fingernail trauma, fungal infections and psoriasis, as well as common accidental occurrences like snagging the nail and ripping it off. If you have lost a fingernail, you need to care for the exposed nail bed to prevent infection and ensure healthy regrowth.
Apply medication or bacteria-fighting solution to cleanse the exposed nail bed. If you see a doctor about the missing fingernail, he can prescribe an antibiotic ointment that can prevent infection. Hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter antibiotic creams can also help keep the area clean and free from infection.
Wrap the nail bed in a pressure bandage to stem the bleeding that will most likely occur. Bandaging the area will also help keep it clean and free from infection.
Take over-the-counter pain medications, like aspirin or acetaminophen, to minimize discomfort in your finger and hand.
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Regularly change the bandage and clean the nail bed until it heals. Gently rinsing the nail bed with water and applying infection-preventing cream will help it heal quickly and properly.
Keep the nail bed protected with gloves and a bandage until the nail fully regrows. Be aware that the area may continue to be sensitive for quite some time.
Tip
If you lose your nail in an accident, your medical care provider may want to give you a tetanus shot if it has been more than five years since you've had one.
If your fingernail is damaged, like in a sports injury, but turns black and remains intact instead of falling off, your medical care provider may want to remove it to allow a new nail to grow properly in its place. A tourniquet will be applied to the finger, then a tool will be used to fully separate the nail from the nail bed. You may receive local anesthetic. Your doctor will provide medication and dressings for the injured nail bed.
Avoid exposing your nail bed by being careful of your fingernails. Wear your nails trimmed short. Carefully tend to ingrown nails. Wear protective gloves when engaging in potentially hazardous activities, like hammering a nail or playing sports.
Warning
If the nail bed appears to be infected, contact your doctor immediately, because it can signify a serious condition. Indications of infection include swelling, redness, and discharge. Infection can complicate normal activities and spread to nearby tissue and bones, causing extreme complications.
See a doctor if your fingernail falls off for no apparent reason, because this can signal serious health issues.
References
Writer Bio
Based in northern Virginia, Rebecca Rogge has been writing since 2005. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Patrick Henry College and has experience in teaching, cleaning and home decor. Her articles reflect expertise in legal topics and a focus on education and home management.