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Suggest Treatment For Cracked And Red Cuticles After Injury

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Posted on Wed, 18 Jan 2017
Question: I smashed my finger, just below the nail bed, over 3 weeks! It is growing out but now I notice that the nail is not growing properly at the base of the nail. It is cracked and red. There is very little pain any more. Will I lose the nail? How will it grow out?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
If has been damaged the nail growth plate then it will not grow normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

It looks like your nail its healing and has not gotten infected. So this is the good news.
The bad news its that if the trauma has damaged the nail growth plate, it will grow bad, depending on the grade of the damage. If the damage of the nail plate its just one one side, then it will be probably half black and the other part normal. I am afraid there is nothing you can do to change this and to make the nail grow normal. Sorry.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Otherwise please close and rate the answer.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (50 minutes later)
Thank you.

It is very black about 1/4 way up the nail. Does this mean it will grow in gnarled and irregular shaped?
Would I better to use some vaseline or antibiotic ointment or just leave it alone and let it grow in.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Seems like will grow normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for the follow-up question.

It looks good what you are describing. If the base of the nail is growing normal then it most probably will grow normal.

If it is red in some part, or painful in any specific area, then an antibiotic will help. Otherwise its not of any help.
Vaseline may help heal faster so you can use it but not too much so we can avoid a possible fungal infection.

Hope this helps.
Wish you happy holidays.

Regards,
Dr.Papaqako
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (4 hours later)
Thank you so much I will keep my fingers crossed!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Happy to have been of help!

Detailed Answer:
You are welcomed.

Happy to have been of help.

Please kindly don't forget to close and rate the answer.

Regards,
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1804 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Cracked And Red Cuticles After Injury

Brief Answer: If has been damaged the nail growth plate then it will not grow normal Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using HCM to post your health query. I read carefully your question and I understand your concern. It looks like your nail its healing and has not gotten infected. So this is the good news. The bad news its that if the trauma has damaged the nail growth plate, it will grow bad, depending on the grade of the damage. If the damage of the nail plate its just one one side, then it will be probably half black and the other part normal. I am afraid there is nothing you can do to change this and to make the nail grow normal. Sorry. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer. Regards, Dr. Papaqako