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Suggest Treatment For Blue Discoloration On The Toe Nails

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Posted on Fri, 28 Apr 2017
Question: I have dropped a gallon of paint on my big toe. I know it is not broken, but my toe nail has turned blue and the cuticle is black. What should I do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
ice and elevation

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

The best thing to do is to visit your primary care physician for assessment. If you don't intend to do that then the following information may be helpful.
I can't say whether it's broken or not (only an X-ray may provide conclusive information) but the general care of your injury requires cleansing (iodine solution or chlorhexidine should be OK), ice application and elevation of the foot (and leg). The ice should not be applied directly on the injured area. A towel between the ice and the skin will protect your tissues from freezing. The ice should be applied regularly (every 2 hours for the first day). Let the ice on the area for 15-20 minutes each time.

The nail may fell if (as it seems in the photo) the base of the nail is severely injured) and a new nail will probably grow. If the swelling gets worse or the pain is too intense (or gets worse) you should visit a doctor for assessment.

Kind Regards!
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Blue Discoloration On The Toe Nails

Brief Answer: ice and elevation Detailed Answer: Hello, The best thing to do is to visit your primary care physician for assessment. If you don't intend to do that then the following information may be helpful. I can't say whether it's broken or not (only an X-ray may provide conclusive information) but the general care of your injury requires cleansing (iodine solution or chlorhexidine should be OK), ice application and elevation of the foot (and leg). The ice should not be applied directly on the injured area. A towel between the ice and the skin will protect your tissues from freezing. The ice should be applied regularly (every 2 hours for the first day). Let the ice on the area for 15-20 minutes each time. The nail may fell if (as it seems in the photo) the base of the nail is severely injured) and a new nail will probably grow. If the swelling gets worse or the pain is too intense (or gets worse) you should visit a doctor for assessment. Kind Regards!