HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Ripped Nail From Cuticle

default
Posted on Mon, 6 Oct 2014
Question: I ripped my nail off from the cuticle (where the half circle part usually is). The skin of my nail bed is now puffing up over the nail above it and it hurts quite a bit. Will this heal on it's own or should I see a doc? If it will heal, how will the spongy skin get covered back up? Does my whole nail need to be removed? I really dont want to have to go in anywhere. What should I do???
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Give it time to heal.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms XXXX,

Thank you for posting your query.

I have seen the attached picture, the nail is still attached, that means there are good chances for the nail to grow back.

The soft, spongy part is the root of the nail, and that is where the nail forms, since you pulled out the nail only 24 hours ago, there will be associated inflammation for some time.

Give it time to heal, as the top layers dry off, the new nail will start forming and that will push the part of nail that is still attached slowly.

You only need to take care to avoid infection. You can do that by applying a bandage after cleaning the wound with liquid iodine solution.

A consultation with a surgeon will also be helpful as the surgeon can prescribe you antibiotics if necessary and also pain killers.

Motrin will help reduce pain.

Keep the wound dry, do not let it get wet.

Hope this helps you.

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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Yogesh D

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 1130 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Ripped Nail From Cuticle

Brief Answer: Give it time to heal. Detailed Answer: Hello Ms XXXX, Thank you for posting your query. I have seen the attached picture, the nail is still attached, that means there are good chances for the nail to grow back. The soft, spongy part is the root of the nail, and that is where the nail forms, since you pulled out the nail only 24 hours ago, there will be associated inflammation for some time. Give it time to heal, as the top layers dry off, the new nail will start forming and that will push the part of nail that is still attached slowly. You only need to take care to avoid infection. You can do that by applying a bandage after cleaning the wound with liquid iodine solution. A consultation with a surgeon will also be helpful as the surgeon can prescribe you antibiotics if necessary and also pain killers. Motrin will help reduce pain. Keep the wound dry, do not let it get wet. Hope this helps you. Kind regards,