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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Toenail Injury, Partially Detached. Should I Get It Removed?

I hit my big toenail on a toy yesterday. When i went to clean it I pulled up on the nail to see if it was still attached. It is partially detached and hurts all the way into my nail bed. I am afraid to pull on it seeing as I don't know how far down it is detached. Should I go and have the toenail removed? Or should I clip what I can off? Will it reattach itself if I leave it alone and keep bandaids on it? I noticed clear liquid at the top of the nail but not sure if its from my toe or antibiotic ointment.
Mon, 3 Jun 2013
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
hi, thanks for your query.

As you have mentioned that your nail is only partially detached, I suggest to leave it as such. It need not be removed or clipped or bandaged. The nail grows from below upwards( from the nail matrix )and the detached nail will not reattach but grow upwards and can be clipped time to time as we normally do.

Since you have noticed a clear fluid, it is better to take a course of oral antibiotic and analgesics for pain for a week or so.

Hope this solves your query.
Feel free to ask any further query.
wish you a speedy recovery
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Toenail Injury, Partially Detached. Should I Get It Removed?

hi, thanks for your query. As you have mentioned that your nail is only partially detached, I suggest to leave it as such. It need not be removed or clipped or bandaged. The nail grows from below upwards( from the nail matrix )and the detached nail will not reattach but grow upwards and can be clipped time to time as we normally do. Since you have noticed a clear fluid, it is better to take a course of oral antibiotic and analgesics for pain for a week or so. Hope this solves your query. Feel free to ask any further query. wish you a speedy recovery