Big Toe nail Pull up on free side and left side - Nail Problems Message Board

tooler · 09-20-2006, 06:50 PM

I had the Big Toe Nail on my left foot pulled up, it was caught on the bottom of friends shoe and pulled up. The one side has been pulled straight off so that the "left hand corner" has been pulled up and about 25% of the "white" bit if nail has been pulled up as well. the other 75% of the White bit is still good...I think and the Right hand side seems to be attached still.

I've been soaking it day and night with antiseptic,then during the day I have it bandaged with tons of antibiotic cream. After I soak it at night I leave the bandage off to dry out a bit as the skin is taking a beating. It is still "weeping" on the ripped side though which worries me that an infection could get in there, how long until it drys out?

Since the injury I haven't really done my exercise but I am an avid cycler and swimmer what would your suggestions be regarding exercise and pools?

The nail bed was much too sore to wear shoes until the last day or 2 ( injury was 5 days ago)

Marti · 09-21-2006, 06:44 PM

What you are doing by soaking, applying the cream and bandaging it is Mascerating the wound. In other words, what you are doing is actually keeping the wound 'wet' and not allowing it to dry out. Cut away as much of the separated nail plate as possible without causing yourself further injury. Apply Tea Tree oil twice a day, morning and night only. Tea Tree oil is a natural antisceptic and will dry out the area, allowing it to heal without allowing bacteria to set up housekeeping and turn in to a full blown infection. apply only until the wound stops weeping. If wearing shoes applies too much pressure, wrap the toe and nail with clean gauze and use the gauze to tie it to the toe. Do not use too much or it will put too much downward pressure on the nail surface.