Broken Toenail - Nail Problems Message Board

centerstage211 · 12-11-2006, 12:17 AM

My big toenail was jammed into a moving fixture at work which bent the front third of my toenail back. I cut the bent part off so now it's just like two thirds of my toenail and the top part, like where you would trim your nails normally, is ripped off and it was bleeding for a while. I wasn't sure what to do with it, so I've just been putting neosporin and a bandage over it, but I still can't wear normal shoes because the top part is like a raw open wound and hurts when it's touched, even the bandage kinda hurts. I teach dance classes for a living and am taking a break right now, but will return in early January. will I be able to wear my pointe shoes by then, or will my toenail not be grown back by then.
I guess what I'm asking is am I treating it right? and how long will it take to heal?
thanks!

Marti · 12-15-2006, 10:00 AM

If there is no apparent infection, continuing to apply the ointment will simply mascerate the skin, making it worse instead of better. What you want to happen is for the exposed nail bed to 'dry out'. You might try applying a drop of alcohol to the area to dry it out. If it burns too much, then simply allow it to be exposed to the air. Do not use a bandaid or any type of tape to wrap it with. You can wrap the toes with gauze and use part of the gauze to tie it to your foot/toes if you are in an area where it could become exposed to bacteria. You can also use a bacterial spray that will not mascerate the wound if you are concerned about infection.

I don't think you will be wearing any type of shoe by January, much less weating dancing shoes. If you are wearing closed-toe shoes now, you might want to consider weating an open toe sandal with a pair of white cotton socks on that foot.

centerstage211 · 12-15-2006, 09:21 PM

THANKS! I had read around on this page some more after posting this and found out not to keep it wrapped up. I still have to for work, because I have to wear close toed shoes but I've been wearing sandals as much as possible and it's drying up and feeling much better! Thanks for your advice!