Toenail Replacement Question... - Nail Problems Message Board

TMCinDC · 07-27-2007, 11:15 PM

Hi,

I just found your message boards and have found the information to be very informative. I do, however, have a question that I haven't seen answered...so here goes...

A while back, my large toe was traumatized by an injury. I have no doubt that I will loose the nail, but to date, it has not fallen off. I have kept it quite clean and taped up so that it would not catch on any clothing and get ripped off.

From what I have read, I can expect it to take up to 1 year for it to completely grow back. My question is this...how long can I expect the old, damaged nail to "hang on" if you will while it is only connected at the cuticle? Should I leave it like this and let nature take its course, or should I remove it and let the nail replacement happen? At this time, it is not creating any discomfort but is only more of an inconvenience...

Thanks in advance for your response.....

TMCinDC

Marti · 07-30-2007, 06:48 PM

It might be better to have the lifted portion of the nail cut off rather than to keep a bandaid on it everyday. Bandaids can allow excess moisture to build up in teh skin and underneath the lifted portion of nail plate. It is also easier for bacteria to get into the space between the nail plate and the nail bed and since they just love moisture, they can turn into a full-blown infection. Cut away the lifted portion as far back as you can, or have your doctor do it for you. The nail plate will grow back in from the matrix and push the remaining damaged portion off the free edge. Depending on your genetics, this can take anywhere from 6-10 months.