Index nail COMPLETLY torn off to the matrix - Nail Problems Message Board

theguy12 · 02-23-2008, 09:53 AM

I have a very bad problem with my nail, the whole nail has basically been torn out all the way to the matrix, which has been exposed completley which was very painful, but eventually dryed up and healed but the nail bed never grows back, my nail is a soft tissue that only grows so far. the soft tissue made the nail easy to pick at, eventually a part of the matrix was exposed again, which just like the first time healed and took the same shape as before and i have left it since. the nail looks very deformed. Iv had this problem for a few years now as i never decided to see a doctor or specialist. As a natural nail biter it does not help the problem at all. there has never been an infection of any sort, no after-effect pains since the problem just a deformity. a tiny portion of the nail plate grows on the left side of the nail but grows completly seperate from the soft tissue that grows where the nail should. please help. im so embarrased about it that its hard to even see a doctor... I did alot of research about it and I was wondering if a Nail Graft would be possible from 1 of my toe-nails to be used? is there anyway my nail can look normal again or close? any surgical procedures? ill do anything to bring a normal look

Marti · 02-23-2008, 10:19 AM

The nail plate rides forward on the nail bed upon a series or rails and grooves much like a train rides forward on its tracks. The rails are on the surface of the nail bed and the grooves are on the underside of the nail plate. When the skin of the nail bed is ripped off, it also rips off the rails. When there is no presence of 'rails', there is nothing to bind the nail plate to the underlying tissue.

You might be able to graft a toenail over the damaged nail, but the root of the nail would also have to be removed along with the surface of the nail bed. This would have to be grafted onto the end of your finger and deep under the skin toward the knuckle. The toe the nail was removed from would never grow another nail plate. You would have to see a cosmetic surgeon to see about having this procedure performed, but it is VERY expensive and not covered by insurance since it is considered cosmetic. It is a new procedure, so I cannot say what your end results might be.

theguy12 · 02-23-2008, 02:24 PM

so theres a possibility with cosmetic surgery and the nail grafting? id be willing to risk the whole toe nail for this, no questions asked. is there any possiblility that theres NOTHING that can be done because of the damage and the fact that the nail never grows back, just the hard type skin? i can ensure you the matrix was never really damaged, just exposed(which is bad enough)...also how much would the whole procedure cost around, estimating?

PS.

THank you for replying, your time and knowledge is much appreciated, i see all the post you do and people you help and i would like to thank you for that.

Marti · 02-24-2008, 07:55 AM

I would have no idea how much this would cost. The matrix is the portion of the nail unit that developes the nail plate cells. If the nail plate was ripped off the nail bed up to and including the leading edge of the matrix, then the matrix was damaged enough to prevent the production of all the layers of nail plate. The nail plate is comprised of three main layers. The leading edge, which is called the lunula and is the white half-moon at the base of the nail, produces the layer of nail plate cells that is firmly attached to the nail bed. The deepest portion, which is deep under the tissue toward the knuckle, creates the portion that you can touch as the nail plate surface. The central portion creates the middle section of the nail plate.

Whenever the matrix receives any type of trauma, the result can be seen in the nail plate, sometimes permanently, sometimes not. In your case, you ripped off the surface of the nail bed (the rails) and ripped up th eleading edge of the matrix. The resulting damage is permanent. The 'hard skin' you are seeing is a very thin layer of nail plate that is growing from the matrix, but is unable to firmly attach to the nail bed.

theguy12 · 02-24-2008, 09:53 AM

ya the Damage dosent look like it can be reversed...my only hope is the nail grafting i guess, which i have been reading about for a while now.. and if that was possible they would have to remove the hard skin. I have 1 more question. what would happen if i just kept letting it grow?