Nail Loss - Nail Problems Message Board

connor45 · 03-13-2008, 01:22 PM

A drawer fell on the large toe of my right foot about 5 weeks ago. It was swollen around the base of the toe and seem to have gathered inflamation. There was a small area of darkness under the nail indicating the presence of blood under the nail. Last week the entire nail fell out. Now I am worried if it will ever grow back. Is there a possibility that it will not grow?

Marti · 03-14-2008, 06:16 AM

It depends entirely on how badly you damaged the matrix. The matrix will continue to produce nail plate cells; however, you will not know the extent of the damage until a new nail begins to grow. It may grow in damaged permanently or temporarily. The first part that begins to grow out will definately be damaged, but as the matrix heals, it may return to a more normal state. Toe nails take forever to replace themselves from cuticle to free edge, so this can take anywhere from 6 months to a year depending on your genetics for nail growth.