Cuticle pushed back, bottom of nail showing. Eeeek! - Nail Problems Message Board

lauracarlee · 09-30-2008, 03:45 PM

So, due to an unfortunate incident with the bottom of a door this morning, the cuticle of my thumb nail was pushed all the way back and the bottom of my nail is showing. It feels kind of wiggly and unattached... but the rest of my nail is fine. Is this what is meant by "complete removal of the nail matrix"?! Which, I've gathered from my research, is the only time the nail doesn't grow back at all?! Or is my matrix OK?

Hysterically yours,
Laura

Marti · 10-03-2008, 06:15 AM

Don't really know what you mean by the "bottom" of the nail - are you talking about the portion at the base of the nail where it touches the cuticle, or the distal edge?

lauracarlee · 10-04-2008, 12:29 AM

Well, the part under the cuticle. That is to say, it used to be under the cuticle. Now the cuticle is scraped away, so that I can see the other end of the nail. The end you don't usually see.

So far my fingernail is still attached, though, which is making me happy.

Marti · 10-05-2008, 07:26 AM

Okay, if I am correct, you didn't pull the nail loose, you just cut the cuticle. Treat it as a cut; keep it clean with peroxide and apply antibacterial ointment for the first couple of days until the pain goes away. Keep it wrapped with gauze (no bandaids) while you are working to prevent further injury. Once the cut has healed, it should be fine. As long as the root is intact, the nail will continue to grow.

lauracarlee · 10-05-2008, 10:49 AM

Okay, that's cool. Thank you!