how to care for a large toenail accidentally ripped off - Nail Problems Message Board

Mary9967 · 05-19-2009, 09:41 PM

I hit my big toenail and it almost completely detached except at the bed/cuticle; however, on one side it looks like skin was ripped from under the nail. The nail is still attached at the bed near the cuticle but the nail is sticking up. I soaked it in salt water, then applied antibacterial ointment and a bandage. My question is should I cut the nail off? I tried but needless to say, its pretty painful just to press on the nail to push it down. The other question has to do with the extra skin at the bed of the toenail - this was my right foot big toenail and the skin is on the left side at the bed of the toenail.

Marti · 05-26-2009, 06:30 AM

Keep it clean and dry and wrap it with plain gauze so it can 'breathe'. Bandaids will allow excess moisture to build up and this is the perfect breeding ground for a fungus or yeast infection to set in. Do not cut the lifted portion off, not only becauseit is too painful, but because it will protect the delicate underlying tissues until they heal.