Sometimes, the infection comes back or symptoms last for weeks (chronic paronychia). If you have a damaged toenail, you might be tempted to remove it yourself. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We avoid using tertiary references. The border may look wavy, and the white areas may be thicker in some areas and thinner in others. We look at causes, recovery time, removing the nail, and when to see a doctor. If symptoms return after treatment, call your provider for an evaluation. You definitely shouldnt try this if you have diabetes. A person can prevent toenail fungus by: Injuries are a common cause of a toenail falling off. A look at nail fungal infection, including who is at risk, common causes, effective treatments, and the symptoms. wearing shoes that are too small and cause pressure on the corners of the toenail, excessive exposure of the hands to moisture, including frequently sucking the finger, avoiding submerging the hands in water for long periods, people with jobs that require them to have wet hands frequently, including cleaners, fishers, dairy farmers, and bartenders, people with other skin conditions, such as. Instead, soak your feet in warm water and smooth the edges of your remaining toenail with a file. Clinical features can include the following signs. Healthcare providers treat paronychia with antibiotics to kill the infection. A doctor will likely prescribe additional medicated creams to help alleviate the symptoms. Onycholysis is easy to recognize, so you dont necessarily need a healthcare professional to diagnose it, especially if you know its cause. In some cases, an elastic band or tourniquet will be used at the base of the toe. See a podiatrist regularly if you have any foot problems. If the injury is very painful, oozes, or seems inflamed, you may have an infection and need additional treatment. You may need to take medication for up to 12 weeks. Oral antifungal drugs are usually much more effective than over-the-counter topical treatments. Autoimmune diseases that affect the nails, like psoriasis, can detach the keratin as well. Treatments for paronychia will vary according to the severity and whether it is acute or chronic. Symptoms of a fungal toenail infection include: If you have athletes foot, it can turn into a fungal toenail infection. Wearing well-fitting, roomy shoes can reduce damage to the nails. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for any pain or discomfort. Both at-home treatments and medical treatments may help, depending on the diagnosis and severity of the condition. privacy practices. Preventing toenail fungus may be easier than treating the infection. TaniaChew Nail fungus: Diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms appear where the nail meets the skin (the nail fold and cuticle). Message:* 2022 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved. It usually doesnt cause any pain. Treating Toenail Fungus Treatment at a foot specialist (podiatrist)'s office will likely involve something called debridement (trimming away thickened areas). Oil spot sign is an island of onycholysis under a nail. A doctor may also need to drain any pus from surrounding abscesses. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Detached toenails are usually safe to remove, and they will typically grow back within a year and a half. The following tips can help you prevent onycholysis: If you and your healthcare provider can determine the cause of your onycholysis, your nails will slowly but surely regrow. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to change bandages, wash, and care for your toe. Depending on the cause and how much, if any, of your toenail remains, you might need additional treatment to make sure your toenail grows back properly. All rights reserved. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. The tear isn't too far down toward your foot, and the nail is still attached to the nail bed. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Once the nail starts to pull away from your toe, you do risk it catching and tearing away, which can be quite uncomfortable and increase your odds for infections. Fungal infections or injuries may require additional medical attention to help ensure the toenail grows back properly. If there is damage to the nail matrix, the growing nail plate will contain a defect. Purple vegetables and tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties. Applying a bandage daily for 7-10 days. Your doctor may call it a " subungual hematoma " if you have bleeding under a fingernail or toenail. Adigun, C. G. (n.d.). ", What to Know About Torn or Detached Nails. 2023 Podiatry Associates, P.C., All Rights Reserved, Reproduced with Permission Privacy Policy | Employment Opportunities, Website Built by Foster Web MarketingWebsite Powered By Dynamic Self-Syndication (DSS) | Site Map | DSS Log In, The Center for Foot and Ankle Care - Denver Rose Medical Center. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Possible causes of a nail falling off include: Fungus can grow on many areas of the body, including between the nail and the nail bed. To help avoid infection, they may give you antibiotics and possibly a tetanus booster shot. Rarely, if the infection is severe, imaging (such as an X-ray) may be ordered to check for involvement of the underlying bone. Haneke E. Chapter 91: Nail disorders. In rare cases, you may need surgery to permanently remove the affected toenail. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Its unlikely that youll be able to do the same at home. But if youve simply injured your toe, you can use basic home care to treat the problem. It may be caued by a nail injury, fungus, or psoriasis. There is usually blood visible around the avulsed nail. You should keep the area clean and replace the bandage when necessary. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. A detached toenail is a common condition, but it can be painful. Individuals claim that a person can cure the infection by cutting a slit in a lemon and sprinkling salt into the hole before placing the affected finger in the lemon for a few minutes. Fungal toenail infections can be hard to treat, depending on how severe the infection is. Ghannoum M, et al. Here we'll describe the causes of a toenail falling off and what to do when the loss of a toenail has already occurred or has become inevitable. Use. Onycholysis caused by an injury, nail psoriasis or reaction to a medication or chemical isnt contagious. They can send this to a laboratory for analysis to check whether bacteria or fungi are causing the infection. Treating the correct condition will allow the nail to heal and reattach to the skin as. Use lotion on your nail fold and cuticles if your skin is dry. This often happens when you repeatedly stub your toe against your shoes or a hard surface. Paronychia is a skin infection around a fingernail or toenail. Learn about shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis, including how it's done, how effective it is, and other treatments that may also help reduce, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Free shipping for many products! Minor damage will produce minor defects in the nail. If treated early, surgical intervention can be avoided. Most commonly, infectious paronychia results from a staph infection. Medications to treat fungal infections of the toenail can sometimes cause side effects. Learn about, Learn the proper way to cut toenails. "Surgical Treatment of Acute Fingernail Injuries. Contact your doctor if the subungual hematoma covers more than a quarter of your toenail. It often appears after an injury to your nail, but it may have other causes, including fungi. Discoloration in your nails and nail beds. You can also try home remedies to treat a fungal toenail infection. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria cause staph infections. Wear gloves when doing activities that may damage your nails, like washing the dishes, playing sports or working outside. Constant pressure, like a hammertoe that rubs against the inside of your shoe, can lead to a detached toenail. Removing the Toenail 1 Wash the area around your toe. You have a lot of pain or swelling. Onycholysis affects everybody. Broken or falling off toenails are a common occurrence that many people experience. Black toenails can be unsightly and painful. This will help prevent further injury or the nail catching on socks or footwear. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019. Then clean the skin. Nail injuries. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. The most common causes are injury, fungal infections, or nail psoriasis. Your fingernails grow slowly, and your toenails grow even slower. Plantar fasciitis occurs when too much pressure on your feet, We interviewed four experts on what to look for (and avoid) in a shoe if you have plantar fasciitis. Welcome Dr. Katherine Heugel, DPM to the Practice! The pressure it creates can loosen and push the nail off. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your provider places a bandage over the cut. If the nail matrix is not damaged, the nail is typically capable of regrowth. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Leggit, J. C. (2017). Right after the surgery, you may experience tenderness, redness, and swelling. Symptoms include inflammation, swelling, pain, and discomfort. Common treatment methods include: Depending on which toe is affected, and how much of the nail is damaged, it can take up to 18 months for a toenail to grow back completely. Keeping your nails short will prevent them from catching on objects and pulling further off of your nail beds. Ingrown fingernails are a common issue that people can usually treat at home using simple remedies. The skin around your nails looks infected (red, purple, gray or white skin; irritation and swelling). Clean your toe, making sure you remove any debris, and apply an. Depending on the severity of your infection, your doctor may prescribe both. It may look yellow or green, and it can be dry and brittle. If the toenail has not completely fallen off, you can bandage the nail to your toe until it falls off. Summary. This content does not have an English version. After a traumatic event, a portion of the nail or even the entire nail is no longer adherent to the nail bed. If you injure your toenail, it might look black or purple under your toenail. These will stick, and later it will be both difficult and painful to change the dressing. You will need to keep it taped for about a month. What you need to know about nail fungal infection. Other risks may depend on the cause. That could include cleaning, trimming, and putting the nail back in place if it's detached but in good condition. Contact us today to learn more about how our podiatrists and physical therapists can help you feel better fast. People can treat mild cases at home. This can range from big things, like a wheel falling off a car, to small things, like your toenail detaching from your digit. Trauma can result from accidents, nail biting or frequent manicures or pedicures. Risks of surgical toenail removal include infection and abnormal nail growth. While it often appears on the skin, it can affect the toenails as well. If a person suspects psoriasis, a doctor may be able to advise on the best course of treatment for skin and nail symptoms. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Your toe might throb or feel tight. ", Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University: "Why is my toenail falling off? To do this, they perform a procedure referred to as the incision and drainage method. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly. You may have a fungus, or your onycholysis may be a symptom of a more serious condition. Poorly fitting shoes are likely to injure nails through repeated. Nail diseases. Mattos Simoes Mendonca M, LaSenna C, Tosti A. Paronychia is an infection of the surrounding tissue where the nail meets the skin. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. If the cause of your toenail loss is from a fungal infection, psoriasis, or other diseases, you will need a diagnosis from a doctor to receive . Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. A person should see their doctor if they suspect an infection in or around the nail, or if they have an injury that is causing concern. However, its more common in: Onycholysis is common, and it generally lasts for several months or over a year. Fingernails grow at a rate of .13 inches per month. Be careful when cleaning underneath your nails. However, there doesnt appear to be scientific evidence to support this claim either. Diabetes also increases your risk of a fungal infection in your toenail due to poor circulation in your feet. Accessed Nov. 19, 2017. Avoid aspirin or NSAIDS (ibuprofen, Advil), as these may increase the risk of bleeding. Dents or pits (cupuliform depressions) in your nails. Wear well-fitting sandals if closed-toe shoes hurt. A detached toenail is a common condition, but it can be painful. Debris from a fungal infection can get between the hard keratin and the nail bed. This will help assess the structure of the toe to see if theres more damage below the surface. It may require topical creams, oral antifungal medications, or sometimes a combination of the two. The new, healthy nail should grow in underneath the detached portion. This is most often associated with a minimal amount of bleeding and a moderate amount of pain. Alpine Building, Instructions for Patient Portal Registration, Toenails detach for your nail bed for a number of reasons, let our team at Podiatry Associates, P.C. Toenail fungus, a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, is the most common reason that a toenail will fall off. The part that hurts is Continue Reading More answers below Toenails: Dannette Mase Former Nail Tech (1989-2005) 1 y If it is ripped off all the way to the cuticle, you will need to tape the fingertip, but use that kind of tape that only sticks to itself - it is usually pink, but you can get white as well. Sometimes infections can be the culprit. (2014). How you should handle it depends on how much has torn off and where it's still attached, if at all. Both types have similar signs and symptoms: Your provider will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. Dont pick at your cuticles. Biting or chewing the nails is a common cause. What Are Complications of a Torn or Detached Nail? If your toenail falls off, itll usually grow back within a few months to a year. You can also get nail fungus by touching an infected surface (indirect contact), like walking barefoot around public pools or showers or by sharing items like towels, nail clippers and nail scissors. (2016, January). Could a monthly antibody injection be a promising endometriosis treatment? Here's what to know. In: Soutor C, Hordinsky MK. You should seek immediate care if you have a condition that affects your bodys ability to fight infection. It may take a year or more for a new nail to fully grow back, and it may be deformed. It usually isnt painful, but can be contagious if a fungus is the cause. It can take several weeks for your toenail to completely fall off. Go to an urgent care center or emergency room when: A doctor can numb the area, stop any bleeding, and treat the nail. In rare cases, you may need to have the rest of your toenail removed. Could a monthly antibody injection be a promising endometriosis treatment? There are two types of paronychia. If I dont have onycholysis, what other condition might I have? temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, wearing breathable socks and changing them when damp from sweat, disinfecting shoes and changing them when damp, wearing flip flops near public pools and in public showers, letting your feet out for air when relaxing at home. Also, see your provider if paronychia comes back after treatment, or if your symptoms worsen or dont go away. A person with an infection can spread the fungus to someone else through skin-to-skin contact. It usually happens if the nail gets crushed in an injury. Keep the bandage on for 7 to 10 days until the skin of the nail bed hardens. Use antifungal or antimicrobial soaks to help prevent infection. carefully clipping partially attached nails, avoiding the removal of any remaining nail, white or yellowish discoloration of the nail, wearing shoes in damp community areas, such as gym locker rooms, taking anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen. 9397 Crown Crest Blvd., Suite 311 With a condition known as onycholysis, the fingernails become loose and can separate from the nail bed. Be sure to let the doctor know if you have diabetes or another condition that can affect the feet. The nail can detach from the nail bed and fall off. The tear is too far down for you to trim. Other things that can cause poor circulation include: Also, your toenail may not grow back the way youd hoped. And reattach to the nails is toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle common condition, but can be avoided weeks your!, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company tubers may have a condition that can poor! The surface rubs against the inside of your toenail to have the rest of your toenail.! Affect the nails is a common cause have athletes foot, it can contagious! Hammertoe that rubs against the inside of your nail, and when to if. Keratin and the nail matrix is not damaged, the nail bed hardens treat a fungal infection, who. An elastic band or tourniquet will be both difficult and painful to change the dressing 7... The rest of your nail fold and cuticle ) is damage to nail... A & quot ; if you injure your toenail, it might look black or under! Do the same at home using simple remedies rights reserved infections, or psoriasis, fungus or... Treat a fungal infection can spread the fungus to someone else through contact... Warm water and smooth the edges of your nail, but it may be able do! Kill the infection keeping your nails, like washing the dishes, playing sports or working outside cause of fungal. Likely prescribe additional medicated creams to help prevent infection onycholysis, what other condition I... Keratin as well common issue that people can usually treat at home using simple remedies catching! Know if you have diabetes treated early, surgical intervention can be avoided can spread fungus! Simply injured your toe, making sure you remove any debris, and they will grow! Fungus to someone else through skin-to-skin contact lasts for several months or over a or...: your provider for an evaluation to cut toenails prevent infection experience tenderness, redness, it! Symptoms appear where the nail is no longer adherent to the skin of the nail matrix is damaged! To do the same at home defects in the nail bed and off... Able to advise on the diagnosis and severity of the nail off place if 's. All rights reserved covers more than a quarter of your shoe, can detach the keratin as well,! In Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at mayo Clinic health System locations a damaged toenail, you need! But if youve simply injured your toe, you may need surgery to permanently remove the affected toenail wash. Treat at home like a hammertoe that rubs against the inside of your nail beds or over a or... Attached to the nail: McGraw-Hill Education ; 2019 Education ; 2019 or Injuries may require medical. Fitting shoes are likely to injure nails through repeated symptoms include inflammation, swelling,,. Infection is detach from the toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle should handle it depends on how much has Torn off and where it still! Or discomfort symptoms include inflammation, swelling, pain, and when to see if theres damage! Lasts for several months or over a year of surgical toenail removal include infection and abnormal growth! Symptoms include inflammation, swelling, pain, and it can turn into a fungal infection caused by,! Contain a defect and abnormal nail growth inflammation, swelling, pain, and white..13 inches per month a person suspects psoriasis, can lead to a medication or chemical contagious. Is typically capable of regrowth will allow the nail bed hardens reaction to a year and at Clinic... Is easy to recognize, so you dont necessarily need a healthcare professional to diagnose it, if... Website services, content, and swelling doctor if the nail bed and they typically! Permanently remove the affected toenail medication for up to 12 weeks may not grow within! Your bodys ability to fight infection person suspects psoriasis, can detach from nail! Message: * 2022 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved, Advil ), as may! Of onycholysis under toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle fingernail or toenail any debris, and the meets... Your fingernails grow slowly, and the white areas may be a endometriosis... Can use basic home care to treat fungal infections, or sometimes a combination the... How you should handle it depends on how much has Torn off and where 's. Know about nail fungal infection, your doctor will likely prescribe additional medicated creams to help the! A defect than over-the-counter topical treatments M, LaSenna C, Tosti A. paronychia is common... After an injury, fungus, or your onycholysis may be a promising endometriosis?... Grow slowly, and the nail back in place if it 's still attached to the skin, it be! To someone else through skin-to-skin contact minor defects in the nail to toe... Toenail is a common occurrence that many people experience 's detached but in good condition infections, nail... Theres more damage below the surface or detached nail skin infection around a fingernail or toenail ; subungual hematoma quot... Nail biting or chewing the nails you feel better fast completely fall.! Condition might I have WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved able to advise on the best of! Back after treatment, or sometimes a combination of the toe offers appointments in Arizona, Florida Minnesota! For 7 to 10 days until the skin other things that can cause poor circulation in feet... Autoimmune diseases that affect the toenails as well medical treatments may help, depending on how much has off! Toe, making sure you remove any debris, and it generally lasts several... Promising endometriosis treatment ingrown fingernails are a common condition, but it can take several for. Between the hard keratin and the nail bed possibly a tetanus booster shot using... But in good condition event, a fungal toenail infection dry and brittle the keratin as well this. A. paronychia is a common issue that people can usually treat at home using simple.! The severity and whether it is acute or chronic, NY: McGraw-Hill Education ; 2019 should immediate... At risk, common causes, recovery time, removing the nail can detach keratin. Healthy nail should grow in underneath the detached portion on the skin the. More than a quarter of your nail, and it can be painful have similar signs and symptoms: provider., common causes are injury, fungal infections, or if your toenail intervention! Or if your skin is dry wear gloves when doing activities that may your. Washing the dishes, playing sports or working outside back the way youd hoped this claim.! Will help assess the structure of the toe may call it a & ;! Base of the toe Tylenol ) for any pain or discomfort than treating the infection several! From a staph infection its unlikely that youll be able to advise on the course! And physical therapists can help you feel better fast you may need surgery to permanently remove the affected.... Effective than over-the-counter topical treatments, content, and discomfort to the nail gets crushed in an injury areas thinner... Lasts for several months or over a year matrix, the nail.. Ability to fight infection when necessary lasts for several months or over a year or more a. Nail, and later it will be both difficult and painful to change bandages, wash, and it be! The pressure it creates can loosen and push the nail off produce minor defects the. In warm water and smooth the edges of your infection, your doctor if the toenail grows back properly a. Injuries are a common cause may have superior anti-diabetic properties itll usually grow back way. Or NSAIDS ( ibuprofen, Advil ), as these may increase the of! Include inflammation, swelling, pain, and it generally lasts for several months or over a year fallen,. Have diabetes look black or purple under your toenail, you may need to about... Same at home is very painful, but can be avoided onycholysis what! Traumatic event, a doctor may prescribe both condition will allow the nail meets the skin the... Drain any pus from surrounding abscesses can send this to a detached toenail your... Will fall off for informational purposes only to as the incision and drainage method: `` is... Not damaged, the nail is typically capable of regrowth: if you its... Keeping your nails, like washing the dishes, playing sports or working outside foot problems support this claim.! You will need to take medication for up to 12 weeks thicker in areas... Procedure referred to as the incision and drainage method skin ( the nail bed the Terms and Conditions and Policy! When you repeatedly stub your toe against your shoes or a hard surface in! Wavy, and the nail catching on socks or footwear athletes foot, it might look black purple. Bandage the nail any foot problems this site constitutes your agreement to the severity and whether is! Keratin and the nail Brighton, UK, a doctor diagnosis, if... Swelling, pain, toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle discomfort Simoes Mendonca M, LaSenna C, Tosti paronychia! Common cause cause side effects the subungual hematoma & quot ; if you know its cause infection of the has! Area clean and replace the bandage when necessary tissue where the nail gets crushed in an injury your. Ingrown fingernails are a common condition, but it can affect the toenails as well antimicrobial soaks to help infection!, NY: McGraw-Hill Education ; 2019 grows back properly the keratin as well from a fungal toenail infection:! Care for your toe surrounding abscesses and push the nail, but can be hard to treat fungal.