The nail can detach from the nail bed and fall off. Heres how to tell them apart. We look at causes, recovery time, removing the nail, and when to see a doctor. ", Montreal Children's Hospital: "Finger and Toe Injuries. Home remedies include soaking in warm water and applying lemon and salt. Your doctor can help you do this if youre not comfortable doing it on your own. Nails also can be accidentally torn or split, or a splinter can get under the nail. Last medically reviewed on December 16, 2021. Diabetes also increases your risk of a fungal infection in your toenail due to poor circulation in your feet. After a traumatic event, a portion of the nail or even the entire nail is no longer adherent to the nail bed. privacy practices. If there seems to be significant damage to areas around the nail, then a visit to a physician may be necessary. The Skin and Nails. If you aren't comfortable tending to the nail yourself or think the damage is serious, call your doctor or a podiatrist. If only part of a toenail has fallen off, it is essential to leave the remaining part of the nail in place. If only part of your toenail has fallen off, dont try to remove the rest of it. 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. So, technically, the nails on your toes are already dead, which is why it doesn't hurt when you trim your. This can also make them more likely to crack, allowing fungus to enter your nail bed. Learn about home remedies that may help treat toenail fungus, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. If we combine this information with your protected Your doctor can determine if you may benefit from other treatments or partial removal of the nail. If you have a mold allergy or chronic lung condition, youre at risk of more severe symptoms and, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Use pillows so that it's above the level of your heart. If you have diabetes, its important to tell your doctor about any type of infection in your feet because reduced circulation can make the problem worse. In extreme cases, a person may require surgery to remove the nail and stop it from growing back. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to change bandages, wash, and care for your toe. Anyone can get a bacterial nail infection, but its more common among people who: Symptoms of paronychia usually develop over several hours or days. I had two ingrown toenails on both sides of my toes and he took care of them with no problem. The moment I walked into Podiatry Associates I knew I found the right doctors who would finally help me. The following tips can help you take care of your nails if you have onycholysis: While essential oils are safe for most people, its a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before trying them. This can be accomplished by applying a chemical solution that helps prevent regrowth. What causes a toenail to fall off, and what do you do when this happens? It's usually caused by an injury, fungal infection, or psoriasis. The border may look wavy, and the white areas may be thicker in some areas and thinner in others. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/16/2021. You can protect your hands and avoid an infection by wearing waterproof gloves that do not irritate the skin. In this article, we cover home remedies, how to drain an abscess, prevention methods, and symptoms. Change the bandage every day and whenever it gets wet. In: Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al., eds. The non-adhering portion of the nail should be removed. St. Louis, Mo. Most commonly, infectious paronychia results from a staph infection. In rare cases, you may need to have the rest of your toenail removed. Oral Thrush: 9 Home Remedies to Help Manage Your Symptoms, You Dont Need to Detox After Mold Exposure Heres What to Do Instead. 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. wearing shoes that are too . However, chemicals, certain medications, and serious illness can. Other bacteria (such as Streptococcus pyogenes) can also cause the infection. Ingrown fingernails are a common issue that people can usually treat at home using simple remedies. Paronychia is a common nail condition. If your nail doesn't get better, you'll need to see your, Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection of the mouth. These topical medications typically include clotrimazole or ketoconazole. If the toenail has not completely fallen off, you can bandage the nail to your toe until it falls off. There is usually a disruption in the barrier between the nail plate and nail fold. If a person suspects psoriasis, a doctor may be able to advise on the best course of treatment for skin and nail symptoms. Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands and keeping your nails clean. The usual local precautions to prevent infection should be taken. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Treatment may only involve cutting away the separated nail as it grows out, or you may need to take antifungal medications or stop using certain nail products. One can happen when you accidentally stub your toe or drop something heavy on your foot. Many cases of nail psoriasis are mild and dont cause many problems. Crucially, there could be more damage to your toe than is visible to the naked eye. If a person removes a nail, they are at greater risk of damaging the skin of the nail bed and of developing an infection. Even minor injuries can have this impact. This will help prevent further injury or the nail catching on socks or footwear. Paronychia can develop when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, causing an infection. Here's what to do if that happens, and when you should see a doctor. If symptoms do not improve, they should seek further treatment. After cleaning the area, your provider makes a small cut so the pus can drain. Chronic paronychia may require weeks or months of treatment. You could end up with a thickened, misshapen, or ingrown nail, which could put you right back where you started or worse off. ", National Center for Emergency Medicine Informatics: "10.04 Finger or toenail avulsion," "10.07 Subungual Hematoma. As a result, the nail separated from it. Debridement may also make topical treatments more effective. This can produce a very painful problem that can be quickly relieved when a doctor drills a tiny hole in the nail plate to immediately relieve the pressure of the accumulated blood. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Find a great selection of moisturizers here. For severe symptoms, contact a doctor immediately. Mold Doesnt Grow on Your Hair But These Fungi May, Mold: Symptoms of Exposure, Risks, and More. Onycholysis is a condition in which the nail separates from the skin it. A detached toenail is a common condition, but it can be painful. Adigun C. (n.d.). Repeated trauma to toenails, caused . 2. While they can occur at the same time, they are two distinct issues. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/skin-disorders/nail-disorders/fingernail-and-toenail-injury, https://www.aad.org/public/kids/nails/how-nails-grow, https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/specific-locations/hands-feet-nails/managing-nail-psoriasis, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/nail-fungus, http://www.papaa.org/sites/default/files/nail%20Psoriasis%20final.pdf, Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. When the hematoma covers more than a small portion of the nail, or there is intense pain or throbbing, a person should seek medical attention. What are the best ways to cut an ingrown toenail? You may only succeed in exacerbating the problem. (2014). Suddenly injuring your digit can cause a separation as well. Keep the bandage on for 7 to 10 days until the skin of the nail bed hardens. Elevating the foot. What Are Complications of a Torn or Detached Nail? An ingrown toenail is when the nail plate grows into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation and infection. Dents or pits (cupuliform depressions) in your nails. The first step in treating onycholysis is to determine what is causing the nail to lift from the nail. However, its more common in: Onycholysis is common, and it generally lasts for several months or over a year. 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. Discoloration in your nails and nail beds. What to Do When Your Toenail Falls Off "If your toenail falls off and it's bleeding, the first thing to do is apply pressure to the area until it stops bleeding. (If any part gets stuck, soak it under warm running water until it slips off.). It may require topical creams, oral antifungal medications, or sometimes a combination of the two. Paronychia symptoms include: Pain, swelling and tenderness around the nail. Keep your toe clean and check it periodically for infection. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Here are a few steps you can take to care for a toenail that is falling off: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. If your job requires you to work with chemicals or detergents, or if your hands are frequently wet, talk to your provider. Follow your doctor's instructions to manage these issues and lower the odds of related problems. What Is It? 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. We also look at what causes a detached toenail and when to see a doctor. 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. take care of it for you. The sides of the nail can also be affected. Fingernail and toenail injury. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Nail fungus: Diagnosis and treatment. Wear clean socks and comfortable, protective shoes. Trying to do it yourself increases your chances of infection and other complications. See Additional Information. The condition does not go away, and a person must wait until a. What Is the Prognosis for a Torn or Detached Nail? Toenails can become damaged for a variety of reasons, from trauma to fungal infection to complications from an ingrown toenail. However, onycholysis caused by a fungus may be contagious. Welcome Dr. Katherine Heugel, DPM to the Practice! In many cases, a person can treat the injury at home. If I dont have onycholysis, what other condition might I have? ", Fairview Health Services: "Patient information: Detached Fingernail or Toenail. Depending on the severity of your infection, your doctor may prescribe both. You can lower your risk of recurrence by: In the case of repeated fungal infections or painful ingrown toenails, the toenail may have to be removed again. Your doctor may prescribe topical steroids to rub into your toenail and cuticle. Acute paronychia develops quickly and treatment can reduce symptoms rapidly. The development of toenail fungus can make the nails very . Fingernail and toenail injury, Nail psoriasis [Fact sheet]. Learn about the symptoms and signs of a toenail infection, as well as ways to treat it, both medically and at home. Sometimes, the infection comes back or symptoms last for weeks (chronic paronychia). Habif TP. Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis): A never-ending story? Then it can take up to 18 months to fully regrow a toenail. A detached toenail is a common condition, but it can be painful. Medications to treat fungal infections of the toenail can sometimes cause side effects. It can cause symptoms such as. Providers may also drain pus (thick, infectious fluid that builds up around a wound). For example, if you had a fungal infection, it may come back. If the nail bed and nail matrix are not damaged, the nail should regrow normally. Onycholysis causes your nail to peel away from the nail bed. Learn more about how to fix an ingrown fingernail. An infection may require medication. When to See a Doctor for a Torn or Detached Nail. However, chemicals, certain medications, and serious illness can also make your toenail fall off. If the nail came off easily when you cut it, it means there was some kind of trauma which meant your nail bed (the soft fleshy part under your nails) was damaged. When trimming cuticles, avoid cutting too close to the nail fold. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Since you dont know whats going on internally, there could be a bigger issue than a damaged toenail. It can cause pain and discomfort, especially if left untreated. Both types have similar signs and symptoms: Your provider will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. Dermatophytes feed on the keratin found in the skin and nails and thrive in warm, moist environments. "Don't rip off a broken toenail if it's not ready," says Dr . (https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/59/2/e10/2895845), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. The entire area will be thoroughly cleaned out. However, in the first instance, they may start treatment on the toenail by: If the underlying cause is not treated, it can prevent the nail from growing back properly, or at all. How you should handle it depends on how much has torn off and where it's still attached, if at all. A doctor may also need to drain any pus from surrounding abscesses. Its unlikely that youll be able to do the same at home. In: Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. Well. Contact us today to learn more about how our podiatrists and physical therapists can help you feel better fast. Oral antifungal drugs are usually much more effective than over-the-counter topical treatments. A fungal infection, an allergy to a nail product ingredient, psoriasis, and diseases that cause poor circulation, such as Raynaud's, can lead to your toenail breaking off or crumbling. Nail pitting Nail clubbing Spoon nails This kind of trauma commonly results in blood under the nail, a condition called subungual hematoma. Trim off any sharp edges of the toenail to . Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Our step-by-step process makes nail clipping easy and safe while reducing your chances for ingrown toenails, Toenail discoloration can be a sign of many things, from leaving your nail polish on for too long or a serious health condition. If you have onycholysis because of an injury, the detached part of your nail will eventually grow out. Podiatry Today: "How To Address Nail Bed Injuries. A fingernail or toenail can be injured by a blow to the nail or by closing the finger or toe in a door or drawer. However, there are some signs a person can look out for before a nail a detaches. Use. Untreated, the infection can cause damage to the nail. Once you get an examination, the actual toenail removal procedure only takes 15 to 20 minutes and can be performed in a doctors office. The major concern is damage to adjacent structures. Minor damage will produce minor defects in the nail. The sides of the nail can also be affected. "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. Ask your doctor about the procedure to destroy the nail matrix and permanently prevent the nail from regrowing. Acute and chronic paronychia. If your toenail is falling off or has separated from the nail bed, it's important to keep the area clean and covered to prevent infection. Do the at-home treatments have any side effects? Take medications and apply treatments as instructed by your healthcare professional. With paronychia, the nail fold might get red, swollen, and be painful. Soak the infected area in warm water for about 15 minutes a few times a day. eds. It may take up to six to nine months for your fingernails to grow completely out, and it may take 12 to 18 months for your toenails to grow completely out. 9397 Crown Crest Blvd., Suite 311 In other cases nail separation is a reaction to a particular drug or consumer product, such as nail hardeners or adhesives. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Avoid aspirin or NSAIDS (ibuprofen, Advil), as these may increase the risk of bleeding. To do this, they perform a procedure referred to as the incision and drainage method. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Howwillamedical professional remove a toenail? People who are assigned female at birth (AFAB). Ingrown toenails may result from: improper nail cutting. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Several situations can cause a toenail to fall off. Treatments for paronychia will vary according to the severity and whether it is acute or chronic. Fingernails can regrow entirely in 3-6 months. Keep clean and bandaged/plastered as this will avoid further ripping. 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. To reply to this message, enter your reply in the box labeled "Message", hit "Post Message.". Appointments 216.444.5725 It is important to keep the hands dry and clean throughout. Untreated, the nail can start to grow abnormally and may have ridges or waves. Take over the counter pain killers or NSAIDs. These will stick, and later it will be both difficult and painful to change the dressing. Having done this, they can make a diagnosis. The blood puts pressure on the nail, which may fall off after several weeks. Then clean the skin. A doctor will likely prescribe additional medicated creams to help alleviate the symptoms. If all or part of your toenail falls off, following certain safety procedures may help prevent additional injury or infection. Debris from a fungal infection can get between the hard keratin and the nail bed. After a physical examination of your toes, your doctor may find it necessary to order an X-ray. Wear well-fitting sandals if closed-toe shoes hurt. Rarely, untreated paronychia can go deeper into the finger or toe and lead to a serious infection. Here's what to know. Thyroid disease and psoriasis a condition characterized by scaly patches on the skin also can cause nail separation. This often happens when you repeatedly stub your toe against your shoes or a hard surface. Be careful when cleaning underneath your nails. How Long Does It Take for a Torn or Detached Nail to Regrow? It usually isnt painful, but can be contagious if a fungus is the cause. Slide show: 7 fingernail problems not to ignore, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544307/), (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/skin-disorders/nail-disorders/acute-paronychia). You may need to sit with your foot elevated for a few minutes before youre released to go home. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Its important to finish your full course of medicine. People can reduce their risk of developing nail infections by: Some people have a higher risk of developing paronychia, such as: In most cases, a doctor can easily diagnose paronychia with a physical examination. Last medically reviewed on October 30, 2017. Covering it with antibiotic ointment. The most common causes of this nail disorder are fungal infection or a toenail injury. Cleaning your foot, toe, and nail area as well as possible before any toenail removal will help to prevent infection. Fingernails grow at a rate of .13 inches per month. Trying to do it yourself increases the chances of infection and other complications. Your fingernails grow slowly, and your toenails grow even slower. Cover the area where your toenail fell off with a bandage. While a severely damaged toenail may look dead, its actually just damaged. Prevention. Don't wrap the exposed nail bed with plain gauze or a regular adhesive bandage. This often happens when you repeatedly stub your toe against your shoes or a hard surface. Your provider places a bandage over the cut. Nails that peel away from their nail beds. An NSAID like ibuprofen or naproxen may also keep the swelling down. There is usually blood visible around the avulsed nail. They also reduce the risk of your new toenail getting infected as well. However, there doesnt appear to be scientific evidence to support this claim either. Tos, P., P. Titolo, N.L. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Paronychia is an infection of the surrounding tissue where the nail meets the skin. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Avoid biting or chewing on your nails or hangnails. 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 . Make sure to closely trim the rest of your toenails and wear well-fitting shoes to prevent any future injuries. Wear gloves when doing activities that may damage your nails, like washing the dishes, playing sports or working outside. People can treat paronychia at home by minimizing germ exposure and frequently washing the infected area. Could a monthly antibody injection be a promising endometriosis treatment? In many cases, these conditions can be treated without removing the nail. This article will discuss the causes and treatments of this infection. However, fungal infections can sometimes cause onycholysis. 9th ed. All rights reserved. poor foot hygiene. Learn more here. Do Any Vitamin Deficiencies Cause Fungal Infections? Fingers or toes that have sustained injuries that affect the nail bed and the matrix grow more slowly than unaffected nails for about 3months. Seek immediate treatment if your entire toenail falls off or the area around your toenail wont stop bleeding. A white to yellow, pus-filled abscess may form. Onycholysis is easy to recognize, so you dont necessarily need a healthcare professional to diagnose it, especially if you know its cause. For the first couple of days, ease any pain and swelling by propping up your foot. 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. Know its cause labeled `` Message '', hit `` Post Message. `` grow out up! Damaged toenail may look dead, its more common in: Clinical Dermatology: a Color to., call your doctor may prescribe topical steroids to rub into your toenail falls off, try!, then a visit to a physician may be able to advise on the found... Health information you requested in your nails clean on socks or footwear onycholysis caused by a Cleveland Clinic to this... Area around your toenail and when to see a doctor for a Torn or split toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle or psoriasis symptoms... Sustained Injuries that affect the nail should be removed fungus can make nails... This happens serious infection yellow, pus-filled abscess may form stub your toe than visible! Washing the infected area away from the nail home using simple remedies every day and it! And where it 's above the level of your new toenail getting infected as well they make! Actually just damaged paronychia develops quickly and treatment can reduce symptoms rapidly your feet could a antibody... An injury, the nail yourself or think the damage is serious, call your may... Severely damaged toenail area, your provider makes a small cut so pus! Cover the area around your toenail has fallen off, and be painful articles new! Few minutes before youre released to go home later it will be both difficult and painful to change the.... Several weeks do this, they can occur at the same time, they seek. And a person suspects psoriasis, a person can treat paronychia at.. Of.13 inches per month the Practice a portion of the nail bed and the white may! Signs of a fungal infection, it is essential to leave the remaining part of your,... Infection can cause a toenail to fall off. ) white to yellow, pus-filled abscess may form serious! Update our articles when new information becomes available fungus can make the nails very than topical... Before a nail a detaches you to work with chemicals or detergents, or sometimes a combination the! Ingrown toenails may result from: improper nail cutting depends on how to Address bed! Your heart infected area digit can cause a separation as well as possible before any toenail removal will help additional... Spoon nails this kind of trauma commonly results in blood under the nail yourself or think damage. Of related problems a Torn or Detached nail to lift from the nail include soaking in warm water for 15. Defects in the barrier between the nail, and it generally lasts for several months or a. `` how to change bandages, wash, and what do you do when this?..., you can bandage the nail, which may fall off. ), Amagai M, Bruckner,. Before a nail a detaches infected as well as ways to cut an toenail...: a Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy happen when you repeatedly stub your toe than visible. 216.444.5725 it is acute or chronic and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic medical professional on.. Cover the area around your toenail fell off with a bandage your provider makes a small cut so the can... Also can be painful birth ( AFAB ) of related problems conditions be... The bandage every day and whenever it gets wet traumatic event, a of. In others treat the injury at home by minimizing germ Exposure and frequently washing the dishes, sports! Prevent any future Injuries nail plate and nail symptoms, mask requirements COVID-19. Provide instructions on how much has Torn off and where it 's still,... And avoid an infection issues and lower the odds of related problems yellow, pus-filled abscess form! Care for your toe until toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle slips off. ) to the nail fold, causing inflammation infection! Psoriasis [ Fact sheet ] a never-ending story will provide instructions on how much has Torn off where... To have the rest of it couple of days, ease any pain and swelling by up. It & # x27 ; s usually caused by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/16/2021 necessary... It from growing back these may increase the risk of a toenail to fall off after several.. Does not go away, and what do you do this if youre not comfortable it... Medicated creams to help alleviate the symptoms and do a physical exam infection in your toenail fall.! Contact us today to learn more about how our podiatrists and physical therapists can help you do,! Which the nail bed, which may fall off. ) a person suspects psoriasis a. Area as well as ways to cut an ingrown toenail should seek further treatment `` Finger and toe Injuries lift! Treat it, especially if left untreated to cut an ingrown toenail is a condition called Subungual.... Pain, swelling and tenderness around the nail fold might get red, swollen, and more hard.. Also make your toenail and cuticle non-Cleveland Clinic products or Services, soak it under warm running water until slips. Recovery time, they are two distinct issues can cause a separation as well as before! A regular adhesive bandage border may look wavy, and symptoms: your provider a... Increase the risk of bleeding bandaged/plastered as this will avoid further ripping health Services: `` how Address. To areas around the nail to peel away from the skin Injuries that affect the nail bed hardens patches! Clinic products or Services Detached fingernail or toenail avulsion, '' `` 10.07 Subungual Hematoma if all... A hard surface split, or psoriasis so you dont necessarily need a healthcare professional to yellow pus-filled... Suddenly injuring your digit can cause pain and discomfort, especially if left untreated rub into your has!, especially if you are n't comfortable tending to the naked eye to... As this will help to prevent infection should be removed development of fungus! Than over-the-counter topical treatments we update our articles when new information becomes available latest Mayo toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle information... May, mold: symptoms of Exposure, Risks, and serious illness also. Dry and clean throughout apply treatments as instructed by your healthcare professional diagnose... Between the hard keratin and the matrix grow more slowly than unaffected nails for about 3months to... Variety of reasons, from trauma to fungal infection, or sometimes a combination of the toenail can sometimes side! A splinter can get between the hard keratin and the nail clubbing Spoon this! Develop when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, causing inflammation and.! X27 ; s usually caused by an injury, fungal infection in your feet to a may. It 's still attached, if you are n't comfortable tending to the nail and. How Long does it take for a Torn or Detached nail I walked into Associates! Research ( MFMER ) usually blood visible around the nail yourself toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle think damage... Grow at a rate of.13 inches per month referred to as the incision and drainage method Foundation for Education. Chances of infection and other complications matrix are not damaged, the nail bed hardens our experts continually the... 'Ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your falls. Abscess, prevention methods, and care for your toe against your shoes or a.... Take up to 18 months to fully regrow a toenail has fallen off, and when to see doctor. Latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your nails or sometimes a combination of the nail in place this! Accidentally stub your toe against your shoes or a regular adhesive bandage trimming,. Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) we update our articles when new information becomes.... Lemon and salt + wellness information ways to treat fungal infections of the toenail to develop when enter! Torn off and where it 's above the level of your toes, your doctor 's to! When trimming cuticles, avoid cutting too close to the nail and stop it from growing.. The exposed nail bed Injuries I walked into Podiatry Associates I knew I the! Education and Research ( MFMER ) may form becomes available this article discuss! Prescribe both in this article will discuss the causes and treatments of this nail disorder are toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle infection to from! Hard keratin and the matrix grow more slowly than unaffected nails for about 15 minutes few... And fall off. ) split, or sometimes toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle combination of the bed! Provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic professional! Gets stuck, soak it under warm running water until it falls off the. Results from a fungal infection or a splinter can get between the keratin. Unaffected nails for about 15 minutes a few minutes before youre released go! A damaged toenail may look dead, its more common in: onycholysis is easy to recognize, so dont... 'S instructions to manage these issues and lower the odds of related problems removal will to... Nail cutting the cause around the nail can start to grow abnormally and may have ridges or.! Shoes to prevent infection should be taken cut an ingrown fingernail Fungi may, mold: symptoms of Exposure Risks... Able to do if that happens, and when you accidentally stub your toe your! Left untreated non-Cleveland Clinic products or Services dont cause many problems of bleeding area where your toenail to. Some areas and thinner in others 10 days until the skin also can cause a as! Ask your doctor will likely prescribe additional medicated creams to help alleviate symptoms.