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Suggest Treatment For Broken Nail On The Toe
Question: I broke the entire nail, intact, no cracks or tears, off my left big toe; do I replace it?
Brief Answer:
It will be replaced
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking HCM.
The nail will grow back, don't worry. It will take some time to be replaced, but it will grow back. The only way for a toe nail to not grow back is, if it's removed from the nail matrix. It is the formative layer of cells at the base of the fingernail or toenail. This tissue consists of rapidly dividing skin cells that soon fill with the protein keratin. Matrix is deep in the skin. So it cant be removed so easily. Only a surgeon might do it.
During this time, while the toe is growing up, make sure there's no new trauma at your finger, because the nail protects your toe.
You might put acrylic nail over the broken one, BUT i'd recommend to wait till it grows back
If you have any other question, feel free to contact me.
Dr.Endri Katro
It will be replaced
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking HCM.
The nail will grow back, don't worry. It will take some time to be replaced, but it will grow back. The only way for a toe nail to not grow back is, if it's removed from the nail matrix. It is the formative layer of cells at the base of the fingernail or toenail. This tissue consists of rapidly dividing skin cells that soon fill with the protein keratin. Matrix is deep in the skin. So it cant be removed so easily. Only a surgeon might do it.
During this time, while the toe is growing up, make sure there's no new trauma at your finger, because the nail protects your toe.
You might put acrylic nail over the broken one, BUT i'd recommend to wait till it grows back
If you have any other question, feel free to contact me.
Dr.Endri Katro
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
So do not but the old nail back in place?
Brief Answer:
No
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back,
No, please don't put it back. It will not protect your toe, and it might even hurt you or your toe.
Keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail bed is firm or the nail has grown back. Apply a new adhesive bandage whenever the bandage gets wet.
It is also important to wear comfortable shoes to prevent any further damage.
Wish you good health.
Dr.Endri Katro
No
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back,
No, please don't put it back. It will not protect your toe, and it might even hurt you or your toe.
Keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail bed is firm or the nail has grown back. Apply a new adhesive bandage whenever the bandage gets wet.
It is also important to wear comfortable shoes to prevent any further damage.
Wish you good health.
Dr.Endri Katro
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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