Foot Health FAQS: What Happens When You Lose Your Toenail?

In this installment of our “Foot Health FAQs” series at Hurst Podiatry, we’re addressing a common concern: What happens when you lose your toenail?

Toenail loss or a detached toenail can be a distressing experience, often resulting from injury, fungal infection, or constant pressure.

Understanding the causes and knowing how to care for your nail bed can help prevent complications and promote healing.

Immediate Effects of Toenail Loss

When your toenail falls off, you may experience pain, sensitivity, and possible bleeding. The nail bed, which is the skin beneath the toenail, becomes exposed and can be quite tender.

The initial injury or underlying cause, such as a fungal toenail infection or trauma from a heavy object, typically leads to toenail loss.

Initial Care and Treatment

Proper care immediately after losing a toenail is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing. Here’s what you should do:

• Clean the Area: Gently clean the nail bed with mild soap and water to remove any debris.
• Disinfect and Protect: Apply antibiotic ointment to the affected area to prevent infection, then cover it with a sterile bandage. This helps protect the sensitive skin and keeps it clean.
• Trim Rough Edges: Use clean nail clippers to trim any rough edges of the remaining nail to avoid further injury.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. Ice packs can also reduce swelling and pain.

Healing Process

The healing process after toenail loss involves several stages. Initially, the nail bed will begin to harden and form a protective layer over a few days. This layer is essential for protecting the sensitive skin underneath and preventing infection.

As the healing progresses, a new nail will start to grow from the base. This new nail growth can be slow, taking several months to fully grow back, depending on the extent of the injury and your overall health. During this time, it’s important to continue protecting the nail bed and maintaining good foot hygiene.

Monitoring for signs of infection is crucial throughout the healing process. Watch for symptoms such as increased redness, swelling, or pus, which can indicate an infection. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly to prevent further complications and ensure proper healing.

Preventing Future Toenail Loss

To prevent future toenail loss, it’s important to address the underlying causes and take protective measures:

• Proper Footwear: Wear shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support to reduce pressure on your toes.
• Good Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry, especially if you are prone to fungal infections. Moist environments can promote the growth of toenail fungus.
• Regular Nail Care: Trim your toenails straight across with clean nail clippers to avoid ingrown toenails and other issues.
• Avoid Trauma: Be cautious to avoid injuries by protecting your toes from heavy objects and wearing appropriate footwear during activities.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of toenail loss can be managed at home, certain situations require professional care.

Persistent pain or swelling that doesn’t subside may indicate a more serious underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Increased redness, swelling, or the presence of pus are signs of infection that require prompt treatment to prevent further complications.

If the nail bed does not seem to heal, or if the new nail does not start to grow within a few weeks, it is important to consult a podiatrist. Non-healing wounds or abnormal nail growth could signify other underlying health issues that need professional evaluation.

If you are diabetic, have circulation or healing issues, are immune compromised or have any loss of sensation anywhere in your body (neuropathy), we recommend always seeking professional help, as a loss of a nail could be related to these conditions.

How Hurst Podiatry Can Help

At Hurst Podiatry, we provide comprehensive care for toenail loss and related issues.

Our experienced podiatrists can assess the underlying cause of your toenail loss and develop a personalised treatment plan to promote healing and prevent recurrence. Whether it’s addressing nail fungus infections, treating injuries, or advising on proper foot care, we’re here to help you maintain healthy feet.

Losing a toenail can be painful and inconvenient, but with proper care and attention, you can promote healing and prevent complications.

If you experience persistent issues or signs of infection, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. At Hurst Podiatry, we’re dedicated to supporting your foot health every step of the way. Schedule an appointment with us today for expert care and advice.