So I wrecked my bike and when I surveyed the damage my fingernail was approximately perpendicular to my finger. I pushed it back down (to protect the ultra sensitive nail bed) and now don’t know what else to do. I am terrified of getting an infection under there. Also, I need some reassurance that the nail will grow back someday. I’m not going to be a mutant forever am I??
It’ll grow back. This type of injury should be cleaned well with warm water and hydrogen peroxide or other disinfectant, then let dry, and loosely dressed to protect it. Eventually as healing begins, the nail will need to be trimmed back cautiously, and will eventually fall off. The new nail will come in slowly. If swelling, redness, or foul drainage develop after a few days, consider consulting a physician to evaluate for infection. If the pain is too much to cope with (it shouldn’t be after a day or so) consult said doctor.
Use of antibiotic ointment is an option to speed healing and decrease the risk of infection, but it is not mandatory.
QtM, MD
thanks! I feel a little better now. It is not unbearable, just sensitive to touch. I will keep an eye on it. By the way, how slowly does it grow back?
It’ll take 4 or 5 months
Fer crying out loud, go to a doctor. No one – no matter how well educated or well-intended – can diagnose over the internet.
ummm, it’s not like I just asked what I should do if my arm was hanging at a 60 degree angle. If every idiot went to the emergency room for a little fingernail issue I would hate to wait there if I had a serious emergency. I just asked what to do at home to best remedy the (non life or limb) situation. Qadgop answered and assured me that I am taking the best measures. BTW—it has worked. Thank you QtM.