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How can you care for yourself after a toenail or fingernail avulsion?
- If possible, prop up the injured area on a pillow anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- Leave the bandage on, and if you have stitches, do not get them wet for the first 24 to 48 hours. Use a plastic bag to cover the area when you shower.
- If your doctor told you how to care for your wound, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
- After the first 24 to 48 hours, you can remove the bandage and gently wash around the wound with clean water 2 times a day. If the bandage sticks to the wound, use warm water to loosen it. Do not scrub or soak the area.
- You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
- Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
- Do not go swimming.
- If you have stitches, do not remove them on your own. Your doctor will tell you when to return to have the stitches removed.
- Be safe with medicines. Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
Toenail or fingernail avulsion in children: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- The skin near the wound is cool or pale or changes color.
- The wound starts to bleed, and blood soaks through the bandage. Oozing small amounts of blood is normal.
- Your child has signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the toe or finger.
- Pus draining from the toe or finger.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child has problems with the nail as it grows back.
- Your child does not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.