Jump to
Caring for a nail problem or injury
Home treatment can help relieve pain, prevent infection, and promote healing. Try these tips to help relieve pain from an injury to the nail.
- Apply ice, and prop up the injured nail.
Do this as soon as you can after the injury.
- Trim a torn or detached nail, and tape the nail in place.
- Try to drain blood from under the nail if you have pain.Do not drain blood from under your nail if you have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an immune system problem, or if you think a bone is broken.
- If you have an ingrown toenail, try soaking your toe.
You can also use a small pad of wet cotton. This helps the ingrown toenail heal on its own.
- Trim a hangnail.
You don't want the hangnail to tear your skin.
- Take off an artificial nail if you are having problems with it.
- Try gloves or lotions to protect weak, brittle, or splitting nails.
- Watch for any signs of a skin infection around a nail.
©2011-2025 Healthwise, Incorporated
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.