What to do if the fingernail is flipped or detached

Nov 08, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

A lifted fingernail may be caused by excessively long nails, frequent exposure to water, external trauma, nail fungus (onychomycosis), or paronychia. Generally, it can be managed by trimming the nail, reducing contact with water, applying pressure to stop bleeding, cleaning the wound, and using medications. When the fingernail experiences sudden impact or compression from an external object, the connecting part between the nail and the nail bed becomes damaged, leading to loosening or lifting of the fingernail.

　　Nail avulsion may be caused by long nails, frequent exposure to water, external trauma, onychomycosis, or paronychia. Generally, it can be managed by trimming the nails, reducing exposure to water, applying pressure to stop bleeding, cleaning the wound, and using medications. A detailed explanation is as follows:

　　1. Long nails: Long nails are more susceptible to external forces. Long nails may catch on clothing, bed sheets, or other objects, causing pulling that separates the nail plate from the nail bed, resulting in lifting or avulsion. Use nail clippers to trim the nails regularly, shaping them smoothly and avoiding sharp edges.

　　2. Frequent exposure to water: Prolonged and frequent contact with water can soften the nails, making them prone to damage and leading to lifting or deformation. It is recommended to minimize exposure time. After contact with water or irritants, promptly dry the hands thoroughly and apply hand cream to moisturize the nails and surrounding skin.

　　3. External trauma: Sudden impact or compression on the nail can damage the connection between the nail and the nail bed, causing the nail to loosen or lift. Apply a clean gauze or cotton ball to the injured nail and maintain pressure until the bleeding stops. Rinse the wound with normal saline or clean water to remove any dirt or blood residue.

　　4. Onychomycosis: Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail. The fungus invades the nail plate and nail bed, growing and reproducing within the nail, disrupting its normal structure, causing separation and lifting of the nail plate. It is recommended to use medications such as terbinafine hydrochloride tablets, griseofulvin tablets, or itraconazole capsules under medical supervision.

　　5. Paronychia: Paronychia is primarily caused by bacterial infection of the skin around the nail. Inflammation leads to redness, swelling, and pain around the nail. In severe cases, it can affect nail growth, resulting in nail deformity and lifting. Patients may use medications such as fusidic acid cream, miconazole nitrate cream, or minocycline hydrochloride capsules as directed by a physician to relieve symptoms.

　　If the nail shows abnormal changes, such as pain or bleeding, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and follow medical advice for treatment.

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What causes an empty fingernail?

In general cases, nail plate separation occurs. Nail separation may be caused by trauma, excessive manicuring, onychomycosis (fungal nail infection), paronychia, lichen planus, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment. In daily life, it is important to keep the nails clean and dry, avoiding prolonged immersion in water; maintain a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition; and avoid bad habits such as biting nails or picking at hangnails.

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What happens if you keep ignoring an ingrown toenail without trimming it?

Ingrown nail refers to the condition where the nail plate penetrates the surrounding skin tissue. Generally, if left untrimmed, ingrown nails may lead to nail thickening and deformation, granulation tissue proliferation, paronychia, purulent fingertip inflammation, lymphangitis, and lymphedema. It is recommended to monitor nail growth in daily life. If ingrown nails occur, timely trimming is advised; if the condition is severe, prompt medical attention and professional treatment are necessary.

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What is the simplest method for curing onychomycosis (gray nail) with povidone-iodine?

Gray nail is usually caused by onychomycosis (fungal nail infection). Using iodophor alone typically cannot completely cure onychomycosis; treatment with antifungal medications is required. Onychomycosis is a nail disorder caused by dermatophytes invading the nail plate or nail bed, commonly presenting as cloudy, thickened, brittle, discolored, or detached nails. Since iodophor itself does not have antifungal properties, using iodophor alone cannot cure onychomycosis.

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What causes fingernails to split into layers?

With aging, the growth rate of the nail plate slows down, and the texture of the nails may become brittle and prone to peeling. Maintaining proper moisture in the nails and regularly applying hand cream containing moisturizing ingredients to the nails and cuticles can help reduce peeling. Long-term dietary imbalances and deficiencies in nutrients such as protein, vitamin A, calcium, and iron may contribute to these issues.