What should I do if half of my toenail has lifted off?

Generally, a partially lifted toenail may be caused by trauma, malnutrition, paronychia, onychomycosis, lichen planus, or other factors. Treatment or symptom relief can be achieved through general care or oral medications depending on the specific situation. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Trauma

Excessive compression, impact injuries, or heavy objects falling on the toe may cause the toenail to partially lift and separate, damaging the nail bed and resulting in bleeding. Symptoms may include bleeding, swelling, and pain. At this time, hemostasis should be performed to prevent excessive blood loss and wound infection.

2. Malnutrition

Due to picky eating habits or dietary imbalances, deficiencies in calcium, vitamins, and other nutrients may occur, preventing adequate nourishment for toenail growth and leading to developmental abnormalities and partial separation of the toenail. Symptoms may include osteoporosis and night blindness. Patients may take medications such as Bifidobacterium tetragenous viable granules, viable spores of Clostridium butyricum powder, or Donkey-hide gelatin oral liquid as directed by a physician.

3. Paronychia

This is usually caused by pathogenic infection or improper nail trimming. Inflammatory stimulation may lead to symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain. Severe cases may result in partial separation of the toenail from the nail bed. Patients may use medications such as fusidic acid cream, miconazole nitrate cream, or minocycline hydrochloride capsules under a doctor's guidance.

4. Onychomycosis

Infection by fungi or a weakened immune system may induce onychomycosis in the toenails. Affected nails may exhibit color changes such as yellowing or graying, and symptoms such as layering, thickening, and shedding may occur. Patients may use medications such as ketoconazole capsules, terbinafine hydrochloride gel, or compound ketoconazole ointment under a doctor's guidance.

5. Lichen Planus

This condition may be associated with autoimmune disorders, genetic factors, infections, and other causes. Inflammatory cells infiltrate the tissues around the nail and the nail bed, damaging the normal nail structure and the connection between the nail and nail bed, leading to thinning, atrophy, and eventually partial separation of the toenail. Patients may use medications such as halometasone cream, tacrolimus ointment, or hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets as directed by a physician.

Maintaining a balanced and diverse diet in daily life and appropriately consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as leafy vegetables and nuts, can help promote wound healing.