What Should You Do If Your Toenail Falls Off?

There are several treatment approaches for toenail loss: 1. If the toenail is lost due to trauma—such as being crushed by a heavy object—resulting in compression injury and damage to the nail matrix, prompt medical attention is essential. Visit a nearby hospital or outpatient clinic for wound cleaning and dressing with sterile gauze. Oral or intravenous cephalosporin antibiotics should be administered to prevent infection. For approximately one week, bed rest is recommended to minimize activity; avoid exposing the affected area to water. Until the wound has fully healed, avoid spicy foods. A new nail typically begins to grow within about two weeks. 2. If nail loss results from fungal infection, apply terbinafine cream directly to the affected nail. Maintain proper foot hygiene by soaking feet daily in warm water, changing socks and shoes frequently, and keeping the feet clean and dry—conditions that support healthy nail regrowth. The above information is for reference only.