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What do I do when my toenail falls off?
Some treatment and prevention tips for toenails that have fallen off or are in the process of falling off include:
- Use pain medication as needed.
- Bandage the toe.
- Trim the existing nail.
- Soak your feet in cold water.
- Elevate your foot as much as possible.
How many times can a toenail fall off and grow back?
Both toenails and fingernails grow slowly, with toenails taking longer to regrow. On average, it can take up to 18 months for a toenail to completely regrow, and about 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back….How long does it take for a toenail to grow back?
| Scenario | Regrowth timeline (for fingernails and toenails) |
|---|---|
| after psoriasis | 6 months or longer |
How can I make my toenail grow back?
Soak your foot in a combination of 1 tsp (5 g) of salt and 4 cups (1 L) of warm water for 20 minutes, 2 or 3 times each day, for the first 3 days after you lose your toenail. Cover with a fresh bandage. Ensure the nail bed is kept dry and clean until the nail bed is firm and you see signs of the nail growing back.
Can an entire toenail grow back?
As long as there’s nothing interfering with the nail-growing cells and this process, then you can and will grow new nail. But, if you dropped a bowling ball onto your foot or burnt your toes and have subsequently damaged the cells to the point that they can no longer grow new nail, then it may not grow back.
Is it OK to lose a toenail?
Detached toenails are usually safe to remove, and they will typically grow back within a year and a half. A detached toenail can result from an injury or infection. Fungal infections or injuries may require additional medical attention to help ensure the toenail grows back properly.
Will a dead toenail fall off on its own?
Over time the damaged nail will fall off on its own and be replaced with a new pink healthy nail. On some occasions when the memory part known as the matrix is damaged the nail may grow back abnormal including slightly discoloured and thickened.
How long does it take for a toenail to grow back?
Fingernails and toenails, like hair, are composed of protein and fat and are not live tissue. Nails grow a bit more than one-tenth of an inch per month and require three to six months to completely regrow. (Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails.)
What makes a toenail fall off?
The two most common reasons for a toenail falling off are injuries and fungal infections. We’ll start with injuries. Sometimes the precipitating cause is obvious—say you dropped a heavy book on your toe, or stubbed it on a sturdy table leg. However, more often small impacts over time are the principal problem.
Should I let my toenail fall off naturally?
If you have a damaged toenail, you might be tempted to remove it yourself. But while damaged toenails sometimes fall off on their own, it’s not a good idea to force that process. Removing a damaged toenail yourself could lead to serious complications that end up making matters worse.
How do you tell if your toenail will fall off?
Are there warning signs before my toenail will fall off?
- Yellow, brown or white discoloration.
- Thickening of the nail.
- Discharge.
- Odor.
- And in some cases, swelling and pain.
Should I go to the doctor if my toenail is falling off?
If you aren’t comfortable tending to the nail yourself or think the damage is serious, call your doctor or a podiatrist. Go to an urgent care center or emergency room when: The tear is too far down for you to trim. The base or sides of the nail are pulling away or already detached from the nail bed or nail folds.