{"id":164,"date":"2023-12-29T21:51:40","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T21:51:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/?p=164"},"modified":"2023-12-29T21:53:49","modified_gmt":"2023-12-29T21:53:49","slug":"how-to-bandage-a-finger-nail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/how-to-bandage-a-finger-nail\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Properly Bandage An Injured Finger Nail"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you’ve ever experienced an injury to your finger nail, you know how painful it can be. From splits and cracks, to complete avulsions, finger nail injuries are common but can be tricky to bandage properly.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about bandaging an injured finger nail.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Clean the area gently, apply antibiotic ointment, cover with a non-stick bandage or tape, and change the bandage daily<\/b>. Avoid using finger cots or tight bandages that put pressure on the nail bed.<\/p>\nAssessing the Injury<\/h2>\n
Look for bleeding, swelling, deformity<\/h3>\n
When assessing an injured fingernail, it’s important to first look for any signs of bleeding, swelling or deformity around the nail and fingertip. Bleeding under the nail or around the cuticle can indicate a subungual hematoma, while significant swelling may point to a fracture or other internal damage.<\/p>\n
Obvious deformities like an angled fingertip or nail bed can also help identify fractures or dislocations of the bone. Carefully examining the nail and finger for these clues can provide valuable insight into the severity of the injury.<\/p>\n
Check to see if the fingernail has been partially or fully ripped off (avulsed) from the nail bed. A partially avulsed nail may still be attached at the base and sides. Attempt to gently push the nail back into place to determine if it is still adhered.<\/p>\n
A completely avulsed nail will be completely detached from the nail bed. This is considered a serious injury as the nail helps protect the sensitive nail matrix underneath. Saving the nail and calling a doctor promptly is advised.<\/p>\n
Gently lift or slide the fingernail to inspect underneath for any debris or dirt lodged within the nail bed. Foreign material under the nail can increase the risk of infection. Use tweezers if needed to remove any visible debris.<\/p>\n
Irrigating with saline solution or clean water may help wash out additional particles. Avoid using harsh chemicals. Be very gentle when cleaning the nail bed, as the newly exposed skin is extremely sensitive.<\/p>\n
Pay attention to whether the injured nail is still partially connected to the skin at the cuticle or nail folds. Attempt to gently push the nail back into its normal position to test if it is still adhered at the base or edges.<\/p>\n
This may indicate the nail is only partially avulsed and can possibly be saved. A nail that is fully detached with no connections remaining has a lower chance of reattachment. In any case, care should be taken to protect the exposed nail bed from additional trauma.<\/p>\n
Before cleaning or bandaging an injured fingernail, it is crucial to thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. This helps prevent further infection or irritation of the wound by removing dirt, germs, and bacteria from your hands (Ref: CDC handwashing guidelines<\/a>).<\/p>\n Make sure to scrub between fingers, under nails, and up to wrists. Rinse and dry your hands completely before touching the injured area.<\/p>\n After washing up, hold the injured finger under a stream of lukewarm water. Let the water run over the nail and surrounding skin for 2-3 minutes to help flush away debris. Using cool water can also help soothe pain or swelling. Avoid using hot water as this may worsen inflammation.<\/p>\n Gently cleanse the injured nail and finger using a mild soap and a soft washcloth, cotton pad or gauze. Carefully wipe to remove any visible dirt or contamination, but be cautious not to scrub or disturb the nail bed.<\/p>\n According to a 2018 study, over 70% of healthcare professionals recommended using mild or antiseptic soap and water for cleansing wounds<\/b> (Ref: Antiseptic Solutions for Wound Treatment<\/a>). Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or iodine which can damage tissue.<\/p>\n Never scrape, pick or peel off the nail if it is injured or partially detached from the nail bed. This can disturb delicate tissue, increase pain and inflammation, and delay healing. Simply clean the surface of the nail gently without dislodging it.<\/p>\n However, if the nail is completely<\/i> avulsed or torn off, it will not reattach and can be fully removed by a doctor.<\/p>\n After rinsing, use a fresh, clean lint-free towel or piece of gauze to gently blot the area dry. Avoid vigorous rubbing. It’s important to properly dry the skin before applying antibiotic ointment and a bandage, which require a dry surface in order to adhere and stay in place.<\/p>\n When a finger nail gets injured, it’s crucial to apply antibiotic ointment like Neosporin to prevent infection in the exposed nail bed. Using a clean cotton swab, gently dab on the ointment, being careful not to press too hard or rub vigorously over the sensitive area.<\/p>\n According to the Mayo Clinic<\/a>, antibiotic ointment helps keep the wound moist and free of germs as it heals.<\/p>\n After applying antibiotic cream, loosely cover the nail with a non-stick bandage or first aid tape. As the Cleveland Clinic<\/a> advises, you’ll want to wrap the bandage around the finger to keep it secure, while being cautious not to put too much pressure on the injured nail.<\/p>\n Using medical adhesive tape, gently apply small pieces to keep the bandage in place without restricting blood flow.<\/p>\n If the nail has come off completely, exposing the sensitive nail bed underneath, use sterile gauze or soft padding to protect the area. According to Cleveland Clinic<\/a>, apply a non-stick dressing and loosely wrap more gauze around the finger to cushion the nail bed without putting pressure on it.<\/p>\n The extra padding helps prevent friction and additional trauma while it heals. Replace the bandages daily to prevent infection.<\/p>\n If the fingernail is still partially attached after injury, a finger cot or protective sleeve<\/b> may help stabilize it during healing. As described on Cleveland Clinic’s website<\/a>, these removable finger covers shield the nail and prevent snagging.<\/p>\n Finger cots fit over the tip of the finger, while finger sleeves secure around the entire finger to protect the nail bed without restricting circulation.<\/p>\nRinse the finger under cool running water<\/h3>\n
Use mild soap and a soft cloth to gently clean the nail and surrounding skin<\/h3>\n
Do not scrub or pick at the nail bed<\/h3>\n
Pat dry with a clean towel<\/h3>\n
Applying First Aid Treatment<\/h2>\n
Apply antibiotic ointment to the nail bed using a cotton swab<\/h3>\n
Cover with a non-stick bandage or tape, avoiding pressure on the nail<\/h3>\n
Use gauze or padding to protect an exposed nail bed<\/h3>\n
Consider using a finger cot or sleeve if the nail is partially attached<\/h3>\n
Do not use tight bandages or tape that restricts circulation<\/h3>\n