If you’ve ever experienced an injury to your nail bed, you know how painful it can be. From smashed fingers to torn cuticles, nail bed injuries are surprisingly common and can take weeks or months to fully heal.<\/p>\n
Luckily, there are things you can do at home to help treat these sensitive wounds and get your nails looking their best again.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Keep the nail and nail bed clean and moisturized<\/b>. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Avoid further trauma and let the nail grow out. See a doctor for serious injuries.<\/p>\nUnderstanding Nail Bed Anatomy and How Injuries Happen<\/h2>\n
Anatomy of the nail bed<\/h3>\n
The nail bed is the skin underneath the nail plate. It contains blood vessels, nerves, and melanocytes that produce pigment that gives color to the nail plate. The nail matrix is the part of the nail bed that contains actively growing cells that produce the nail plate.<\/p>\n
As new nail cells are made in the matrix, the older nail plate is pushed forward.<\/p>\n
The lunula is the white crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail plate. This is where the matrix connects to the rest of the nail bed. The cuticle is also part of the nail bed. It is the thin band of tissue that seals and protects the margins of the nail plate.<\/p>\n
Underneath the nail bed are the distal and lateral nail folds. These epidermal ridges overlap the sides and end of the nail plate to anchor it firmly to the nail bed.<\/p>\n
The nail bed is well supplied with blood from digital arteries which run along both sides of the fingers and toes. Any injury that damages these vessels can cause heavy bleeding.<\/p>\n
Some common causes of nail bed injuries include:<\/p>\n
Nail bed injuries are also commonly caused by accidents with tools, especially hammers and other impact devices. Working with saws, lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and other machinery can catch and rip off part of the nail plate and bed.<\/p>\n
Fingertip injuries are particularly common for carpenters, mechanics, landscapers and construction workers.<\/p>\n
According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Hand Surgery, an estimated 50% of occupational fingertip injuries<\/b> involve damage to the nail bed that requires surgical repair. Most cases involve young adult men who injure a thumb or index fingertip.<\/p>\n
Without proper treatment, these complex injuries can lead to infections and deformity of the nail.<\/p>\n
Keeping the injured nail bed clean is crucial to prevent infection and allow proper healing. Here are some tips:<\/p>\n
Keeping the wounded nail clean will help prevent painful infection and promote healing. Be sure to wash your hands and equipment to avoid contaminating the delicate nail bed.<\/p>\n
Applying antibiotic ointment is highly recommended for nail bed injuries to prevent infection. Some tips on using antibiotic ointment:<\/p>\n
Using antibiotic ointment can promote healing and prevent painful complications. Be diligent about proper application and watch for any worrisome symptoms.<\/p>\n
Bandaging the injured nail helps keep it clean and protected while healing. Here are some bandaging tips:<\/p>\n
Properly bandaging the nail helps shield it from bumps, dirt, and irritation, promoting faster healing. Monitor for signs of complications and rebandage properly each day.<\/p>\n
Taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by an injured nail bed. Some common OTC options include:<\/p>\n
When using OTC meds, carefully follow the dosage instructions on the label. Taking too much can lead to side effects or overdose. For severe nail bed pain, prescription medications may be necessary.<\/p>\n
Applying something cold to the injured nail bed can temporarily reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Options include:<\/p>\n
Avoid direct contact between the ice\/cold water and skin, as this can damage tissue. Limit cold compresses to 20 minutes at a time and allow the skin to return to normal temperature before reapplying.<\/p>\n
The cold helps constrict blood vessels, slowing circulation to the injury site. This reduces bleeding under the nail and swelling. It also numbs nerve endings, temporarily relieving pain. Cold therapy can be used a few times per day as needed.<\/p>\n
When you have an injured nail bed, it is crucial to avoid any further trauma while it heals. This means being extra careful with your nails and avoiding activities that could lead to blows or pressure on the nails.<\/p>\n
For example, you’ll want to wear gloves while doing housework, gardening, or any tasks that involve potential nail trauma. Sports like basketball or soccer where hands can get stepped on should also be avoided.<\/p>\n
Basically, treat your injured nail very gently, like a fresh wound, to give it the best chance of proper healing.<\/p>\n
Along with preventing further trauma, it’s important to keep your nails trimmed short when recovering from a nail bed injury. Long nails are more prone to catching on things and getting bent back or ripped up, which can disrupt the healing process.Aim to keep nails trimmed back safely above the nail bed without cutting into the injured skin.<\/p>\n
Having shorter nails also allows you to monitor the healing better and keep the area clean while reducing risk of infection. As the nail bed mends itself under the nail, the shorter length will reduce pressure and discomfort too. So regular gentle nail trimming is definitely recommended!<\/p>\n
It’s easy to overlook, but keeping the nail bed area well-moisturized is vital for healing an injury. The skin around nails can dry out very quickly, especially if dressings and bandages are being regularly changed. Dryness leads to cracking and further damage.<\/p>\n
A urea-based moisturizing cream formulated specifically for nails, cuticles, and nail folds is ideal during recovery. Apply it 2-3 times per day after washing and drying the area thoroughly. The moisturizer creates a protective barrier, allowing healthy new skin and nails to regenerate underneath while preventing infection.<\/p>\n