A nail avulsion refers to the loss of a toenail or fingernail due to an injury or severe infection. When there is trauma to the nail, the nail may get partially or completely ripped off. Avulsion or nail removal may happen naturally or a dermatologist may remove the nail partially or fully using a medical procedure called onychectomy or Nail Avulsion treatment in Delhi. One can get this procedure done by medical experts at the Skinology Clinic. The nail removal may be done due to any of the following reasons:
- An abnormally grown nail, requiring a repair
- An injured nail that has been damaged
- An infected nail caused by a fungus or bacteria
- An ingrown nail which causes a lot of pain and discomfort.
Will my nail grow back after being completely ripped off?
If one loses a nail, about a week or more is typically required for the nail bed to heal naturally. As the nails have good regeneration ability, they can regrow, but the growth is slow. After a fingernail avulsion, daily the fingernail may grow 1/10th of a millimetre. This means a fully avulsed fingernail takes about 4 to 6 months to grow.
On the other hand, after a toenail avulsion, the toenail may grow about 1/3rd or 1/2nd of the rate of growth of fingernails. This means a fully avulsed toenail takes more time to grow than a fingernail, typically about 12 to 18 months.
The rate of nail growth may be slowed down further due to ageing and some medical conditions that cause reduced blood circulation to the hands and feet of the patient. The new nail may have grooves or ridges, be somewhat misshapen, and may stay the same for the rest of the patient’s life. You can get more details on your fingernail and toenail infection and removal by consulting with the best nail doctors and skin specialists in Delhi at Skinology Clinic.
What are the care instructions for nail avulsion?
- No pressure should be put on the avulsed nail.
- The affected hand or foot must be kept elevated for an initial 2 days.
- The wound should be properly cared for as per the dermatologist’s guidelines. It should be kept clean and dry.
- The prescribed medications course must be completed.
When to seek medical attention for nails?
A person with avulsed nail must immediately contact his/her healthcare provider if:
- Having fever
- Experiencing more pain, redness, or swelling
- Pus is draining from the wound
- Having an unstoppable bleeding.
Nail concerns if left untreated can lead to secondary infections, wounds, and even some the whole finger or toenail is removed if infection spreads. It is important to address it immediately with a dermatologist or nail doctor near me.
For more details, visit the Skinology clinic!