If your toenail comes off, you may want it to grow back right away. While there's not much you can do to speed up this process, there are still some simple things you can try to help your nails grow back. During the recovery period, you should protect the exposed nail bed by keeping it clean and moisturizing. You can also soak your nails in a saline solution to moisturize and prevent infection. There is some evidence to support the use of biotin supplements and certain vitamins to stimulate (or stabilize) nail and hair growth. So, talk to your doctor about using supplements to help the nail recovery process.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Protecting and Cleaning Loose or Damaged Nails
Step 1. Cut off the sharp edges if your nails are torn
If part of your nail is torn, use nail clippers to trim away any loose parts and uneven edges. That way, the remaining nail won't get caught, causing further injury and pain.
Wash your nails in cold water for 20 minutes after trimming. Gently pat the nails dry with a clean towel then apply a small amount of petroleum jelly. After that, protect the injured nail area with a plaster
Warning:
If the injury to the nail is severe or the nail falls off for no reason, see a doctor. The doctor will examine the problem and provide appropriate treatment to prevent the injury from getting worse.
Step 2. Follow the treatment recommendations given by your doctor if you have your fingernail removed
If your nail is surgically removed, your doctor will likely provide specific postoperative care guidelines. Ask for written treatment instructions that you can take home, and don't hesitate to ask your doctor if you don't understand.
- For example, the doctor may give instructions on how to change the bandage and watch for signs of infection in the nail bed.
- Your doctor may also prescribe or recommend medication to help relieve pain from nail removal.
Step 3. Elevate the toe for the first 3 days after the nail comes off
Once the nail is removed, you may experience swelling and inflammation of the injured nail bed. To minimize symptoms and speed up recovery, elevate your leg as much as possible for the first few days after the injury. Try to support your toes so that they are higher than your heart.
- For example, you might be able to lie on the couch with your feet on the armrests, or lie in bed with your feet on a pile of pillows.
- Rest as much as possible. Avoid walking or straining your toes if possible.
Step 4. Don't let your toes wet for 1-2 days after the nail comes off
During the first 24-48 hours after the nail comes off, try to keep the area as dry as possible. If you must shower, cover your feet with a plastic bag to keep them from getting wet.
- This step is especially important if there are sutures to the injured nail bed.
- If the toe is covered with a bandage, change the bandage when it gets wet.
Step 5. Wash the injured toe with clean water after the first 2 days
After the toes have been allowed to rest and recover for 24-48 hours, you can wash them with clean warm water. Wash the area carefully 2 times a day. Washing your toes will help remove bacteria, dust, and lint from clothing or bandages.
You can also wash the area with a mild soap. However, be careful not to use anything that contains strong perfumes or dyes that can dry out and irritate the sores on your toes
Step 6. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to protect and moisturize the nail bed
Petroleum jelly can help speed up recovery by retaining moisture in the wound while preventing scabs. Before applying a bandage to the injured toe, gently apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the nail bed.
Your doctor may also recommend using an antibiotic ointment on the injured nail bed
Step 7. Cover the nail with a bandage when it starts to grow back
If the layer of skin under the nail is exposed, wear a non-stick bandage. A bandage can help prevent infection while preventing the sensitive skin on the nail bed from rubbing against socks and shoes and causing pain.
- Change this bandage daily, or when it gets wet or dirty. Whenever you change the bandage, wash your toe and apply petroleum jelly again.
- Use the bandage until the new nail grows enough to cover almost the entire nail bed.
- For new injuries, avoid adhesive bandages or bandages made of fibrous material (such as gauze) as they may stick to the wound. One great option is a silk bandage paired with a special toe sock.
Step 8. Wear shoes that fit properly to prevent injury from getting worse
If you wear shoes that are too narrow (especially high heels), your toes will bruise easily, and as a result, injury to the nail bed will worsen. The toes can also only move a little for a long time, which slows down the process of the nail growing back.
- Also, try not to stop suddenly. When you're done running, for example, slow down until you walk first. That way, your feet will not suddenly fall forward and collide with the toe of the shoe.
- Wear breathable cotton socks instead of stockings or tights.
- Your doctor may suggest that you wear orthopedic shoes for a while, which can protect your toe and help it heal.
Step 9. Be patient while the nails start to grow
You may be able to speed up nail growth with baths and vitamins, but you'll still have to wait for your nails to heal. Usually, loose toenails will grow back in 12-18 months. So, don't worry if your nail growth seems slow.
Do not disturb or pry nails that are starting to grow. You may be tempted to remove any remaining nail splinter, but it's best to leave it alone, unless you have a pimple or an ingrown toenail
Method 2 of 2: Soaking Nails and Using Supplements
Step 1. Soak nails in warm salt water 2-3 times a day to prevent infection
A salt water bath can help clean your toes, kill bacteria, and speed up injury recovery. Make a solution of 1 teaspoon (about 5 grams) of salt and 4 cups (1 liter) of warm water in a small bucket or large bowl. Soak your toes in this solution for 20 minutes, 2-3 times a day.
- This treatment is most effective during the first few days after the toenail comes off. However, you may need to wait 24-48 hours after the injury before you can safely soak your feet. Ask your doctor for directions.
- You can also make an Epsom salt bath by dissolving 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of Epsom salt in 2 liters of warm water.
Step 2. Apply vitamin E ointment to stimulate nail growth
Research shows that topical vitamin E solutions can improve nail health while helping to speed up their growth. After the new nail starts to grow, apply a small amount of vitamin E oil or ointment to the injured area every day.
- If you're using vitamin E oil instead of a cream or ointment, consider mixing the oil with a little petroleum jelly or a gentle moisturizer to prevent irritation and help moisturize the injured area.
- Wear open shoes (or no shoes) for 1 hour after you apply vitamin E or until the oil soaks into the skin. The effect will be stronger if the moisture is allowed to soak in.
Step 3. Try taking a biotin supplement
Nails and hair can grow faster if you take biotin as a supplement. In fact, slow and weak nail growth is often associated with a biotin deficiency. Consult the use of biotin supplements with your doctor to help new nails grow healthy and strong.
Always consult your doctor before starting to take any supplements. Tell your doctor about any other supplements or medications you are also taking
Tip:
While it's not yet clear whether biotin actually accelerates nail growth, it is possible that this supplement can strengthen nails and prevent them from becoming brittle.
Step 4. Follow a diet rich in calcium and protein to stimulate nail growth
While it may not have a major effect on the rate at which your nails grow, following a nutritious diet can make your nails grow healthy and strong. So, to help as much loose nails as possible, try to eat a lot of the following foods:
- High-calcium foods, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, canned fish with bones (such as sardines), beans and lentils, almonds, and green leafy vegetables.
- Healthy sources of protein include poultry breast, fish, nuts, and dairy products.
Step 5. Get a massage to promote blood circulation in the soles of your feet
Sometimes, poor blood circulation in the soles of the feet can inhibit nail growth and make them weak. Consider seeking out a massage therapist or having your own feet massaged at home with a hand or foot roller.
This massage can be very helpful especially if you suffer from diseases such as diabetes which can interfere with blood circulation in the soles of the feet
Step 6. Treat other diseases that can affect nail growth
If you have a disease that makes it difficult for your nails to grow properly, see a doctor for proper treatment. There are many diseases that can make your nails weak or damaged, including:
- Diabetes
- Psoriasis
- Toenail fungus
- Repeated injury to the toe (eg from running or playing sports).
