How to Repair Nails That Have Been Separated From the Nail Bed

Smashing your finger in a door or drawer or developing a fungal infection might cause your nail to separate from the nail bed. Separated nails may easily move, and touching the affected nail can create discomfort or pain. Several techniques can help you deal with a nail that has separated from the nail bed and ease any discomfort.

Things You'll Need

• Vinyl gloves
• Bandage
• Pain medication

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove the nail. Nails that have been separated from the nail bed eventually fall off. If the nail doesn't detach or fall off on its own, visit a doctor (podiatrist or dermatologist) to have the nail removed from the nail bed.

• 2

  Keep the affected nail dry. Moisture can complicate the injury by triggering an infection. Completely dry the finger and nail bed after washing your hands. Wear vinyl gloves to keep hands dry when washing dishes.

• 3

  Wear a bandage. Hitting the injured finger can cause further pain and discomfort. Protect the injured nail bed by wrapping gauze or other protective bandage around the tip of the finger.

• 4

  Wait about six months for a new fingernail to grow. You cannot reattach fingernails or toenails that separate from the nail bed. After a doctor removes the nail or after the nail detaches, it can take four to six months for a fingernail to regrow and up to 18 months for a new toenail to regrow.

• 5

  Take pain medication. Pain might accompany nail injuries. Ease pain with over-the-counter pain medications as the nail bed heals. If pain doesn't respond to these treatments, ask your doctor about prescription pain medications. Take as directed.