How to Care for a Ripped Toe Nail

A ripped toenail is a common foot injury, especially among runners and martial artists. This injury is usually quite minor, but can be very painful. Appropriate care depends on the severity of the tear, the amount of bleeding, and the damage done to the toe. Most people can care for their ripped toenails at home, but some will need professional treatment. If you're on blood thinning drugs or have a medical condition that makes healing difficult, talk to your doctor about your options.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Nail scissors
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Gauze pads
• Antibiotic cream
• Bandage tape
• Ice pack
• Epsom salt

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Instructions

• 1

  Assess the damage and stop the bleeding. Determine if the injury is minor or if there is a serious laceration. If the toe is bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the toe, but avoid the nail. Maintain this pressure for five minutes to stop the bleeding. Repeat if bleeding does not stop. If bleeding continues after ten minutes of pressure, see a doctor for emergency care.

• 2

  Wash the injury. Use clean, lukewarm water to remove excess blood. Do not scrub the toe or use harsh soap.

• 3

  Examine the toenail. If the nail is completely torn, remove it from the nail bed. If it is partially torn, use nail scissors to remove the torn area or tape the torn nail down to prevent movement. Do not cut away undamaged nails.

• 4

  Disinfect the wound. Wash the area with hydrogen peroxide. Allow it to bubble for one minute, then gently wipe the hydrogen peroxide away with a gauze pad or tissue. Apply antibiotic cream.

• 5

  Bandage the toe. Wrap a sterile gauze pad around the toe. Use bandage tape to hold it in place. Tape firmly enough to apply mild compression and prevent more bleeding, but do not cut off circulation to the toe. The toe should appear normal in color, never blue or white. Leave this bandage on for six hours.

• 6

  Ice the wound. Apply an ice pack to the top of the foot, above the injury. Do not apply the ice pack directly to the damaged toe, since it can stop blood flow. Apply ice for twenty minutes at a time, once per hour, to reduce pain and swelling.

• 7

  Remove the original dressing. If it sticks to the wound, soak the dressing in hydrogen peroxide to loosen it. Check the nail bed and toe. They should be normal in color, with no blueness or red streaks. If you notice an unusual color, see a doctor right away.

• 8

  Soak the nail to aid healing. Dissolve two tablespoons of Epsom salt in one quart of water. Soak the foot or toe in this mixture for fifteen minutes, twice a day. Repeat this soak every day until the wound has scabbed over. Re-apply gauze after soaking. The toe may be sore and swollen, but should heal in time.