How to Care for a Bloody Toe With a Broken Nail

Most people will stub their toe on something at some point, leading to anything from bruising to bleeding to the loss of the nail. It is important to understand how to treat the bloody toe and broken nail in order to avoid infection and make sure the new nail can grow normally.

Things You'll Need

• Luke warm water
• Sterile gauze bandage
• Topical anti-fungal medicine
• Epsom salt

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Instructions

• 1

  Rinse the blood from your toe using lukewarm water and a clean wash cloth. Assess the condition of the toenail: If possible, you would like to keep it attached to the toe.

• 2

  Wrap the toenail in a sterile bandage. Toenail injuries have a tendency to bleed for 30 to 45 minutes, so elevate your foot so that it rests above your heart. This will help slow the bleeding.

• 3

  Place your foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salt twice a day to help keep the toe clean and free from bacteria.

• 4

  Apply a topical anti-fungal medicine to the wound to prevent infection and wrap the toe securely with a sterile gauze bandage.

• 5

  Wear sandals for the first day or two after the injury to give your toe the space it needs to receive proper ventilation to avoid infection.