How to Bandage Toenails

A hurt toenail affects most actions that you make due to the fact that you use your feet so often every single day. Whether you injured yourself playing sports, tore your nail or had it crushed through some other means, the goal is to protect it from further harm. You need to bandage it properly to avoid infection as well. See a doctor if your toenail is seriously damaged or causing you a lot of pain to avoid further injury.

Things You'll Need

• Nail clippers or small scissors
• Antiseptic wipes or spray
• Antibiotic ointment
• Flexible bandage
• Bandage tape
• 1 tsp. salt
• 4 cups water

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Instructions

• 1

  Trim the damaged area of the nail with nail clippers or small scissors. This will help prevent it from catching or snagging on the bandage or something else. If the toenail has been completely removed or is not coming off, disregard this step.

• 2

  Use an antiseptic wipe or spray on the infected or damaged toenail. This might sting a little if there is broken skin, but it is important to do to avoid further infection or injury.

• 3

  Place antibiotic ointment on the toenail.

• 4

  Cover the toenail with a self-adhesive bandage the size of the toe, or cut off a piece of cloth bandage and wrap it around the toe. Use bandage tape to secure it. Make sure the bandage is snug but not tight, as the toe needs to be able to move around and keep its circulation to heal properly.

• 5

  Remove the bandage daily and place one teaspoon of table salt in four cups of warm water. Stir to dissolve and soak the toe in the mixture for five to 10 minutes. This will help prevent infection. Dry with a towel and replace the antibiotic ointment and bandage until it heals properly.