Are you dealing with a toenail that has lifted off the nail bed, but is still attached? While this issue can be quite painful and cause discomfort due to the pressure of your shoe, there is no need to panic – there are several treatments that may help restore your toenail back to its former glory.
I’ll share what you should do if your toenail lifted but still attached situation. Keep reading for more information…
Causes of a Lifted Toenail?
If you have ever experienced a lifted toenail, you know how uncomfortable and painful it can be. There are several reasons why your toenail may have lifted, including injury, fungal infection, psoriasis, and poor circulation.
Injury
One of the most common causes of a lifted toenail is an injury. Dropping a heavy object on your toe or stubbing it can cause the nail to lift from the nail bed.
In some cases, the nail may fall off completely. To prevent further damage, it is essential to trim the nail and keep it clean. You can also apply a bandage or ointment to help prevent infection.
Fungal Infection
Fungal infections are another common cause of a lifted toenail. If you notice that your nails are discolored, thickened, or brittle, it may be a sign of a fungus infection.
To treat the infection, you can use antifungal medication or visit a podiatrist. It is also essential to keep your feet clean and dry to prevent the infection from spreading.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that can affect your nails, causing them to lift from the nail bed. If you have psoriasis, you may also experience red, scaly patches on your skin.
To treat psoriasis, you can use ointments or visit a dermatologist. It is also essential to keep your nails trimmed and clean to prevent further damage.
Poor Circulation
Poor circulation can also cause your toenail to lift. If you have diabetes or another condition that affects your circulation, you may be more prone to toenail problems.
To improve circulation, you can exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet. You can also visit a podiatrist to discuss treatment options.
In summary, a lifted toenail can be caused by injury, fungal infection, psoriasis, or poor circulation. To prevent further damage, it is essential to keep your toenails trimmed and clean.
You can also use antifungal medication or visit a podiatrist to treat the underlying cause of the problem.
Symptoms of a Lifted Toenail
If you have a lifted toenail, you may experience several symptoms. Here are some common signs that your toenail is lifted but still attached:
- Discoloration: Your toenail may look yellow, greenish, purple, or white.
- Pain: You may feel pain or discomfort when pressure is applied to the affected toenail.
- Swelling: The skin around the toenail may become swollen and red.
- Bleeding: If the toenail is lifted due to injury, there may be bleeding under the nail.
- Difficulty walking: If the lifted toenail is located on your big toe, it may be difficult to walk or wear shoes comfortably.
It’s important to note that a lifted toenail can also be a sign of an underlying condition, such as a fungal infection or psoriasis.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
To prevent further damage to the lifted toenail, avoid wearing tight shoes or engaging in activities that put pressure on the affected area.
You should also avoid cutting or trimming the lifted toenail, as this can cause further injury and delay the healing process.
In addition, refrain from applying nail polish or other cosmetic products to the lifted toenail, as this can trap moisture and increase the risk of infection.
Instead, keep the affected area clean and dry, and apply a topical antifungal cream or ointment if recommended by your healthcare provider.
Overall, a lifted toenail can be a painful and uncomfortable experience.
By recognizing the symptoms and taking appropriate measures to care for the affected area, you can promote healing and prevent further complications.
Toenail Lifted But Still Attached – What Should I Do?
If you have a lifted toenail that is still attached, it’s important to act to prevent it from getting worse.
Depending on the cause of the nail lifting, it may eventually fall off, but meanwhile, there are steps you can take to promote healing and prevent infection.
Home Remedies
There are several home remedies you can try to help your lifted toenail heal:
- Keep the nails clean and dry: Wash your feet regularly and make sure to dry it thoroughly. Avoid soaking your foot in water, as this can make the problem worse.
- Protect the nail: Wear shoes that have enough room in the toe box to prevent pressure on your toenail. You can also use a bandage or tape to protect the nail.
- Relieve pressure: If your lifted toenail is causing discomfort, you can try placing a small piece of cotton under the nail to lift it slightly and relieve pressure.
- Soak your feet: Soaking your feet in warm water may help prevent infection and promote healing.
- Avoid Tight Socks: Choose loose-fitting socks to reduce pressure on the toenail.
- Trim Nails Properly: Cut nails straight across to avoid further lifting or ingrown toenails.
- Apply Antifungal/Antiseptic: If infection is suspected, use over-the-counter treatments.
- Avoid Nail Polish: Let the nail breathe; avoid polish that could trap moisture and worsen the issue.
- Seek Medical Advice: If pain, swelling, or signs of infection persist, consult a healthcare professional.
- Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on the nail for any signs of worsening or spreading infection.
Medical Treatment
If your lifted toenail covers more than a quarter of your nail or if you experience pain, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
Depending on the cause of your lifted toenail, your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following medical treatments:
- Antibiotics: If your lifted toenail is caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading.
- Nail removal: In some cases, your doctor may need to remove the entire toenail to promote healing and prevent infection.
- Subungual hematoma drainage: If your lifted toenail is caused by an injury and there is bleeding under the nail, your doctor may need to drain the blood to relieve pressure and promote healing.
Why Is My Toenail Falling Off but Still Attached?
Toenail falling off but still attached occurs when your toenail starts to detach from the nail bed, but is not completely separated.
The toenail is lifting and away from the skin, but is still connected to the nail bed. As your broken toe nail grows underneath, it’ll gradually push the damaged nail away from the nail bed.
What Should I Do if My Toenail Is Falling Off but Still Attached?
If your toenail is falling off but still attached, you should try to keep the affected area clean and dry.
Avoid wearing tight shoes, and do not attempt to pull the nail off yourself. You may also consider seeking medical attention from a doctor or podiatrist.
Will My Toenail Grow Back?
In most cases, a new toenail will grow back after the original nail falls off. It may take several months for the nail to fully regrow, from the cuticle, and for the new nail to appear normal.
What Can Cause a Toenail to Fall Off?
The most common causes of a toenail falling off include stubbing your toe or hitting it against a hard surface, fungus infections, and psoriasis.
Other possible causes include poor circulation and damage to the nails from tight shoes or nail polish remover.
What Should I Do if My Toenail Is Broken?
If your toenail is broken, you should try to keep the affected area clean and dry. Do not attempt to pull the nail off yourself, and avoid wearing tight shoes.
If you are experiencing pain or the toenail is infected, you may need to seek medical attention.
Can I Use Nail Clippers on My Toenail that Is Falling Off?
It is best to avoid using nail clippers on a toenail that is falling off, as this can cause further damage to the nail and surrounding skin. If you need to trim your toenail, use a file instead.
What Should I Do if My Toenail Falls Off Completely?
If your toenail falls off completely, you should try to keep the affected area clean and dry.
Cover the area with a bandage to protect it from infection, and consider seeking medical attention if you experience pain or the area is infected.
What Can I Do to Help a New Toenail Grow?
To help a new toenail grow, you should keep the affected area clean and dry.
Avoid wearing tight shoes and make sure to trim the nail properly with clean nail clippers. You may also consider using an antifungal nail treatment to prevent infection.
Is It Normal for A Toenail to Turn Black After It Falls Off?
Yes, it is normal for a toenail to turn black after it falls off. This is because the nail plate and surrounding skin may be bruised or damaged. The toenail will likely grow back within a few months.
What Should I Do if My Toenail Is Still Attached but The Skin Underneath Is Damaged?
If your toenail is still attached, but the skin underneath is damaged, you should seek medical attention from a doctor or podiatrist.
They can assess the extent of the damage and provide appropriate treatment, such as antibiotics or nail removal.
Summary
Left untreated, a lifted toenail can be harder to treat and may take longer to heal.
If you’re unsure about how to treat your lifted toenail, or if you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention.