A broken nail can be really annoying. If the break is small, it will look ugly and get caught all over, but if the nail is badly damaged, the situation will be even more complicated and incredibly painful. In truth, the only way to repair a broken nail is to let it grow, however there are some tricks to keep the length of the nail adequate while waiting for it to get rid of the crack as it grows. Once the nail has grown back, it will be good to take some precautions to prevent it from breaking again.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating Small Breaks
Step 1. Keep the nail together with the duct tape for a temporary solution
Cut a piece of clear tape large enough to cover the wound. Apply it directly to the break, while holding it together with one finger, then cut off any excess tape.
- This method works best if the toenail break does not extend to the nail bed. More serious damage requires more immediate attention.
- This solution will be useful in case your nail breaks while you are at work or traveling, but remember that it is only a temporary remedy. Check your nail at home as soon as possible or seek professional help.
Step 2. File the lesion
If the damage doesn't extend to the nail bed, you can file the break. For best results use a clean file and file in the direction of the crack. If the break is vertical, file in one direction only to avoid further chipping. It reaches slightly beyond the base of the lesion, to equalize and even out the nail.
Filing dry nails can make breakage worse. To avoid major damage, soak your foot in warm water for 5-10 minutes before doing so
Step 3. Glue the lesion
If the fracture does not reach the nail bed, you can also glue it. Put a drop of nail glue along the crack and, with an orange wood stick, press it down until the glue has hardened (no more than 2 minutes).
- When the glue is dry, rub a cotton swab dipped in acetone over it to remove any excess.
- When the seal is dry, apply a layer of clear polish to seal the fracture and even out the nail.
Step 4. Use the tea bag method
Cut a strip from a tea bag. Apply a base coat or clear polish to the nail; let it dry for about 30 seconds to make it sticky. Put on it the strip obtained from the sachet by squeezing well, so that it completely covers the fracture; smooth it carefully to prevent creases or bubbles.
- Trim the paper to fit the shape of your nail and use the file to smooth the surface. File in the direction of the break, otherwise you could cause more damage.
- Apply another layer of clear polish to make the paper translucent.
Step 5. Trim the damaged part of the nail as soon as it has grown beyond the tip of the finger
Once the crack has passed the tip of your finger, you can easily cut it. Use manicure scissors to cut right under the lesion, then file the nail always working in one direction to avoid new breaks or chips.
Method 2 of 3: Caring for Serious Injuries
Step 1. Keep the nail clean
Wash your nail and surrounding skin regularly with mild soap and water, especially if the fracture is on the nail bed. Check that the water is not too hot and that its flow is moderate, to avoid a too violent impact on the painful part. Try not to use excessive force when washing your nail and avoid wiping the towel over it, otherwise it could get caught in the chip and tear everything off.
You could also soak your nail in water for 15 minutes daily to keep it hydrated
Step 2. Take initial care
If the lesion extends to the nail bed, is bleeding, or is very sore, follow the first aid rules. Wrap your finger in gauze and put pressure on it until it stops bleeding, then apply an antibiotic ointment (e.g. Bacitracin) to the affected area, then bandage the finger.
More serious injuries should not be treated with the same methods as small ones; It will not be enough to take care of the aesthetics, but it will also be necessary to pay attention to the damaged skin tissue surrounding the nail
Step 3. See your doctor if bleeding or pain does not subside
If after a few minutes of pressure the bleeding continues, or if the pain is such that you cannot walk, see your doctor right away. There may be damage to the epidermis, bones and / or nerves underneath the nail.
Seek medical attention right away for a nail bed injury if you have diabetes or neuropathy
Step 4. Leave the nail alone
It will be tempting to cut and tease the nail, or even to remove it, but it will be best to leave it alone until the lesion has reached beyond the nail bed. Keep the area covered with gauze until the skin is inflamed and use antibiotic cream every day.
If it gets caught in your socks, carpet, or other objects, ask your doctor to trim the nail to an appropriate length
Step 5. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to relieve pain
If your finger continues to hurt, take an over-the-counter medication (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) to keep pain and inflammation at bay. Follow the warnings on the package and always consult your doctor before starting a new course of treatment.
- Do not give aspirin to children or adolescents; replace it with acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead.
- Avoid topical aids unless your doctor recommends them, or at least until any skin lesions have started to heal.
Step 6. Trim the injured part when the nail has grown back enough
Once the fracture has passed the tip of your finger, you can cut it. Use a pair of nail scissors and then remove any rough edges with the file. Use the file in a single direction to avoid further chipping.
- Do not attempt to cut the injured part of the nail if the nail bed is still sore or sensitive.
- Do not use regular scissors to remove the fracture, as they could exert excessive pressure on the nail and as a result the injury could widen.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Future Breakups
Step 1. Trust your doctor
Recurring nail breaks could be caused by some hidden medical conditions, such as fungus or vitamin deficiencies. Tell your doctor if you have this problem often, so you can solve the problem properly.
Step 2. Wet your nails less frequently
If your nails go from wet to dry too often, they may develop high brittleness. Try to limit the number of these steps by wearing waterproof shoes on rainy or snowy days.
However, taking a foot bath for 15 minutes a day, then drying your feet well and applying a moisturizing product (such as an organic lotion or petroleum jelly) will prevent excessive dehydration of the nails
Step 3. Moisturize your nails every day
Apply foot cream or petroleum jelly to the periungual area to keep your nails hydrated. Do this treatment at least once a day and let the cream absorb completely, so you will prevent your nails from drying out and breaking.
Keep your nails well-groomed by keeping your moisturizer handy over the bathroom sink so you'll remember to hydrate them every time you step out of the shower
Step 4. Rarely use nail polish and false nails
The process of applying and removing polish, stickers, decals, or even worse, synthetic nails can put your natural nails to the test. Limit the use of these cosmetic products and allow your nails to grow naturally.
Step 5. Strengthen your nails naturally
Once a week, for about ten minutes, pack your nails with natural essences, such as coconut, argan or tea tree oil. This will keep them hydrated and less prone to breakage. You can also take biotin supplements to strengthen your nails.
