If you have a broken or detached nail, you are surely looking for the fastest way to make it grow back. While there isn't much you can do to speed up this process, there are some simple steps you can take to promote its regrowth. During the healing phase, you need to protect the exposed nail bed by keeping it clean and hydrated. You can also soak your nail in a salt water solution to moisturize the affected area and prevent any infections. Some evidence indicates that supplements containing biotin and other vitamins can stimulate (or stabilize) the growth of hair and nails, so consult your doctor to find out if you can take them to help the healing process.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Protect and Clean Broken or Detached Nail
Step 1. Trim sharp edges if the nail is broken
If the nail is partially broken, use scissors to gently remove the detached portion and shorten the jagged edges. This will prevent the rest from snagging, causing further pain and making the injury worse.
Once the nail piece is cut, put your foot in cold water for 20 minutes. Dry your nail thoroughly with a clean cloth and add some petroleum jelly, then bandage your finger
Warning:
if your nail is badly damaged or has come off for any reason, see your doctor. It will investigate the problem and tell you the best way to fix it in order to prevent further damage.
Step 2. Follow your doctor's instructions in case of ablation
If your doctor has surgically removed your nail, he or she will probably give you special care instructions after the surgery. Ask him for a recipe to follow at home and don't hesitate to ask questions if the directions are unclear.
- For example, they may instruct you on how to change the dressing and check the nail bed for signs of infection.
- They may also prescribe or recommend a pain reliever to manage pain after the operation.
Step 3. Lift the injured foot for the first three days
Probably, after the nail loss, the nail bed will be a little swollen and inflamed. To reduce these symptoms and speed up healing, keep your foot elevated for the first few days. Try to keep it raised above the level of the heart.
- For example, you could lie on the sofa with your foot resting on the armrest or lie on the bed by placing it on top of a couple of pillows.
- Rest the injured foot. If you can, avoid walking or putting pressure on your toes.
Step 4. Do not wet your foot for the first two days after the nail falls off
For the first 24 to 48 hours, try to keep the area as dry as possible. If you have to take a shower, wrap your foot in a plastic bag to prevent it from getting wet.
- This is especially important if you have stitches on your nail bed.
- If your finger is bandaged, change the bandage if it gets wet.
Step 5. Wash your injured foot with water after the first two days
Once she has had 24 to 48 hours to rest and recover, start by cleaning the affected area with clean warm water. Gently wash it twice a day. This way, you will get rid of any bacteria, dirt and residue left behind by your clothes or bandage.
You can also use a mild soap, but avoid any products that contain harsh perfume or dyes as they can dry out and irritate the wound
Step 6. Apply some petroleum jelly to protect and moisturize the nail bed
Petroleum jelly can accelerate healing by keeping the wound moist and preventing scab formation. Before bandaging the injured finger, gently spread a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the nail bed.
Your doctor may also recommend that you apply antibiotic ointment
Step 7. Protect the nail with a bandage as it grows
If the skin under the nail is exposed to air, use a non-stick compress. It can help prevent infections and prevent the sensitive nail bed from rubbing against your socks and shoes and causing pain.
- Change the tablet every day, whenever it gets wet or dirty. While doing this, wash your injured finger and apply a new layer of petroleum jelly.
- Keep using the compress until the nail grows large enough to cover most of the nail bed.
- Even if the injury is recent, avoid sticky compresses or bandages made from stringy materials that can stick to the wound (such as gauze). A good option is to apply a silk bandage while holding it in place with a sock.
Step 8. Wear comfortable shoes to avoid further injury
If you wear shoes that are too tight (especially with high heels), your toenails can get crushed, making the problem worse. The fingers would have little room to move for a long period of time, slowing the regrowth of the injured nail.
- Also, avoid stopping abruptly. For example, when you finish running, gradually slow down your pace so that you don't lean forward by bringing your toes against the toes of your shoes.
- Wear breathable cotton socks instead of tights and tights.
- Your doctor may recommend the temporary use of an orthopedic shoe to protect the injured toe and give it a chance to heal.
Step 9. Be patient
Foot baths and vitamins can accelerate the growth of the nail, but you will still have to wait for it to heal on its own. It typically takes 12-18 months for it to grow back, so don't worry if your progress seems slow.
Don't touch it all the time as it grows. You may be tempted to remove the unnecessary pieces, but it's best to leave her alone unless it's a cuticle or ingrown toenail
Method 2 of 2: Take Foot Baths and Take Supplements to Promote Regrowth
Step 1. Soak your foot in warm salt water 2-3 times a day to prevent infections
A salt water foot bath helps cleanse the injured nail, kill bacteria and promote healing. Make a solution by pouring 1 teaspoon (about 5 g) of salt into 1 liter of hot water and pour it into a large basin or bidet. Soak your foot for 20 minutes, 2-3 times a day.
- This treatment is most effective in the first few days following the fall of the nail. You will likely have to wait 24-48 hours after injury before you can safely take a foot bath, so ask your doctor for instructions.
- You can also prepare the foot bath by pouring 2 teaspoons (10 g) of Epsom salts into 2 liters of warm water.
Step 2. Treat your nail with vitamin E ointment
According to some studies, topical solutions containing vitamin E are able to improve nail health by accelerating their regrowth. During this time, apply a thin layer of vitamin E oil or ointment to the affected area every day.
- If you're using the oil instead of a cream or ointment, try mixing it with some petroleum jelly or a gentle moisturizing lotion to prevent irritation and soften the area.
- Wear shoes that leave the toe open (or walk barefoot) for an hour after application or until the oil penetrates the skin. The effectiveness will be greater if you give the skin time to absorb it.
Step 3. Take a biotin supplement
Hair and nail growth accelerates if you take a biotin supplement. Indeed, weak nails that grow slowly are often associated with a deficiency of this vitamin. Check with your doctor to find out if a biotin supplement can help the injured nail become stronger and healthier.
Always consult your doctor before starting any dietary supplement. Tell him about any other supplements or medications you may be taking
Advise:
Although it is not clear whether biotin actually accelerates the regrowth of nails, it is able to strengthen them and prevent them from becoming brittle.
Step 4. Eat a diet rich in calcium and protein
While it probably won't accelerate nail growth, nutritious nutrition can help keep them strong and healthy. To help heal the injured nail, try eating the following dishes:
- Calcium-rich foods, including milk, cheese, yogurt, canned fish with bones (such as sardines), beans and lentils, almonds, and green leafy vegetables
- Healthy protein sources, such as chicken breast, fish, nuts, and dairy products.
Step 5. Opt for a massage to promote circulation in the peripheral areas
Sometimes, poor circulation in the lower limbs can impair nail growth by weakening them. Consider hiring a massage therapist or massaging your feet yourself using your hands or a foot roller.
Foot massage is especially useful if you have a condition, such as diabetes, that hinders blood circulation in the extremities
Step 6. Treat any health problems that may affect nail growth
If you suffer from a disease that may be hindering the growth of your nails, consult your doctor to treat yourself properly. There are many health problems that can weaken or damage nails, including:
- Diabetes;
- Psoriasis;
- Onychomycosis;
- Continuous foot injuries (caused, for example, by running or other sports).
