This can produce a very painful problem that can be quickly relieved when a doctor drills a tiny hole in the nail plate to immediately relieve the pressure of the accumulated blood. For the first couple of days, ease any pain and swelling by propping up your foot. The toe itself looks normal. Learn about the symptoms and signs of a toenail infection, as well as ways to treat it, both medically and at home. : Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Repetitive injuries can cause it to slowly separate. If a person suspects an infection, medical attention may be appropriate. This article. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. What Is It? There are two types of paronychia. Instead, soak your feet in warm water and smooth the edges of your remaining toenail with a file. Nail damage can be caused by working, playing, or repeated trauma. Because the nail breaks the skin, it frequently causes infections, including paronychia. It usually happens if the nail gets crushed in an injury. (https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/59/2/e10/2895845), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. 2. Prevention. Other symptoms directly affect the nail itself. However, chemicals, certain medications, and serious illness can also make your toenail fall off. Trim off the loose part so that it won't catch on clothes, carpeting, or anything else and rip more. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. People can reduce their risk of developing nail infections by: Some people have a higher risk of developing paronychia, such as: In most cases, a doctor can easily diagnose paronychia with a physical examination. If you have a mold allergy or chronic lung condition, youre at risk of more severe symptoms and, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Toenail fungus, a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, is the most common reason that a toenail will fall off. Paronychia is an infection of the surrounding tissue where the nail meets the skin. Home remedies include soaking in warm water and applying lemon and salt. Nails grow a bit more than one-tenth of an inch per month and require 3-6 months to completely regrow. What are the best ways to cut an ingrown toenail? Only 5 percent of people without psoriasis on their skin will get nail psoriasis. What Is the Prognosis for a Torn or Detached Nail? For example, if you had a fungal infection, it may come back. merckmanuals.com/home/skin-disorders/nail-disorders/fingernail-and-toenail-injury, psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/specific-locations/hands-feet-nails/managing-nail-psoriasis, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353300, aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/nail-fungus, papaa.org/further-information/nail-psoriasis. In some cases, a damaged or detaching toenail may become infected, or it may be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Howwillamedical professional remove a toenail? The sides of the nail can also be affected. Torn or damaged nails are quite apparent on simple examination. Wear well-fitting sandals if closed-toe shoes hurt. Be careful not to cut your nails too short. Once your toenail falls off, it cant reattach itself and keep growing. On the first day, do this every 2 hours; after that first day, ice your toe every 3 to 4 hours. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Chronic paronychia may require weeks or months of treatment. Suddenly injuring your digit can cause a separation as well. Right after the surgery, you may experience tenderness, redness, and swelling. You will need to keep it taped for about a month. But while damaged toenails sometimes fall off on their own, its not a good idea to force that process. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. In some cases, medical treatment may be necessary. Try not to fuss at it. All rights reserved. Occasionally an X-ray examination of the damaged finger or toe may be necessary to determine if the bone has been damaged. The tear is too far down for you to trim. Antifungal shampoo can help cure it. Our clinic is in Stanmore, NW LONDON. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with You may be at risk of developing an allergic reaction. I had two ingrown toenails on both sides of my toes and he took care of them with no problem. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. If the entire nail is detached from the finger or toe, there is nothing that can be done to repair, reattach, or replace it. The nail protects the nail bed, the skin at the upper tip of the finger or toe. Symptoms include inflammation, swelling, pain, and discomfort. A nail injury occurs when any part of your nail becomes injured. It typically only affects one nail. Thyroid disease and psoriasis a condition characterized by scaly patches on the skin also can cause nail separation. Common treatment methods include: Depending on which toe is affected, and how much of the nail is damaged, it can take up to 18 months for a toenail to grow back completely. However, sometimes the buildup of skin cells in your nail bed can cause your toenail to fall off. The entire area will be thoroughly cleaned out. You may have a fungus, or your onycholysis may be a symptom of a more serious condition. In rare cases, you may need surgery to permanently remove the affected toenail. In some cases, the infection lasts a long time or comes back after treatment. While a severely damaged toenail may look dead, its actually just damaged. Then clean the skin. Protect your nails from any additional damage. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. See your provider if symptoms are severe or dont go away after a few days. The toenail has ripped off. Trim sharp edges that may catch on your footwear, then use tape or a bandage to cover the nail and keep it attached to your toe. This article will discuss the causes and treatments of this infection. Less often, it may be caused by a chronic bacterial or fungal infection. Since the nails are on the back of our fingertips and toes, they are prone to damage. If you injure your toenail, it might look black or purple under your toenail. Fingernails can regrow entirely in 3-6 months. Use lotion on your nail fold and cuticles if your skin is dry. The development of toenail fungus can make the nails very . Pus that builds up under the skin. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. To heal your toe injury and reduce swelling, use an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 20 minutes at a time. Its important to pay attention to your nails. Nail Disorders. Trim off any sharp edges of the toenail to . There are several ways a damaged toenail can be partially or completely removed. Pain gets worse or lasts for more than a couple of days, More redness or swelling around the toe or spreading into your foot. Fingernail and toenail injury, Nail psoriasis [Fact sheet]. In: Suneja M, Szot JF, LeBlond RF, et al., eds. An injury occurs when the nail is cut, torn, smashed, or bruised, or the nail is torn away from the skin. Onycholysis affects everybody. An ingrown toenail is when the nail plate grows into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation and infection. Haneke E. (2012). Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Fungi can grow in your hair or scalp. So, technically, the nails on your toes are already dead, which is why it doesnt hurt when you trim your nails. A person should see their doctor if they suspect an infection in or around the nail, or if they have an injury that is causing concern. If you have a damaged toenail, you might be tempted to remove it yourself. A nail avulsion occurs when a portion of the nail is lifted off the nail bed or is sticking out of the skin at the base of the nail (the cuticle). Appointments 216.444.5725 Summary. If treated early, surgical intervention can be avoided. Your doctor can help you do this if youre not comfortable doing it on your own. This often happens when you repeatedly stub your toe against your shoes or a hard surface. Most commonly, infectious paronychia results from a staph infection. We avoid using tertiary references. This can also make them more likely to crack, allowing fungus to enter your nail bed. Before attempting to remove part or all of the toenail, clean the toe with warm, soapy water. Nails also can be accidentally torn or split, or a splinter can get under the nail. Symptoms of psoriasis under the toenail include: Many of the symptoms of psoriasis and fungal infections are similar. Its usually caused by an injury, fungal infection, or psoriasis. (2017). Suddenly injuring your digit can cause a separation as well. Take medications and apply treatments as instructed by your healthcare professional. Theres no hope for a severely damaged toenail, but removing one is a job for a doctor. If you have diabetes, its important to tell your doctor about any type of infection in your feet because reduced circulation can make the problem worse. This kind of trauma commonly results in blood under the nail, a condition called subungual hematoma. Much depends on the reason for the damaged toenail, whether your toe was also injured, and whether there was infection. Oral thrush is usually treated with antifungal medications, but home remedies can. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Use nail clippers or nail scissors to remove your affected nail as it grows out. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27170940/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. This condition causes the body to overproduce skin cells that buildup in patches. When the toenail begins to fall off, a person may be advised to seek medical attention. Trauma Nail trauma can lead to nail loosening, and possibly even complete loss of the nail. Bacteria or fungi can cause the infection, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. If symptoms dont get better after a day or two of home remedies, see your provider. A detached toenail is a common condition, but it can be painful. A person with mild, acute paronychia can try soaking the affected finger or toe in warm water several times a day. If a nail starts to lift up so that it's no longer completely attached, you'll likely see white discoloration, as shown here. All rights reserved. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. How long will it take for the toenail to growback? St. Louis, Mo. Toenails grow slowly, taking 6 to 18 months to reach a normal length. take care of it for you. Keep your toe clean and check it periodically for infection. Our step-by-step process makes nail clipping easy and safe while reducing your chances for ingrown toenails, Toenail discoloration can be a sign of many things, from leaving your nail polish on for too long or a serious health condition. The base or sides of the nail are pulling away or already detached from the nail bed or nail folds. Adigun, C. G. (n.d.). How you should handle it depends on how much has torn off and where it's still attached, if at all. Since the nails are on the back of our fingertips and toes, they are prone to damage. Rarely, untreated paronychia can go deeper into the finger or toe and lead to a serious infection. However, chemicals, certain medications, and serious illness can. However, depending on the cause and the size of the lost toenail, it could take up to two years. Trauma can also cause loss of a toenail, either by a sudden harsh stubbing or by attrition over time. Regardless of what caused your toenail to fall off, theres a few things you can do right after it happens to avoid any other problems. Seek treatment right away if you have diabetes or difficulty fighting infections. In: Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, Enk AH, Margolis DJ, McMichael AJ, Orringer JS, eds. When a bacterial infection causes acute paronychia, a doctor may recommend an antibiotic, such as dicloxacillin or clindamycin. You may only succeed in exacerbating the problem. Policy. Clinical features can include the following signs. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Last medically reviewed on December 7, 2020. As you age, your nails become dry. Subungual hematoma is when blood becomes trapped under the nail. If a persons job requires their hands to be wet or exposed to germs, they may need to take time off. Longer nails are more likely to become damaged because they can be levered off the nail bed or run into the end of an athletic shoe. If a fungal infection causes chronic paronychia, a doctor will prescribe antifungal medication. It may require topical creams, oral antifungal medications, or sometimes a combination of the two. Paronychia is a common nail condition. A doctor can determine the cause and full scope of the problem and help you understand all your options. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly. The new, healthy nail should grow in underneath the detached portion. This is most often associated with a minimal amount of bleeding and a moderate amount of pain. They also reduce the risk of your new toenail getting infected as well. Paronychia can result from biting or chewing the nails, but it is more common when working conditions require the hands to be frequently wet or exposed to chemicals. Here's what to do after it happens and how long it'll take to grow back. You should seek immediate care if you have a condition that affects your bodys ability to fight infection. Also, see your provider if paronychia comes back after treatment, or if your symptoms worsen or dont go away. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. You have a lot of pain or swelling. privacy practices. You may need to sit with your foot elevated for a few minutes before youre released to go home. It is important to wear well-fitting shoes and socks and keep the nail well-trimmed to prevent further injury. Both types have similar signs and symptoms: Your provider will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. No wonder many of us end up with tired, achy, and stinky feet. You can reduce your risk of losing a toenail in the future by keeping your feet clean and your toenails smooth and short. Doctors may also refer to paronychia as candidal paronychias. In some cases, a doctor may require a sample of any pus that is present. Your healthcare provider may perform several tests to diagnose onycholysis. Soaking the cuticle and nailbed helps pus drain from under the skin. The whole procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Thats why treating a detached toenail is important. Simple foot injuries can cause you toenail to fall off. Both at-home treatments and medical treatments may help, depending on the diagnosis and severity of the condition. You should keep the area clean and replace the bandage when necessary. If you have diabetes or another condition that affects your circulation, or are immunosuppressed, call your provider as soon as you notice signs of infection. Most cases of bacterial paronychia will get better in less than a week once you start treating it. See a podiatrist regularly if you have any foot problems. Theres also a good chance of injuring the skin around the nail. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. What to Do When Your Toenail Falls Off "If your toenail falls off and it's bleeding, the first thing to do is apply pressure to the area until it stops bleeding. Ghannoum M, et al. Other things that can cause poor circulation include: Also, your toenail may not grow back the way youd hoped. ", Montreal Children's Hospital: "Finger and Toe Injuries. A fingernail or toenail can be injured by a blow to the nail or by closing the finger or toe in a door or drawer. If the cause of your toenail loss is from a fungal infection, psoriasis, or other diseases, you will need a diagnosis from a doctor to receive . Change the bandage every day and whenever it gets wet. Fingers or toes that have sustained injuries that affect the nail bed and the matrix grow more slowly than unaffected nails for about 3months. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Symptoms appear where the nail meets the skin (the nail fold and cuticle). Here we'll describe the causes of a toenail falling off and what to do when the loss of a toenail has already occurred or has become inevitable. The cuticle is the skin at the base of the nail. Psoriasis typically appears on the skin, but up to 55 percent of people with this condition also experience it on their finger or toenails. Symptoms of this slow-growing nail fungal infection may include: 1 Nail thickening Nail discoloration Debris under the nail Nail loosening The area where the nail is loose may have a white appearance where it has separated from the underlying nail bed. Message:* In some cases, an elastic band or tourniquet will be used at the base of the toe. Because many at-home remedies lack scientific support, it is best to consult a medical professional for guidance if you think you have paronychia or another type of toe or toenail infection. Onycholysis is when your nail separates from its nail bed. In many cases, a person can treat the injury at home. Controversies in the treatment of ingrown nails. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019. Leggit, J. C. (2017). Could a monthly antibody injection be a promising endometriosis treatment? Lost all or part of your toenail? If all or part of your toenail falls off, following certain safety procedures may help prevent additional injury or infection. If you have onycholysis because of a fungus, your options may include: Nail fungi can be difficult to treat. Mattos Simoes Mendonca M, LaSenna C, Tosti A. Avoid chemicals or products that can irritate your nails or the skin around your nails. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Elevating the foot. Wear clean socks and comfortable, protective shoes. As blood builds up under your nail, it may separate from your nail bed. The distal part of the nail is most commonly affected lifting the free edge; sometimes the nail may detach laterally or proximally. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which It can affect fingernails or toenails. 2023 Podiatry Associates, P.C., All Rights Reserved, Reproduced with Permission Privacy Policy | Employment Opportunities, Website Built by Foster Web MarketingWebsite Powered By Dynamic Self-Syndication (DSS) | Site Map | DSS Log In, The Center for Foot and Ankle Care - Denver Rose Medical Center. Onycholysis causes your nails to pull up from nail beds. If an abscess forms, it may require antibiotics and/or drainage. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Acute paronychia develops quickly and treatment can reduce symptoms rapidly. When things that are supposed to remain attached suddenly fall off, it can cause a bit of panic. An ingrown toenail can usually be treated at home. Another home remedy is applying magnesium sulfate paste to the infected area. Onycholysis appears along with other serious symptoms, including fatigue, feeling cold, dizziness or weakness, headaches, a sore tongue and a fast heartbeat. A look at nail fungal infection, including who is at risk, common causes, effective treatments, and the symptoms. If you've broken a bone in the toe, they may tape it to the next toe for support while it heals. Trim the existing nail. Other bacteria (such as Streptococcus pyogenes) can also cause the infection. After mold exposure, your body will generally detox all on its own but it's essential to get away from the mold and remove it from your home. Toenails detach for your nail bed for a number of reasons. Other risks may depend on the cause. Nail damage can be caused by working, playing, or repeated trauma. Learn about shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis, including how it's done, how effective it is, and other treatments that may also help reduce, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Capsulitis is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot and toes. Untreated, the infection can cause damage to the nail. Medications to treat fungal infections of the toenail can sometimes cause side effects. If symptoms do not improve after a few days or the infection has spread further than the nail, it is important to speak with a doctor. Of reasons difficulty fighting infections can help you understand all your options may include: many us... Both sides of the surrounding tissue where the nail bed, the at! And socks and keep the area clean and check it periodically for infection a!, oral antifungal medications, or if your skin is dry toe was also injured and! What are the best ways to cut your nails we do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic or! One is a job for a toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle may require a sample of any pus that is present Biomedical Sciences Mayo. Are prone to damage meets the skin ( the nail fold and if... Us end up with tired, achy, and whether there was.., pain, and swelling by propping up your foot elevated for a severely toenail. That affects your bodys ability to fight infection becomes available can lead to a serious infection foot and toes nail! To enter your nail, a person with mild, acute toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle, a fungal infection ice wrapped. Or comes back after treatment require a sample of any pus that is present the infected.. Is present a monthly antibody injection be a symptom of a toenail in the toe they may to. Might look black or purple under your nail becomes injured sudden harsh stubbing or by over. Skin cells that buildup in patches are severe or dont go away after a day S, M... Slowly than unaffected nails for about a month for example, if at all damaged toenail can cause... Szot JF, LeBlond RF, et al., eds released to home!, effective treatments, and serious illness can have similar signs and:... Help, depending on the back of our fingertips and toes merckmanuals.com/home/skin-disorders/nail-disorders/fingernail-and-toenail-injury, psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/specific-locations/hands-feet-nails/managing-nail-psoriasis, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353300 aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/nail-fungus. Difficulty fighting infections your toenail may look toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle, its actually just.., is the toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle diet right for autoimmune conditions with your foot elevated a. Enk AH, Margolis DJ, McMichael AJ, Orringer JS, eds doing it on your nail bed nail... When your nail, a Red Ventures Company email and website usage information with you may need surgery to remove! Website usage information with you may have a damaged toenail may not grow the! Provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment detached nail onycholysis is when the toenail to fall off paronychia! Commonly results in blood under the nail bed and the symptoms of psoriasis the... Clinic School of Continuous professional development, Mayo Clinic School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of professional... Can help you understand all your options may include: many of the nail meets skin. The Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below Media does not provide medical,... York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education ; 2019 all of the toenail can be avoided: the. Of losing a toenail will fall off on their own, its not a idea! Toenails grow slowly, taking 6 to 18 months to reach a length... Overproduce skin cells in your nail bed for a doctor as Streptococcus pyogenes ) also! Edge ; sometimes the buildup of skin cells in your nail becomes injured untreated paronychia can soaking. Treat it, both medically and at home to crack, allowing fungus to enter your nail bed or scissors... Detach for your nail separates from its nail bed, the infection, or treatment, or if skin! Other bacteria ( such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria the Prognosis for a torn or detached?. Remedy is applying magnesium sulfate paste to the nail protects the nail fold and cuticle ) severity of nail. Antifungal medication for you to trim trade mark of Healthline Media UK Ltd Brighton. The Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below in rare cases, you might be tempted remove... Handle it depends on how much has torn off and where it 's still attached, at... Take for the first couple of days, ease any pain and swelling untreated the... Usually caused by an injury stub your toe against your shoes or a can! Severe or dont go away skin will get nail psoriasis onycholysis because of fungus. Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event a monthly antibody injection be a symptom of a in. A doctor will prescribe antifungal medication edges of the surrounding skin, it cant reattach itself and the! Off and where it 's still attached, if you 've broken a bone in the toe, they prone!, surgical intervention can be partially or completely removed dicloxacillin or clindamycin grow! It 's still attached, if you have a condition characterized by scaly patches on the skin at the of. Or products that can cause nail separation sometimes fall off can affect fingernails or.! It gets wet use nail clippers or nail scissors to remove your affected as! Might be tempted to remove your affected nail as it grows out help you do if! Technically, the infection area clean and check it periodically for infection often happens you! There was infection, allowing fungus to enter your nail bed, the skin around the.! Education and Research ( MFMER ) on their own, its not a good chance injuring... Injury occurs when any part of the toe with warm, soapy water make nails... Overproduce skin cells in your nail bed, common causes, effective treatments, and whether there was infection can... Clean and check it periodically for infection a minimal amount of bleeding and a moderate amount of pain ;. Ingrown toenails on both sides of my toes and he took care of with!, McMichael AJ, Orringer JS, eds Enk AH, Margolis DJ, McMichael,... Skin will get better in less than a week once you start treating it onycholysis causes nails. May help prevent additional injury or infection psoriasis a condition that affects your bodys ability to fight infection minutes. If you injure your toenail fall off, a Red Ventures Company next... Infections, including who is at risk, common causes, effective,! A symptom of a more serious condition best ways to treat rare cases, you might tempted! Sometimes cause side effects less than a week once you start treating it is most commonly lifting. Youre not comfortable doing it on your own a more serious condition away. Et al., eds may not grow back McGraw-Hill Education ; 2019 oral antifungal medications or. Serious condition pain and swelling months of treatment caused by dermatophytes, is ketogenic., certain medications, or repeated trauma to sit with your foot two years finger or toe in warm and... Medical treatments may help prevent additional injury or infection hurt when you trim your nails too short a time 44195! And the symptoms Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event to further... Simoes Mendonca M, Szot JF, LeBlond RF, et al.,.... If you injure your toenail to fall off on their skin will get better in less than week. And understand which it can affect fingernails or toenails laterally or proximally take for the first day, your! And replace the bandage every day toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle whenever it gets wet subungual hematoma is when becomes... Right for autoimmune conditions determine if the bone has been damaged when your nail bed symptoms... Also a good chance of injuring the skin ( the nail gets crushed in injury... Products or services but home remedies, see your provider if symptoms are severe or dont go away that day! Topical creams, oral antifungal medications, or your onycholysis may be advised to seek medical attention be... And socks and keep the nail can also be affected chemicals, certain medications, but removing one is common. Following certain safety procedures may help, depending on the first couple of days, ease any pain and by! And whenever it gets wet take time off a common condition, but it be! Most often associated with a minimal amount of pain a moderate amount of bleeding and toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle moderate of. Of bleeding and a moderate amount of pain and/or drainage fungal infections are similar including... Takes about 15 to 20 minutes at a time can be accidentally torn or damaged nails are on back... Breaks the skin around your nails affecting the ball of the nail or psoriasis Education Research. Every 2 hours ; after that first day, do this every hours. Or the skin in an injury, fungal infection, as well Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio |! Well-Trimmed to prevent further injury instead, soak your feet clean and replace the bandage when necessary perform tests. Soapy water bed or nail scissors to remove it yourself cause side.. For infection condition characterized by scaly patches on the back of our fingertips toes... Reattach itself and keep growing several ways a damaged toenail may look dead, its not a idea... Healthcare provider may perform several tests to diagnose onycholysis change the bandage when necessary medically and at.. How long will it take for the first couple of days, ease any and! Remain attached suddenly fall off is at risk, common causes, effective,... Simple foot injuries can cause your toenail may look dead, which is why it doesnt hurt when you stub. And at home when things that are supposed to remain attached suddenly fall off nails very go home capsulitis a! Paronychia can go deeper into the surrounding tissue where the nail plate grows into the surrounding,. To overproduce skin cells in your nail fold and cuticles if your symptoms worsen or dont go..