The medical term used to explain a toenail that falls off is onychoptosis or onycholysis, which just indicates a separation of the nail from the nail bed. This phenomenon is normally an outcome of a fungal infection or a traumatic injury.
The nail has the tendency to appear discolored at first, showing a separation of the nail from the bed. This is followed by loosening of the nail, which can be fairly painful, and may need emergency treatment attention up until medical treatment can be obtained.
In serious cases, medical interest needs to be looked for to avoid the spread of infection or long-term damage to the nail matrix (root).
Separation of the nail from the nail bed can lead to symptoms ranging from bleeding and discomfort to infection and possible disfigurement. In many cases the nail may appear to fall off for no noticeable factor, but there is typically an underlying cause.
What Are The Symptoms of Toenail Loss?
Depending upon the reason for the separation, symptoms may include:
With an injury:
- Pain, Collection of blood under the nail
- Staining of the nail
- Bleeding, Loosening of the nail
With an infection:
- Thickening of the nail
- Brown, green or yellow discoloration
- Pain, Swelling, Soreness of the surrounding tissue
- Nasty smell, Release from under the nail
What Causes a Toenail to Fall Off?
As previously noted, there are two main reasons for toenail loss: infection and injury. The most typical reason for toenail loss is a contagious fungal infection trigger by numerous kinds of dermatophytes, which are fungi that feed on the keratin found in the skin and nails.
Dermatophytes can also affect the skin, leading to athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis. The issue with this is that in a warm, damp environment– i.e., the environment discovered in shoes and socks– the infection can spread out quickly and move to the toe nails, resulting in onychomycosis.
Infection is typically seen in succeeding generations of families, likely due to sharing of hygenic items and showers.
In the case of injury, we see the loss of toenails most frequently in sports such as running, soccer, skating, and snowboarding. Pressure on the nail from shoe gear causes blistering of the skin under the nail and eventually separation of the nail plate. An intense separation might result in bleeding from under the nail.
What to do if i lose a toenail?
If the toenail separation was due to a fungal infection, topical or oral medications may be recommended, although the effectiveness of these medications is challenged by some medical professionals.
A really promising brand-new treatment uses a laser that particularly targets the fungus beneath the toenail.
In a worst-case scenario, if the nail is warped and painful, excision of the nail and its root, a procedure referred to as a matrixectomy, is possible. This will avoid the nail from regrowing and thereby alleviate the pain.
If the separation is triggered by an injury and the nail is bleeding, apply pressure to the nail for 5 minutes and repeat as essential. Your podiatrist might drain the blister and bandage the hurt toe.
In many cases, the whole nail will have to be eliminated to permit proper healing and regrowth. Anti-inflammatory medications might likewise be necessary for pain control.
When will my toenail grow back?
The essential thing to remember is that the nail will grow back in most cases within three to six months.
When to See Your Doctor
If your toenail is falling off and you are uneasy with self treatment, you need to aim to bandage the nail to the nail bed and see a doctor as soon as possible.
Otherwise, you might attempt to get rid of the loose part, putting a nail clipper to avoid unexpected tear from the nail bed.
Remember that regrowth will take place naturally. If there is pain, discomfort, immobility, swelling, staining, a nasty odor, discharge, or even more injury, however, you must look for medical attention immediately. Your doctor will be able to deal with the symptoms and encourage you how to prevent reoccurrence.
Prevent Your Toenail from Falling Off With These Tips
Here are some tips to assist you keep your toe nails from falling off.
- Use shoes made from breathable materials that provide stability, protection and balance.
- Usage caution when carrying out in sports.
- Wear clean socks and shoes daily.
- Practice proper hygiene practices daily.
- Totally dry your feet after they have entered into contact with water.
- At the first sign of breakage, plaster your toe or seek medical interest.
- Never ever rip or tear at a nail that has actually partially torn.
- If your toenail is partly removed, hold down the continuing to be nail with a loose bandage.
- If possible, wear shoes with steel toe boxes when working around heavy objects.
- Trim toe nails straight throughout.
- Wear socks made from breathable products, such as cotton.
- Shoes must be 1/2 inch longer than the longest toe.
- During the recovery procedure, take extra care of your toenail.
Talking Your Doctor
Here are some questions you might want to ask your doctor about onychoptosis:
What home treatments do you suggest?
What kind of bandage should I put to wrap my toenail?
How typically should I alter the bandage?
What has caused my toenail to fall off?
What should I do if I accidentally tear the nail entirely off?
For how long will it be before I can resume my normal activities?
