Broken toe, nail about to come off!

[TinglyandCurious]

I suspect I broke my 4th toe along (the piggy that has no roast beef) last week after dropping a heavy pan on it. Was left very bruised, with huge blood blisters etc. These have since calmed down but because the skin at the base of the nail (cuticle and a bit beyond) was torn off you can now see my whole nail exposed and it’s basically just held on by a tiny thin bit of skin one side. It will likely break off completely in the next few days.

My question is do I need to do anything? I’ve been applying savlon and plasters regularly and there are no visible signs of infection but assume once the nail is off it will be more vulnerable. is this a GP job? Worried the nail matrix may be damaged and it will never grow back.

Can attach gross photo if you like but it’s very gruesome..

Thanks!

I'd avoid getting it soggy with savlon and plasters and just let it dry. If the nail has lifted trim away as much as you can and just tape down any rough edges. You probably will get a new nail eventually. Love a gross pic tho!

I lost my big toenail doing the exact same thing. I basically pulled it off and kept it clean and it grew back absolutely fine. It was tender so try not to drop any more pans.

I’d let it air out as much as you can and try not to let it get sweaty in shoes for too long if you can.

Ah thanks @Mummyofthewildones and @Cadela good advice about keeping it dry rather than bathed in antiseptic. I think the nail is going to fall off imminently so will just let it breathe for a bit. Really good to hear yours grew back Cadela.

Will try and attach a photo..

So yes the white bit is ALL nail including the nail root.

My DH lost 5 toenails in one go (he did 3 marathons in 3 days) and as a result his toes and feet generally were battered. I have to say every one grew back with no issues at all, I was very surprised.

he did wear open shoes/slider type things when practical and nothing at all inside the house for a couple of weeks.

Thanks @Mykittensmittens that’s so reassuring! Your husband lost his in a much more impressive way 😀

Not sure about that @TinglyandCurious it was such an ordeal looking after him and his entirely poorly feet for several days I could have willingly bopped him with a pan 😂

seriously he did really do it for charity, so am quite proud.

in sure your poor toe will be fine and at least it’s sandal weather!

@Mykittensmittens you should totally be proud despite the ordeal of his recovery 😁

Thanks for the kind words! I should probably stop trying to do a million things at once and concentrate more 😆

Same happened to me tho was big toe and next door tie

Took maybe 6mths to grow to almost decent enough to paint

A new nail grew underneath

I didn't do polish at all in that time to give it a chance to breathe

@Blondeshavemorefun thanks so much for sharing! Feeling more positive for a good outcome although the fact the skin over the base of my nail was ripped off does worry me as not convinced it will grow back. Only time will tell I guess.

I’ve lost so many toenails over the years (through hiking and a couple of broken toes) and they’ve always grown back with no issue

My DD lost her big toenail and it was all a bit traumatic and gross but it grew back perfectly.

It should grow back fine. No socks and flipflops/sandals as far as possible, smear of vaseline regularly

It will grow but toes are so slow compared to nails

Nails I get gems every 3w

Toes every 12+ so 4 times as slow