Toenail Problem

Warning- some people might find this a bit gross!

So for a while I have had an ingrowing toenail and the last few weeks its seems to have been ok, no pain or anything.

A few days ago I noticed some dried blood around the nail bed and just thought Id bumped it without realising. Last night I decided to have a closer look as the blood was still there and it looks as though the nail has actually come away from the nail bed and isnt actually attached!! Ive never had this before so I dont know what to do.

Im not sure what to do now, does this mean the nail is dead, will it drop off? Should I just leave it or go to my GP? I have been several times about this nail and each time my GP has not been very helpful so I feel like Id be wasting my time.

Reply 1

Mark S

Happened to me a while back after having a whitlo (sp) on my fingernail, the entire thing eventually slid off the finger, it was pretty nasty and just after an infection didnt look nor smell great either. Perhaps you've had some kind of infection withotu realising it?

Reply 2

big_pd

If your nail has come away at the bed it means it will normally die. The best thing to do is leave it and let the new nail grow through naturally. Don't try and pull it off as you will be open to infections if you do. I just cut the nail short so i don't catch it on anything. It is quite common.

Reply 3

hallucination

It's pretty normal for this to happen - don't worry about it. Just trim the nail and cover it with a plaster until it falls off.

Reply 4

Shakespeare1

i once accidently walked into a brick wall! i was bare footed and i banged my toe into the wall and the entire nail fell off!! i mean the whole thing...it took 6mths+ for the nail to grow back to normal size altho the nail hasnt ever been the same since...oh my poor nail!
lol youll be fine providing youll look after it

Reply 5

Kingspharm

Ouch. I've had several ingrown toenails removed years ago, only got 7 left now. :biggrin:

Trimming it short is good advice, and if you want to, bathe the toe in warm salt water to keep it clean and healthy.

Reply 6

sweetangel

my friend had the ingrowing toenail and she had an small operation on it
but if it's not that serious it should be fine or else just have to see your GP