What Should I Do If My Toenail Layers Peel Off?

In daily life, some people often use their hands and feet to perform tasks, which can easily lead to injuries to the fingernails and toenails, causing peeling or shedding. It is important not to ignore such situations to avoid unnecessary harm. However, some people may not be aware of what causes toenail layering and how to deal with it. Here are some tips:

Firstly, observe the condition, disinfect the affected area, and bandage it. If necessary, seek medical attention.

1. Observe the condition: If the nail falls off due to trauma or other reasons, it is important to remain calm and observe the nail bed after the shedding to assess the severity of the injury. Check for bleeding, the amount of blood loss, the presence of pus-like material, the growth of new nails, severe pain, and whether the finger bone is injured.

2. Disinfect and bandage: If there is no bleeding or infection after the nail falls off, it is usually sufficient to disinfect the area with iodine and apply a bandage. If there is mild pain, apply ice to the area for pain relief. If new nails have already grown, no further treatment is required.

3. Seek medical attention: If there is excessive bleeding, pus-like material, or severe pain after the nail falls off, take emergency measures such as bandaging the area with gauze or a bandage, applying ice to reduce swelling, elevating the affected limb, and seeking immediate medical attention to check for fractures and apply ointment.

To promote nail recovery and prevent infection after shedding, it is important to follow these daily care tips:

1. Avoid water contact: If the nail bed is exposed after the nail falls off, it is crucial to avoid contact with water, as this can lead to infection, inflammation, and delayed recovery.

2. Ensure adequate nutrition and avoid certain foods: Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, including foods rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins, such as milk, yogurt, eggs, chicken, beef, various fruits and vegetables, fish, shrimp, and soy products. However, it is also important to avoid spicy, acidic, cold, and stimulating foods like ginger, garlic, iced drinks, and coffee, which may interfere with the recovery of new nails.

3. Apply medication regularly: If there is a wound on the nail, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions for regular disinfection and the application of antibiotics to prevent infection. Failure to do so can lead to nail decay, abscess formation, and damage to the nail bed, which may prevent the recovery of healthy nails.

4. Avoid early activity of the affected limb: It takes time for the nail to recover, usually 1-3 months for new nails to grow. Therefore, it is important to avoid premature activity of the affected limb during this period. For example, if a fingernail is lost, avoid activities such as typing, playing the piano, or playing badminton.

5. Prevent pressure and injury: Without the protection of nails, the fingers are more susceptible to injury. It is important to avoid pressing or injuring the affected area and to wear gloves to prevent water contact and protect the nail bed with multiple layers of gauze.

6. Allow proper ventilation: Although it is important to protect the nail bed, it is also crucial to allow proper ventilation to prevent infection and promote wound healing. This is especially important during hot weather as excessive sweating can also lead to infection.