Loose or broken nails due to a hit, should you see a doctor?

One of the most common nail problems you may experience is broken or loose nails. If not handled, it can certainly cause new problems. So, can loose nails grow back and how to deal with it?

Causes loose nails

For some people, the nail that comes off the nail bed is sometimes painless. This one nail problem can occur due to a number of factors, such as injury, long finger nails, to fungal infections.

In fact, your nails may even come off as a result of exposure to chemicals during the manicure. Come on, get to know what are the causes of nail damage that this woman often experiences.

Physical injury or trauma

One of the causes of loose nails is physical injury or trauma, such as hitting the nail on a table or getting caught in a door. In fact, several other habits can trigger nail loss, including:

nail files that can loosen the yoke and separate it from the pads,
banging on the table so that it makes the nails blacken, as well
use a hairdryer to dry the nail polish.

In addition, repeated toes can cause the nail to break. This may happen more often when you wear shoes that are too narrow.

Nail fungus infection

Apart from injury, loose nails can also be a sign of a fungal infection that attacks the nails. This nail disease often occurs in people who work close to water or are often exposed to chemicals, such as cleaners.

As a result, fungus or bacteria can get into the nails and surrounding tissue and cause the nails to break and come off. If the nails appear yellow, cracked, and thickened, you should consult a doctor for treatment.

Inadequate intake of vitamins and minerals

Nails that are thin and soft that can easily fall off or break are often associated with low levels of zinc and iron in the body (anemia).

This mineral has an important role in the formation of hemoglobin, a protein contained in red cells that transports oxygen to the nail matrix. Without adequate mineral intake, healthy nail growth is also disrupted.

In addition, inadequate intake of vitamin C, vitamin B complex, and calcium are also common causes of dull and brittle nails.

Use of certain drugs

For those of you who use drugs such as tetracycline, chlorpromazine, and oral contraceptives, you may need to be careful. The reason is, one of the side effects of these drugs is the nails loose from the nail bed.

In fact, this condition is also more at risk in patients undergoing chemotherapy or using anti-malarial drugs. Keep in mind that a fungal infection affects the loose nail bed, most likely causing pain.

Certain health problems

If you have a disease, such as nail psoriasis and dermatitis, loose nails may be a sign of that health condition. Other diseases associated with broken and detached nails include:

anemia,
diabetes,
scleroderma,
yellow nail syndrome, and
other certain congenital diseases.

How to care for loose nails

This treatment for nail damage can usually be done at home to help relieve pain and prevent infection. Here are various ways to treat loose nails to speed healing.

Keeps the nail area dry

The sooner you notice that the nail has fallen off the bed, the less likely it is that the nail will develop an infection. When this happens, it's a good idea to lift the injured finger to reduce pain and swelling.

If possible, wrap the affected finger with a bandage. The reason is, the nail bed is very moist and sensitive, so it needs to be protected for the first 7 - 10 days so that it does not become infected.

Ice your fingers

In addition to wrapping your finger in a bandage, you can also apply ice to the injured area for 20 minutes. This method can be done every 3-6 hours for the first 24-48 hours.

This home remedy for loose nails aims to help relieve pain and reduce swelling.

How to make:

Place the ice cubes in a plastic bag and seal the top
wrap the bag in a light towel or cloth
avoid placing ice or ice packs directly on the skin
Apply the ice pack directly over the bandage that covers the finger

Healthy diet

If changing nails or loose nails is caused by iron deficiency, of course you need to increase your intake of the necessary nutrients. There are various types of food that can be consumed to meet iron needs, such as:

beef, chicken, and chicken liver,
nuts,
dark green leafy vegetables, as well
iron supplements.

In addition to your diet, you also need to keep the peeling nails moist by applying jojoba oil to the skin around the nails.

When to see a doctor?

Broken nails can be treated at home. However, the symptoms below may indicate that you need to consult a doctor.

Broken nails are difficult to cut.
The nails are completely detached from the skin.
There is a wound that is deep enough and requires stitches.
Fingers feel throbbing or tight.
Bleeding on the part of the nail that sticks and doesn't stop.
Symptoms of infection in the skin near the nail fracture, such as swelling to festering.

Your doctor may give you an antibiotic ointment or pain reliever to relieve the symptoms caused by a broken nail.

If you have further questions, please consult your doctor to find the right solution.