Nail Problems and Injuries

Home Treatment

Home treatment can help relieve pain, prevent infection, and promote healing. To relieve pain from an injury to the nail, try the following:

• Apply ice and elevate the injured nail area as soon as possible after the injury.
• Trim a torn or detached nail and tape the nail in place.
• Drain blood from under the nail. Note: Do not drain blood from under your nail if you have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an immune system problem, or if you think a bone is broken.

Consider trying home treatment for the following problems:

• An ingrown toenail
• A hangnail
• Problems with an artificial nail
• A weak, brittle, or splitting nail
• An infection of the skin around a nail

Medicine you can buy without a prescription

Try a nonprescription medicine to help treat your fever pain:
Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or Panadol Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin Naproxen, such as Aleve or Naprosyn Aspirin (also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), such as Bayer or Bufferin

Safety tips

Be sure to follow these safety tips when you use a nonprescription medicine:

Carefully read and follow all directions on the medicine bottle and box. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Do not take a medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past. If you have been told to avoid a medicine, call your doctor before you take it. If you are or could be pregnant, do not take any medicine other than acetaminophen unless your doctor has told you to. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than age 20 unless your doctor tells you to.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate the symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment.

• Signs of infection develop.
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent despite home treatment.

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Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA	Last Updated: January 12, 2007
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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