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Nail Problems and Injuries

Overview

Minor fingernail and toenail problems are common. At one time or another, almost everyone has caught a nail on something, causing it to rip. Or they have smashed a finger in a door, leaving blood under the nail. These kinds of injuries can be quite painful, but they usually aren't serious. You can often relieve pain and prevent infection of minor nail problems at home.

Normally, fingernails grow about one-tenth of a millimeter each day. Toenails grow at about one-half or one-third the rate of the fingernails. Aging and diseases that decrease blood flow to the hands and feet may slow nail growth.

Common nail changes

Common changes to nails include:

Splitting, peeling, or brittle nails.

These are common problems that develop when your hands are often exposed to water, strong soaps, and other chemicals. You may be able to prevent some of these problems if you use lotion and avoid putting your hands in water often.

Color changes.
  • Little white marks (leukonychia) often appear after minor injuries. They may last for weeks or months. They usually go away on their own.
  • It's common for a nail to turn black after an injury. The black or purple-black color is caused by blood under the nail. It will go away as the injury heals.
  • Black, brown, or purple discoloration under a nail that has not been injured may be caused by melanoma, Opens dialog.
Changes in the shape or texture of nails.

These may occur for many reasons. Some nail changes, such as the forming of ridges, are normal with aging. Thick, brittle, or dark nails are more common in older adults who have poor circulation.

Ingrown nails, Opens dialog.

These are often caused by improper trimming, tight shoes, or heredity. Your nails may grow into the skin that surrounds them. This can cause pain, swelling, and infection, Opens dialog. In rare cases, an abscess, Opens dialog may form under a nail (subungual abscess).

Separation from the nail bed.

After your nail separates from its nail bed, no matter what the reason, it won't reattach. Nails grow back slowly. It takes about 6 months for fingernails and up to 18 months for toenails to grow back attached to the nail bed.

Infection and allergic reactions.

These are common problems caused by artificial nails. Remove the artificial nail if it causes problems.

Fungal nail infections, Opens dialog.

They can vary in appearance depending on the type of fungus or the location of the infection. The infected toenail usually turns white or yellow. It's not unusual for fungal nail infections to follow athlete's foot, Opens dialog infections.

Other causes of nail problems

Nail problems can also be caused by:

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Information about Nail Problems and Injuries

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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