Toenail/fingernail Removal

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Fingernails or toenails are the hard, flat covering on the ends of your fingers and toes. Fingernails and toenails protect the soft skin (tissue) called the nailbed under the nail. The nail may need to be removed if something is wrong with it or the nail bed. Once the nail is removed, a new one usually grows back. But, it may take up to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back. And, it could take up to one year for a toenail to completely grow back.

Causes: Fingernails or toenails may need to be removed because of injury or nail infection. The nail may also need to be removed if it is not growing correctly. This may be called an ingrown toenail. This usually happens when the toenail grows into the tissue or skin of the toe.

What happens when my nail is removed?

• You may need to have an x-ray before the nail is removed. The x-ray tells your caregiver if the bone in your finger or toe is also injured. And, you may need a tetanus shot if you have not had one in 5 to 10 years. Before the nail is removed, you will get numbing medicine so you will not have pain. Your finger or toe is bandaged after the nail is removed.
  
  
• You may need to take antibiotic (an-ti-bi-ah-tik) medicine if you have a toe or finger infection.

How do I keep this from happening again?

• Do not wear shoes or boots that fit tightly. And, wear white cotton socks.
  
  
• When your nail grows back, cut it straight across instead of rounding it off at the corners.
  
  
• Try lifting the corner of the nail with tweezers and placing a piece of alcohol pad underneath this part of the nail if a toenail seems to growing in wrong (ingrown).

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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