Your Care Instructions
Losing a toenail or fingernail because of an injury is called avulsion. The nail may be completely or partially
torn off after a trauma to the area.
Your doctor may have removed the nail, put part of it back into place, or repaired the nail bed. Your toe or
finger may be sore after treatment. You may have stitches.
You may have some swelling, colour changes, and bloody crusting on or around the wound for 2 or 3 days.
This is normal. Taking good care of your wound at home will help it heal quickly and reduce your chance of
infection.
The wound should heal within a few weeks. If completely removed, fingernails may take 6 months to grow
back. Toenails may take 12 to 18 months to grow back. Injured nails may look different when they grow back.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.Be sure to make and go to all appointments,
and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811)in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems.
It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
If possible, prop up the injured area on a pillow anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try
to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
Leave the bandage on, and if you have stitches, do not get them wet for the first 24 to 48 hours. Use a
plastic bag to cover the area when you shower.
If your doctor told you how to care for your wound, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not
get instructions, follow this general advice:
oAfter the first 24 to 48 hours, you can remove the bandage and gently wash around the wound
with clean water 2 times a day. If the bandage sticks to the wound, use warm water to loosen
it. Do not scrub or soak the area. Do not go swimming.
oYou may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick
bandage.
oApply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
If you have stitches, do not remove them on your own. Your doctor will tell you when to return to
have the stitches removed.
Be safe with medicines. Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
oIf the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
oIf you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-
counter medicine.
If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you
feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
When should you call for help?
