Hole in fingernail

[purplelily]

Hi guys, Merry Christmas! Hope this doesn't sound too gross... I recently damaged my thumbnail where the nail meets the skin, causing the nail to 'flake'. Me being me, I kept picking at it, trying to 'even it up' (der). Eventually, of course, I ended up with a 'hole' in my fingernail, approx 2mm (high) x 4mm (long) at the base of my nail. I've worn a plaster on this for a couple of days, but realise that this is just keeping it moist and more susceptible to infection, so I've stopped wearing one now. I'm concerned that the nail won't grow properly from now on, and it currently looks pretty gruesome as the skin underneath is popping through the gap in the nail in a lump. So, my question is, has anyone known of something similar happening to anyone, did it heal okay, and how long did it take to heal? Thanks in advance, all! pl

[aims500]

Hiya purplelily,

Ages ago I managed to trap my fingernail and it got infected and fell off (well it fell off after me picking it!) anyways once the nail came off I just left it and cleaned it everyday with a salt solution and it's since grown back fine. I wouldn't worry about how it looks now, just try and leave it alone to heal! If it does come become infected just pop to your doctors or the chemist and they'll give you something for it!

Amy : )