Hole in fingernail

[purplelily]

Hi guys, Merry Christmas!
I've also posted this under 'Health and Beauty' - sorry for doubling up. 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 using 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

[sddsddean]

In October I was working on my truck. I was cutting something with my penknife when it slipped and came down across the base of the nail (OWW!). The knife had actually cut through the nail and it was only attached at the edges, but I had no pain or anything so left it to 'grow out'. After a month or so, one side became detached, but the nail was still stuck to the skin underneath, so I couldn't rip it off without loads of pain. I got an emery board and basically filed the surface of the nail so it wouldn't catch on anything (had to do this at least every other day). The nail has since came off and I am currently left with a nail that looks as if it has been very badly bitten, but it is growing OK, so I expect it to look 'normal' in a month or so.

[chaotica]

I was bitten by a cat once on my thumb which damaged the nail and eventually led to a blood blister under the nail and a small hole in it.This eventually grew out and I had no end of fun in the mean time digging out the dried blood through the hole leaving a gap between the nail and the pad below! Funnily enough it didnt hurt and my nail was ok after that.

[purplelily]

Thanks both, I feel a lot better about it now - and it's actually looking loads better after just one day without a plaster (although it does sting a bit when I knock it!).
sddsddean - made my eyes water thinking about you and your penknife! Ow!