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 child's toe or finger may be sore after treatment. Your child may have stitches.
There may be 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 child's wound at home will help it heal quickly and reduce the 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 child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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