dropped a heavy wooden shelf on my big toe a few weeks ago. Toe immediately started getting blood under the nail, swelled up etc. Swelling finally went down, pain is gone, I can bend the toe and move it freely. still has lots of black blood under it and it has started to separate from the cuticle. The part at the edge of my toe still seems firmly attached though and not loose. should I go to a doctor and have it removed since it is only separating at the cuticle Or will it all come off eventually?
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Toe nail trauma, now separating.
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From your description, it seems to be much improved since your injury. The picture confirms what appears to be a dry subungual hematoma. If it's not bothering you, I would leave it alone. A new nail is already growing and will eventually lift and replace the old nail. As this progresses, it's likely that the old nail will separate and lift, becoming prominent. You can either trim the old nail yourself as this occurs or have a specialist do it for you. If at any point you develop pain, swelling, redness, or drainage, I would have it checked out.
There is definitely blood under your nail, but since the nail is separating from the cuticle, you should be seen by a Podiatrist who would prescribe to you an antibiotic ointment to prevent an infection. The nail may be removed if it is non viable in order for the new nail to grow without impediment.
The bleeding process appears to be complete. The nail will lift as Others have previously mentioned. If at that time the toe becomes red and inflamed the toenail will need to be removed. If not let nature take care of it. The toe appears to be slightly deformed, but this may have been normal from before and again if no pain, no treatment will be necessary.
I agree with some of the other docs and vote for leaving it alone. The non-viable portion of nail will eventually come off. Like Dr. Canlas stated, you can clip the portions that start to detach which may pose a problem in terms of socks snagging. An emery board would also help for this. If the new nail becomes a problem (ingrown or painful) then it's time to seek podiatric care. Otherwise, let nature take its course. It may take 8-10 months for the bruised portion to grow out though.
I would recommend having your toe looked at. It will probably have to be removed due to it separating form the nail bed. Chances are the nail will eventually fall off but it would be beneficial to see a podiatrist. Also, you will have a high likelihood of developing nail fungus the longer the nail remains like that.
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