So, I smashed my finger about a month ago and it bruised really, really bad, almost my entire nail. I thought it would fall off….but it didn’t! I kept my artificial nail on it hoping it would preserve my nail. It did. I removed my artificial nail this week and removed a tiny layer of the nail where it was bruised and it all started flaking off!!! The dried blood under my nail started to flush out leaving a huge divot in the middle of my nail! lol It looks very odd and is very sensitive.
Thank god I have gels…. I have used gels in the past to cure anyone’s deformed nails to make them appear normal or perfect. Of course i’d never apply product to a raw nail; but im so excited to make my nail look normal in a few days! =)
WHAT I SHOULD HAVE DONE
YOU CAN ONLY DO THIS WHILE THE INJURY IS FRESH!!
- Apply an ice pack to decrease the swelling
- Pick up an over-the-counter pain killer that is anti-inflamitory
- Heat the end of a bent paper clip (or a sewing needle will work as well) over an open flame until it is red hot. Use a pair of pliers to hold the paper clip during sterilization
- While it is still very hot, touch the tip of it to the injured fingernail where the bruise is. This is not painful for most people.
- The heat of the clip will burn a small hole in the fingernail. You don’t need to press hard on the fingernail to burn a hole. (Another technique is to drill a small hole in the nail by twirling a scalpel blade, sharp knife, or needle.)
- As the paper clip is removed, blood should start releasing through the small hole. If not, retry until blood comes out and pressure is relieved.
- The pain will be relieved as the pressure is released. Soak the injured finger in warm water with a few drops of disinfectant for 20 minutes, 4 times a day, for 2 days. Rubbing alcohol works for this.
- You may repeat,if the hole closes over and the pressure rebuilds.
- The finger/nail can get infected once the procedure is done so you want to make sure to clean your finger before & after
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I waited too long to burn the hole with the paper clip, and it has been almost 2 months scince I smashed my thumb. The thumb is still black, will it ever get back to normal????
Your thumb nail will eventually grow out. And depending on the extent of injury your thumb nail should grow normally. It does take time though, so be patient. =)