Popping A Fingernail: Quick And Safe Methods (2025)

Fingernail injuries are common, especially among children, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including crush injuries, biting nails, or picking at the cuticle. In some cases, a fingernail injury may require medical attention, particularly if there is an infection or severe damage to the nail bed. Proper treatment is crucial to prevent further complications and ensure the nail heals correctly. So, how do you pop a fingernail?

Treat fungal paronychia

Paronychia is an infection of the nail root of the fingers or toes. It is a very common infection caused by the introduction of bacteria or fungi under the cuticle. The main factor associated with the development of acute paronychia is direct or indirect trauma to the cuticle or nail fold. This enables pathogens to inoculate the nail, resulting in infection.

Fungal paronychia is often caused by Candida, a type of fungus. Fungi get between the nail and nail bed, usually through cracks or cuts in the finger or toe. Fungal infections cause nails to become thick and yellow, and they may show white spots and streaks.

If the paronychia is mild and hasn't spread beyond the fingernail, it can be treated at home. Soak the infected nail in warm water for 20 minutes a few times a day. The infection will probably heal in a few days. If it doesn't get better after a week, call your doctor.

For more severe cases of fungal paronychia, a doctor may prescribe antifungal creams, lotions, or other medicines. Topical steroid creams are more effective than systemic antifungals in treating chronic paronychia. Oral antifungals such as ketoconazole or fluconazole may be prescribed in more severe cases.

To prevent paronychia, avoid biting your nails or picking at the cuticle area. Nails should be trimmed with clippers or manicure scissors, and sharp corners should be smoothed with an emery board or nail file. Do not push your cuticles back, trim them, or use cuticle remover. Also, avoid chemicals or products that can irritate your nails or the skin around them, such as nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardener, nail polish remover, and fake nails.

Drain a finger paronychia

Paronychia is a common infection of the nail root of the fingers or toes. It is caused by the introduction of bacteria under the cuticle, often from chewing or ripping a hangnail with one's teeth. Staphylococcus is the most common bacteria found in wound cultures, but any kind of bacteria from the mouth can be introduced, such as anaerobes.

Physical signs of a finger paronychia include swelling at the base of the nail, sensitivity to touch, pain, and pressure from pus build-up. If the infection continues, it can lead to a deep tissue abscess, requiring aggressive procedures and potentially resulting in the loss of function or amputation. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have paronychia.

If caught early, when the nail base is slightly swollen and red, paronychia can be treated with frequent warm soaks (at least once every two hours) and a short course of antibiotics. However, for more established infections with pus collection, an incision and drainage procedure is necessary. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to drain a finger paronychia:

• Numb the finger: Use ice water or a digital nerve block to numb the affected finger.
• Clean the cuticle: Clean the cuticle area with a sterilizing solution to prevent infection.
• Make an incision: Using a #11 blade, stab under the skin parallel to the nail. This will release the built-up pus.
• Soak the finger: Instruct the patient to soak their finger in warm water every two hours for the next two days.
• Antibiotics: For minor cases, antibiotics may not be necessary. However, use your judgment based on the patient's risk factors.

It is important to note that you should not try to cut into or puncture an abscess at home. This can lead to a more severe infection or other complications. Always seek medical advice if you are unsure or if the infection does not improve.

Treat a crush injury

A crush injury to the fingertip is a common injury in children, often caused by a finger being slammed in a door, a heavy object falling on the finger, or a finger being stepped on. It is important to act quickly and calmly to prevent further injury.

Firstly, stop whatever you are doing and assess the damage. If there is bleeding, apply direct pressure with a gauze pad or clean cloth. Press down for 10 minutes and continue until the bleeding stops. If there is dirt in the wound, scrub gently for 5 minutes with soap and water. If the wound is deep and may require stitches, or if you suspect a broken finger, seek medical attention.

For minor injuries, you can treat the wound at home. Clean the wound and apply a new dressing at least twice daily. Use sterile gauze or a bandage to cover the wound. You can also apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured finger for 20-minute intervals, several times a day. This will help to stop bleeding and prevent a blood blister from forming under the nail. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be used to manage pain.

If the nail has been injured, it may fall off in a few weeks, even if it has been stitched or glued. It can take up to 9 months for a new nail to grow back. The new nail may have a bend, crease, or split, and may not fully stick to the skin. In the case of a bone fracture, a splint or cast may be required to keep the bone from moving so it can heal.

Prevent onycholysis

Onycholysis is a common condition where a nail separates from the skin underneath it, typically affecting only one nail. It is usually not painful, but the cause of onycholysis may be irritating or painful. The condition is often the result of irritation, injury, or infection in the nail area.

• Avoid nail biting, picking at the cuticle area, and cutting nails too short. Instead, trim your nails with clippers or manicure scissors, and smooth sharp corners with an emery board or nail file.
• Avoid pushing back, trimming, or removing your cuticles. Be careful when cleaning underneath your nails, as tools like cuticle sticks and nail brushes can break the skin and cause infection.
• Avoid exposure to irritants and chemicals, such as nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardener, nail polish remover, and artificial nails.
• Wear gloves when handling substances that could damage your nails or when doing activities that may harm your nails, such as washing dishes, playing sports, or working outdoors.
• Keep your nails dry, especially if you have toenail onycholysis. Wear clean socks and comfortable, protective shoes.
• Be cautious when putting down heavy objects near your feet to avoid injury.
• If you have a fungal or yeast infection, take proper care of your nails to stop the problem from spreading.
• If your onycholysis is caused by an underlying condition, such as thyroid disease, vitamin deficiency, or nail psoriasis, manage the condition to reduce the risk of nail detachment.
• If you are undergoing chemotherapy, consider wearing a frozen glove during the infusion of the chemotherapeutic agent to prevent onycholysis.

Treat nail psoriasis

Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes changes in the structure of your nails, including discoloration, pitting, and thickening. While there is no cure for nail psoriasis, various treatments can help alleviate symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Here are some ways to treat and manage this condition:

Medical Treatments

• Corticosteroids: Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid creams, ointments, injections, or nail polish to treat nail psoriasis. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and apply the medication consistently, as it may take up to six months to see improvements.
• Tazarotene: Derived from vitamin A, tazarotene can treat pitting, nail separation, and discoloration. Be sure to follow your dermatologist's instructions, as it may irritate the surrounding skin.
• Phototherapy: Ultraviolet light, or phototherapy, is commonly used to treat skin psoriasis and may also be effective for nail psoriasis. This treatment is typically administered in a doctor's office or clinic.
• Systemic medications: Your doctor may prescribe drugs that work throughout your body, such as biologics, which target specific parts of your immune system. These can be administered as injections, pills, or IV infusions.

Home Remedies and Tips

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties and can be applied to the nails and surrounding skin several times a day to relieve symptoms.
• Capsaicin: Capsaicin, a compound found in hot peppers, is available in creams or ointments and may help alleviate symptoms of nail psoriasis.
• Nail care: Good nail care practices can help manage nail psoriasis. Keep your nails trimmed, use a nail file to smooth the edges, and moisturize your nails and cuticles regularly, especially after contact with water.
• Protective measures: Wear gloves when cleaning or doing other manual work, and choose comfortable shoes that provide enough room for your toes.
• Cosmetic options: If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, consider using nail varnish or artificial nails. However, be aware that some people may be sensitive to the chemicals in these products, so consult your doctor before using them.

Frequently asked questions