A big toe nail is the most likely to be affected from injuries or fungal infection. Many people experience a discolored big toe nail from a fungal infection, which can possibly detach the nail eventually. Compared to fingernails, this nail has a higher possibility for having a fungal infection which comes from too-tight shoes, not breathable socks, or unfit foot gear. Many of us also fail in keeping its hygiene and unconsciously cause the harmless bacteria to multiply and promote big toe nail infection. A big toe nail is also susceptible to an accidental injuries. This injury can either detach the nail spontaneously or wiggle it from the nail bed. Either effect requires cautions, as this might lead to an infection.

Fungal infection may occur for a period of time. It does not usually cause a spontaneous nail detachment. A big toe nail may get discolored initially, turning into a brownish or yellowish colored nail. Furthermore, it gets cracked or brittle. When left untreated, this fungus may promote further infection and finally loosen the big toe nail up, causing detachment. On the other hand, accidents are more likely to cause instant detachment. Thus, it may be accompanied by bleeding and is usually very painful. Toe injuries can cause bruised nail bed and a raised, loosened toe nail. This nail might detach entirely, but might also experience partial detachment. In some cases, medical assistance is needed to see how bad the nail bed is injured, so that it can be decided whether the partially broken nail should be removed.

What to do when your big toe nail comes off?

If you are having an accident which causes the big toe nail to come off instantly, you might want to be cautious about some things to prevent more severe infection. A separated nail from the nail bed will not reattach. Instead, a new nail will grow back within a quite long time. A big toe nail, for instance, requires up to 12 months to regrow completely. This new nail might also be in a different shape from the separated one, as this nail grows after the nail bed is injured. Some deformities might be undergone by this nail bed and this shape is the one followed by the newly grown nail.

As a big toe nail which comes off is usually very painful, home remedies can be done to relieve the pain and care for the wound before seeking for medical help. This treatment should be done as soon as the nail comes off to prevent infection and should be done consistently and regularly.

1. If your nail is not completely separated from the nail bed, trim the sharp part of the nail to avoid tearing it more.
2. Give your toe a pressure to stop the bleeding.
3. Sterilize the naked nail bed with water or disinfectant and remove any left debris. You can also soak the toes into the salt solution to help eliminating any possible bacteria that might cause infection. Soak your foot for approximately 15 minutes.
4. Wipe the wound dry with a clean towel and apply an antibiotic ointment or solution onto the wounded nail bed.
5. Put a gauze on the top of the nail bed and cover it with a sterilized bandage. Keep the wound covered to provide a moist environment which fasten the healing process.
6. Change this bandage once a day and make sure you do not wet the wound without changing its dressing.
7. If you are experiencing severe throbbing which elevate from day to day, seek for a medical advice.
8. Take prescribed antibiotic or anti-inflammation to prevent the possibility of infection.
9. Wear flat opened sandals to help the wound breathing and avoid bacterial infection which can grow in closed, humid shoes.

Bleeding which occurs initially with a separated big toe nail should stop within days after treatment. If this continue and you notice terrible-smelled pus on the wound, you might need further medical help. A wiggle big toe nail will separate from the nail bed and will be replaced by a new nail. Blackened toe nail is normal as long as no severe pain and fever accompanying the process.