Nail Wound Healing: Is Your Recovery Normal? - Surgery

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Nail wound issues?


Hello Doctor, a few days ago I had about one-fifth of my nail removed.
It has been 10 days now, and currently, I do not feel any pain when walking or applying pressure.
However, the area near the nail where it is growing back (it looks like the nail bed) has not completely dried and still appears a bit red and moist.
Is this normal? The doctor advised me not to get it wet, but during this time, I have been changing the dressing myself.
I use saline solution to clean the wound and then apply ointment.
Could this affect the healing time of the wound?

Abby, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/03

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery


Hello! Avoid contact with water, which refers to tap water; you should only use sterile saline solution for cleaning.
You can continue with the current dressing change.
Take care! Changhua Hospital cares about you!

Reply Date: 2017/04/03

More Info


When it comes to nail wound healing, it is essential to understand the normal recovery process and what signs may indicate complications. Based on your description, it appears that you are experiencing a typical healing process after having a portion of your nail removed.
After nail surgery, it is common for the area around the nail bed to be red and slightly moist for a period of time. This is often due to the healing process, where new tissue is forming and the body is working to repair the area. The redness and moisture you are observing near the nail bed can be attributed to several factors, including inflammation, which is a natural part of healing, and the presence of new blood vessels that are forming to supply nutrients to the healing tissue.

In general, the healing of nail wounds can take several weeks, and it is not unusual for the area to remain sensitive and slightly discolored during this time. The fact that you are not experiencing pain when walking or pressing on the area is a positive sign, indicating that there is likely no significant infection or complication at this stage.

However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions regarding wound care, particularly the advice to avoid water exposure. Keeping the wound dry is important because moisture can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, potentially leading to infection. If you are washing the wound with saline solution, ensure that you are not soaking it and that you are gently patting it dry afterward.
Using an antibiotic ointment as prescribed can help prevent infection, but be cautious not to overapply it, as excessive moisture can also hinder healing. If you notice any increased redness, swelling, or discharge from the wound, these could be signs of infection, and you should seek medical attention promptly.

In terms of the healing timeline, while it varies from person to person, you can generally expect the area to continue improving over the next few weeks. The redness should gradually diminish, and the moistness should resolve as the tissue matures and the skin barrier is restored. If you find that the area remains red and moist beyond a few weeks, or if you have any concerns about the healing process, it would be wise to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, your current healing process appears to be within the normal range, but adherence to proper wound care is crucial for optimal recovery. Monitor the wound for any changes, and do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you have concerns or if the healing does not progress as expected.

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