Nail Injuries in Kids: First Aid and Care

Whether from slammed doors or a stubbed toe, nail injuries are quite common in kids. According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, almost 15 percent of pediatric injuries include hands and fingers significantly affecting the nails. Therefore, considering the severity—minor to major—it is important to learn about how to respond to such injuries.

Read this article to find out about the complications of nail injuries and how first aid can aid in ensuring a smooth healing.

Types of Nail Injuries in Kids and Specific Care

Nail injuries in kids can vary in severity and kind. Some of the common complications have been listed below.

Nail Bruise: Also known as subungual hematoma, it occurs when blood collects under the nails primarily due to crush injury. It can also lead to discoloration or throbbing pain in the nail. If your child has significant pain in the bruise, the doctor might drain the blood under the nail, generally using a sterile needle.
Nail Laceration: It often results from cut from sharp objects on the nail or surrounding skin and may require stitches if the cut is deep. However, in case if the injury is minor, apply anitbiotic ointment on cleaned injruy before bandaging.
Nail Avulsion: It occurs when the nail is completely or partially torn from the nail bed which is typically painful and also lead to bleeding. In case the complete nail is avulsed, immediately cover the area with a bandage and seem immediate medical attention.
Nail Bed Injury: If the injury is severe or the nail is crushed, the skin beneath the nail can be damaged, resulting in abnormal growth of the nail. A several-damaged nail bed typically requires a surgical repair for proper healing.
Fractured Finger: In some cases, the impact of a nail injury can be so severe that it might result in a fracture to the underneath bone. So if you suspect a fracture, seek immediate medical care.

Immediate First Aid for Nail Injuries

Follow the procedure given below as the immediate care for nail injuries.

In case the nail is bleeding, gently apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding.
Next, wash the injured area with soap and water to prevent infections. Avoid using antiseptics, as they can irritate the wound.
To reduce the swelling and pain, apply an ice pack to the wounded area for about 10–15 minutes. Instead of applying the ice pack directly to the skin, wrap it around a clean cloth.
If your child is feeling pain or discomfort, administer pain-relieving OTC medicines like ibuprofen on your doctor’s recommendations.

Tips to Prevent Nail Injuries

Nail injuries in kids are more common than you might think. To reduce the risk of nail injuries in kids, here are some helpful tips.

Wear well-fitted footwear: Ensure your child wears well-fitted footwear—not too tight, not too loose—to provide proper protection, especially during physical activities.
Safe Play: If you've got younger kids in your home, ensure a safe and supervised play and keep away sharp objects from their reach.
Safety Measures: It is important to guide your child on being cautious while handling doors or heavy objects.

Takeaway

While nail injuries are common in kids, they must not be taken lightly as they can lead to nail bruises, bleeding, or even fractures. It is important to provide the right measures depending on the type of nail injury. If you suspect the injury is too severe or there is a fracture, seek immediate medical attention to reduce any risks of complications.