Nailbed injuries arise from trauma (blunt or penetrating injury) to the nail. Examples include slamming a fingertip in a door, or dropping a weight on the finger. These are very painful. These injuries involve the bed upon which the nail rests. This nailbed may need surgical repair, which needs to be undertaken ideally within 3-5 days of the injury. Following repair, it takes about 3-4 months, sometimes longer, before your nail looks normal. If you have sustained a nailbed injury, do not delay getting assessed, as outcomes following treatment become less predictable the longer it is ignored.
