Nail avulsion, the sudden detachment of a fingernail or toenail, is a common injury often caused by blunt trauma. When this happens, people often consider using household super glue for a quick fix. This impulse stems from a misunderstanding of the chemical differences between industrial and medical adhesives. This article explains why using standard household glue on a detached nail is unsafe and outlines the proper steps for managing this injury.
Why Household Super Glue is Unsafe for Skin and Nails
Household super glue is typically a formulation of methyl cyanoacrylate, designed to create a rigid bond between non-living materials like plastic, ceramic, and metal. This chemical is not sterile and contains impurities not intended for contact with biological tissue. When the liquid glue cures upon contact with moisture on the skin, it releases heat in an exothermic reaction. This localized heat generation can cause a chemical burn on the sensitive, exposed tissue of the nail bed.
The resulting bond is inflexible, meaning it does not move or flex with the natural slight movement of the finger or toe, potentially causing further damage. The glue also poses a high risk of infection, as it can seal in bacteria, dirt, and debris that entered the wound during the trauma. Creating a watertight seal over a contaminated wound fosters an environment for bacterial growth, which can lead to severe infections like paronychia. Furthermore, the glue can chemically irritate the nail matrix, which is responsible for future nail growth.
Understanding Medical-Grade Adhesives
The existence of medical-grade tissue adhesives often fuels the misconception that any super glue is safe for the body. Medical adhesives, such as those containing octyl cyanoacrylate, are fundamentally different from their household counterparts. These products undergo extensive purification and rigorous testing to meet strict biocompatibility standards, ensuring they are sterile and non-toxic for human contact.
Medical professionals use these adhesives primarily to close clean lacerations by holding the edges of the skin together, not typically to reattach an entire nail plate. This purified formulation is designed to minimize irritation and safely slough off the skin over time as the wound heals beneath it. This clinical use should not be confused with using an unsterile, unpurified industrial adhesive at home.
Immediate Steps for a Detached Nail
A nail avulsion should be treated with proper first aid to protect the underlying tissue and promote healthy regrowth. The immediate priority is to gently clean the injured area using mild soap and clean water to reduce the risk of infection. If the injury is bleeding, firm but gentle pressure should be applied with a clean cloth or gauze. The hand or foot should be elevated above the level of the heart to help control the flow.
The exposed nail bed is extremely sensitive and must be protected with a non-stick sterile dressing. A thin layer of petroleum jelly can be applied to the nail bed before covering it to prevent the dressing from sticking to the wound. Avoid applying strong chemical antiseptics, which can irritate the raw tissue and hinder the natural healing process.
It is advisable to seek professional medical attention if the bleeding is severe and cannot be stopped, if the pain is intense, or if there is any visible sign of deep injury. Protecting the nail matrix, the tissue at the base of the nail, is the most important step for ensuring future nail regrowth. Depending on the injury, a new fingernail may take six months to fully regrow, while a toenail can take 12 to 18 months.