What to do if you hurt your toenail –

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1. Apply pressure

In case of bleeding, apply light and continuous pressure to the base of the nail for approximately five minutes. Meanwhile, elevate your foot to stem the flow.

2. Soak your foot in water

It’s worth both the lukewarm and the cold. “The first helps with local cleaning while the second helps with pain control”, explains Caio Lamunier, dermatologist at the Brazilian Society of Dermatology. Whatever your choice, the important thing is to leave the submerged region for at least 10 minutes.

3. Clean the region

The next step is to clean the area with running water and soap. “The ideal is to avoid antiseptics, as they can cause irritation in people with greater sensitivity”, says Caio.

4. Make a bandage

If the nail hasn’t completely fallen off, don’t be tempted to pull it out. Despite being a little uncomfortable, leave it partially adhered. “Just cover the finger with gauze and micropore tape to ensure protection”, teaches the specialist. It’s also important to avoid tight shoes for at least two weeks.

5. See a doctor

Depending on the situation, you may need a tetanus shot or antibiotic. In addition, it is worth remembering that it is possible to accelerate the growth of the new nail with supplements. “But all this can only be evaluated by a dermatologist”, says Caio.