What is the most gentle way to remove a dead toenail?

2019-04-20T02:47:35-04:00

My new combat boots pressed weirdly on my big toenail last week, and as a result, 85% of it formed a blood blister underneath it. I'm going to lose the toenail and will have to spend the next 18 months regrowing it. The pressure from the blood blister is annoying and I'd rather just remove the whole thing and start the healing process. Half of it is lifted up already, but there is a sliver that isn't dead yet. Can anyone recommend a gentle way to remove it?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2019 2:56 AM

2019-04-20T02:56:15-04:00

In the future, when you get a blood blister under the nail, you can save it by drilling into the nail to release the blood. You can use a 14 gage needle and use your fingers to spin it like a drill with light pressure. It takes a while but it works. If you can take a few seconds of pain, the medics can use a cauterizing pen to burn/melt a hole straight through in a few seconds.
Now that you're too late to save it, the best way to manage it is to trim back as much of the nail as you can that's elevated off the toe. If there's still a lot of discomfort from it, you can tape the toe nail down to stabilize it during the day while you're walking around.
There's no gentle way to remove the portions that are connected to the intact nail bed, and if you do, the pain will be worse and you'll open up the nail bed to bacterial and fungal infection. With the limited blood flow that toes receive, that kind of infection can be hard to fight, even with antibiotics, and you could lose the toe, a portion of the toe, or just permanently damage the nail bed.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2019 3:52 AM

2019-04-20T03:52:24-04:00

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2019 8:48 AM

2019-04-20T08:48:48-04:00

When it turns black it will fall out.
If you are in a hurry, you can have a doctor administer a digital block and pull the nail.
The procedure is painless except for two shots, but it will hurt about 30 minutes later.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Apr 20 at 2019 10:24 AM

2019-04-20T10:24:16-04:00

1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member I'd go see a podiatrist. My guy has done this painlessly.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Apr 20 at 2019 1:38 PM

2019-04-20T13:38:35-04:00

Hot water, as hot as you can stand and epsom salt. This will help to loosen the connecting tissue. Grip it and tug. It may bleed some but not much. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth and apply a topical antiseptic and wrap with gaus. Whenever you can, likely after you have finished duty, you want to let it air out. In a few days you will not need the gause anymore.

As SFC Boyd mentioned, in the future when/if you develop one, drill through the nail to relieve the pressure. It makes a bit of a mess but the relief it brings is well worth it. Keep in mind that the nail may still come out but will regrow in all but the most extreme cases.

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Apr 20 at 2019 10:01 PM

2019-04-20T22:01:33-04:00

In the future if the blister is not under the nail. Take a needle and poke in one side out to the other let it drain. Clean the Bandge as needed. Also so get you self some NEW SKIN they come in a small round jar.
But in the mean time try using MOLE SKIN in you boots.
Your medics should have both. If not go the CVS or Walgeens talk to the pharmicy the can tell you were it is.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Apr 21 at 2019 9:27 AM

2019-04-21T09:27:35-04:00

Normally, even a general practitioner doctor can handle this for you. If it cannot be saved they can remove it safely without a significant risk of infection etc. Too many toenails lost, blisters popped and even some infections in the feet to mention. You may also have the wrong sized boot or a boot not adequate for a hump.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Apr 22 at 2019 1:11 PM

2019-04-22T13:11:37-04:00

Field method... Sterilize a needle push it through the toenail to drain the blood, slather the hole with Neosporin and drive on, the nail will come off on it's own.
Preferred method.... Go on sick call and let the Dr. handle it.