Lost My Fingernail on a Flight
I’m a 26-year-old female pilot, and today I had a rather unfortunate incident while shutting the airplane door. To my dismay, my entire left thumbnail was completely torn from my finger. The occurrence was so sudden that I hardly even noticed it happening at the moment. Now, as I attempt to fly back home, using my left hand has proven to be extremely challenging. What steps should I take moving forward? I’ve already cleaned the wound with soap and water and applied a bandage, but do I need to consult a healthcare professional? Is there such a thing as a specialist for fingernail injuries? Will my nail eventually regrow? Furthermore, I’m seeking advice on how to alleviate the pain during recovery, as even the lightest touch sends sharp pain through my finger, with a constant throbbing sensation. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated! Just to clarify, the photo shows my natural nail, not a fake one. I typically get gel manicures, which makes the line between the visible nail and the root quite evident.
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 2:30:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your injury; that sounds really painful and frustrating, especially while trying to fly. Here are the main points you need to consider moving forward:
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Nail Regrowth: Your nail will likely regrow. It takes time—usually several months—so be patient. The new nail may not look exactly like the old one at first, but most people find their nails grow back well.
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Pain Management & Care: Since you’re experiencing sharp pain and throbbing, it's important to manage this. Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the dosage instructions. Keeping your hand elevated can also help reduce swelling and pain.
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Professional Care: Given that the injury involves loss of a fingernail and you are experiencing significant pain, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional. A dermatologist or a hand specialist would be suitable for nail injuries, as they can provide appropriate treatment and care.
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Bandaging and Hygiene: Make sure to keep the area clean and bandaged to prevent infection. Change the bandage daily, especially if it becomes wet or dirty. If you notice increased redness, swelling, pus, or pain, these could be signs of infection, warranting urgent care.
Next Steps:
- Pain Management: Start taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
- Seek Professional Help: Plan to see a healthcare professional shortly after your flight to assess the injury and discuss care for your finger.
- Wound Care: Keep your nail bed clean and covered until healed, changing the bandage regularly.
Take care of yourself during this recovery process, and I wish you a smooth flight home! If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.
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