Title: How to Treat a Torn Nail | HowStuffWorks
Headings: How to Treat a Torn Nail
How to Treat a Torn Nail
Treating Torn Nails
Nail Psoriasis
Regrowing Nails
Nails as Indicators of Disease
Torn Nail FAQ
How long does it take for a torn nail to heal?
Should I cover an exposed nail bed?
What causes a nail to crack?
Why is the side of my nail throbbing?
Does a fingernail grow back?
Citation

Content: Your nail plate can also separate from your nail bed if it's slammed between two things, such as a door and a doorframe, or if you have a condition that causes it to fall off, such as a fungal infection. Nails may also be more prone to breakage if you have nail psoriasis, if you use chemicals like acetone to remove nail polish or if you take certain medications or are undergoing chemotherapy [source: Van Houten ]. Both nail tearing and nail separation can be painful, and they don't heal quickly -- you have to wait for them to grow back. But there are a few simple steps you can take to help the nail grow back and to prevent tearing and separating your nails in the future. Read on to learn what you can do to help heal your torn or separated nail. Advertisement
Treating Torn Nails
The best way to treat a torn nail is to give it time to grow back. You can help make sure it grows back safely, and you can also take steps at home to reduce pain and discomfort as it grows. You have a few options for treating a torn nail: You can tape the torn part back into position and then trim it off as the nail begins to grow, or you can clip off the torn portion right away at a slight outward angle so the nail grows back normally.