(HealthDay News) — Tearing a nail from the nail bed can be very painful. From infection to a jam, nail separation can have a variety of causes, says the University of Wisconsin.

To treat a torn nail, the school suggests:

• Trim or file any sharp edges. Trim off the detached part of a large tear.
• Soak your finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes after trimming.
• Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly and cover the area with a nonstick bandage.

Copyright © 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.