(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.
//