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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Foul Smell From Nail?

Smashed my thumb nail 2.5 months ago and blood collected under most of the nail. I left it without drilling any holes since the pain went away within a couple days. Nail is now grown out and about to come off. I have been using Neosporin and keeping it clean with peroxide and alcohol. Today I noticed the foul smell. I have heard about this but can t seem to find much information. My thumb does not hurt and there doesn t seem to be an infection. What can I do to treat the smell or will the subside as soon as the nail falls all the way off?
Wed, 21 Sep 2016
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM
Since your injury was so long ago, and you have so far had no active symptoms of infection like pain, pus ,swelling,etc., it seems to have healed internally.
Since you still have no pain or pus, I don't see any cause to worry about infection. Let the nail fall off. A new nail will start to grow. keep it dry and clean. The smell maybe due to some discharge that could have occurred as the nail is separating and falling off.
If there is no open wound or discharge , you may stop using the hydrogen peroxide and just apply antiseptic. Dont apply too much pressure, to allow normal new nail growth.
If in the next few days, you develop swelling, pain, redness, pus, etc, visit your dermatologist or treating surgeon to clean it and prescribe necessary antibiotics and dressing.
hope this helps you.
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What Causes Foul Smell From Nail?

Hello and welcome to HCM Since your injury was so long ago, and you have so far had no active symptoms of infection like pain, pus ,swelling,etc., it seems to have healed internally. Since you still have no pain or pus, I don t see any cause to worry about infection. Let the nail fall off. A new nail will start to grow. keep it dry and clean. The smell maybe due to some discharge that could have occurred as the nail is separating and falling off. If there is no open wound or discharge , you may stop using the hydrogen peroxide and just apply antiseptic. Dont apply too much pressure, to allow normal new nail growth. If in the next few days, you develop swelling, pain, redness, pus, etc, visit your dermatologist or treating surgeon to clean it and prescribe necessary antibiotics and dressing. hope this helps you.