I broke my toenail, how long will it take to grow back?/Can I still swim?

Question

Okay, so after googling apparently I have to trim all of the toenail off (pinky by the way) and wait for it to grow another one in its place.

How long does this normally take? I've heard 2 weeks, 2 months and even half a year.

Also, we swim in PE for about 2 weeks. I have a teacher who is not likely to negotiate with me. Should I swim after wrapping it in gauze + applying antibiotics? Or should I just get a doctor's note saying I shouldn't swim?

I don't know what Chlorine could do to my nail if it's trimmed...so any suggestions would be helpful, thanks

Answer 1

swimming shouldn't be an issue.  nail will take a few weeks to a month or so to completely grow out

Answer 2

If you broke the toenail do not sacrifice the whole thing.  Just trim it down so that it does not snag on anything and leave it be.  It will grow out ok, and it is better to have nail covering the soft skin underneath. Sorry to tell ya, but you will be fine swimming in the pool. Just clean and apply antibiotic cream afterwards.  

Answer 3

varies on the person. get one of those swimming socks, for your foot. there really good

Answer 4

ok....if all of the nail is gone, it can take months to grow back.

Antibiotics are for infections, so if it isnt infected, you shouldnt need them, however in the beginning 2 weeks, you might put a dab on and put a bandaid on over it.

The chlorine shouldnt affect it.  It doesnt do anything to any other nails trimmed short !

Answer 5

Chlorine wouldnt do anything your fine to swim iv ebroken my nail before just keep it covered with something like bandage tape or something and you'll be fine even if you dont cover it the water might burn an open nail but thats all