QuestionI've done a little internet research and can't seem to find anythiing that fits my query. My left thumbnail has been ugly/deformed/weird practically all my life. Last night I noticed a small whole in the back of the nail near where the cuticle is supposed to be; I've never really had a very prodominant cuticle on that finger. I began picking at the whole, shame on me, until it took to the size of my lunula. I now have no lunula, that is to say that I think, and hope, I still have the matrix. Basically there is a whole in the back half of my thumbnail. There is now a "bubble" that has formed and is pushing its way through the whole. It doesn't look infected, and if I push on the bubble I get a clear liquid on my finger. The remainig nail is still firmly attached. The "bubble" is very tender but doesn't pop. Is this serious or will my nail just grow back? What am I supposed to do?"
AnswerI highly recommend asking a medical doctor about this.
Not knowing what happened that caused your thumbnail to be "ugly/deformed/weird" for most of your life, I can't even guess as to whether or not you have a damaged matrix that might be the cause of that.
I have seen cases similar to what you are describing and, in most cases, the nail did grow back. And yes, I've known people to pick at their nails in these cases and still have the nail grow back. But I can't promise anything.
The nail matrix is actually behind the cuticle, under the skin...so from what it sounds like, you probably weren't picking at part of the nail that would result in damaging the matrix itself.
Don't pick at it, give it a few weeks, see if it starts to grow back.
The "bubble" is probably skin that is swelling and pushing against that hole, probably from being picked at. Keep it watched and make sure it doesn't get infected.
If it doesn't seem to be growing back, or if it's painful or develops any sign of infection, make sure to see a doctor.
