Losing a toenail. Continue hiking?

“Hi, I have never lost a toenail before, and would really appreciate advice from veteran toenail losers.

So after a backpacking trip last weekend, my big toenail is disattached and leaking. I know it will eventually fall off.

Next weekend I have another backpacking trip planned. Can I go on it? It is another long one with a lot of elevation loss/gain. Is it okay to continue this toenail abuse when my toenail is already in the process of falling off?

Thank you for your thoughts!”

“yeah - just go ahead and hike with it - NBD - just means you don't need to bother trimming it”

“Leaking? Gross! You'll find once it does fall off your toe doesn't jam anymore. Pain all gone. Hike away.”

“What I did in a similar situation is to cut off all the loose toenail and to put some protective tape around the toe. Protecting the exposed skin and new nail from friction and avoiding having any part of the nail move seemed to be the key.

If the leaking means infection - then that's a different story altogether.”

“Dammit Jim -Im a Backpacker not a Doctor”

“I always have at least one black toenail. It just means you are serious about hiking.

I hate losing the big one though. It takes a long time to heal. One of mine just now looks normal after messing it up in July.”

“I have a couple that aren't quite all the way back to normal from last april”

“I lost a couple toenails last October after a five day hike. Boots were too small. I was carrying lambs wool, purchased at ballet supply stores. It is great for protecting jammed up toes.”

“I lost a couple toenails last October after a five day hike. Boots were too small. I was carrying lambs wool, purchased at ballet supply stores. It is great for protecting jammed up toes.”

“I lost most of my toenails during my 2006 AT thru-hike. It was really no big deal. I didnt even miss them, just less weight to carry.”