If the nails are too small and the amount accidentally ingested is very small, it is usually not harmful. If the nails are too large, too dirty, or the amount eaten is too much, it may lead to acute gastroenteritis, gastric mucous membrane damage, ascariasis, and so on.
Clinically speaking, in general, if nails, especially human nails, are accidentally ingested, it is usually not a big problem. Because nails are bony structures, the human body’s stomach acid has a powerful digestive effect, under the action of gastric acid, the bony structures will be decalcified and thus softened, and then excreted with the feces, will not cause harm to the human body.
If the nails are too dirty or may contain roundworm eggs, accidental ingestion may lead to acute gastroenteritis, ascariasis, etc. If the nails are particularly large, especially with sharp edges, they may cause damage to the gastric mucous membrane, resulting in oedema, erosion and hemorrhage of the gastric mucous membrane.
If there is any discomfort after accidental ingestion, it is recommended to go to the hospital in time for treatment under the guidance of the doctor.