Ava Monroe
A bruised nail is usually the result of an accident, such as stubbing your toe or finger, or slamming your finger in a door. This can cause trauma to the finger, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and bruising. The bruising happens when blunt force crushes the small blood vessels under the skin, which can cause bleeding and bruising under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. This can be extremely painful and may require a simple drainage procedure to relieve the pressure and pain. In some cases, the nail may fall off, and in others, the bone may be broken.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Blunt force trauma to the finger |
| Symptoms | Bleeding, bruising, swelling, pain, nail falling off |
| Treatment | Ice, OTC pain relief, antibiotics, drainage procedure, nail removal, nail evulsion |
| Healing Time | 3-4 days for pain to subside, 4-6 months for a new fingernail to grow |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Bruised nail causes
A bruised nail is usually the result of an accident, such as stubbing your toe or finger, or smashing your finger in a door or car window. In some cases, your nail may fall off immediately, or weeks later.
Like the bruises you get on any part of your body, nail bruising happens when blunt force crushes the small blood vessels under your skin. This is known as a subungual hematoma, which is the medical term for bleeding under a fingernail or toenail. It usually happens if the nail gets crushed in an injury.
The injury breaks open blood vessels under the nail, causing blood to collect and become trapped. This can cause intense pain and throbbing due to the pressure of the blood collecting between the nail and the nail bed.
If you have a subungual hematoma, you may see blood or a bruise under your nail. You may also experience severe, throbbing pain due to the pressure of the pooled blood. In some cases, the pooled blood can cause the nail to fall off.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor may perform a simple drainage procedure to relieve the pressure and reduce pain. They may also prescribe antibiotics if there are signs of infection.
Nail Biters: The Mystery of Their Finger Tips
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Bruised nail symptoms
A bruised nail, also known as a subungual hematoma, is a common injury that occurs when there is a trauma to the finger or toe, such as stubbing a toe or finger, or smashing a thumb with a hammer. This can result in bleeding, bruising, and pain under the nail, which can be treated at home in some cases, but may require medical attention in others.
Symptoms
When a nail is bruised, it is not the nail itself that is bruised, but the tissue underneath it. This is because the blood vessels under the nail are damaged, leading to bleeding and bruising. Symptoms of a bruised nail include:
- Discoloration of the nail, which may appear purple or black.
- Swelling and pain due to the buildup of pressure under the nail.
- In some cases, the fingernail may fall off within a few weeks of the injury.
- Infection, which can be identified by signs such as pus, redness, warmth, swelling, and persistent pain.
Treatment
For minor injuries, a bruised nail can be treated at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications to reduce inflammation and pain. It is important to keep the injury clean and elevate the affected finger or toe to reduce swelling. Antibiotic ointments or creams can also be applied to prevent infection.
However, if there is a large bruise, a healthcare provider may need to create a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and fluid, relieving the pressure and pain. In more severe cases, such as when there is a broken bone or deep cut, the nail may need to be removed and the underlying tissues surgically repaired.
Foods for Stronger Nails: What to Eat and Why
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$16.69 $25.99
Bruised nail diagnosis
A bruised nail is usually the result of an accident, such as stubbing your toe or finger, or dropping something heavy on it. This is known as a subungual hematoma, which is bleeding or bruising under the nail. It happens when blood vessels under the nail are damaged by blunt force.
If you have a bruised nail, you should seek medical care within two days. A healthcare provider will examine your nail and the surrounding skin and may ask you to move your finger or toe to evaluate the injury. They may also recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays or an ultrasound, to check for broken bones or other injuries.
If there is a large bruise, your provider may create a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and fluid and relieve the pressure and pain. This procedure is known as nail evulsion. If the bone is broken or the injury is severe, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed repaired. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
In most cases, a bruised nail will heal on its own, but it can take several months for the nail to grow out and look normal again. During this time, you can care for your nail by gently washing any minor cuts or scrapes and applying a bandage if needed. You can also apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured finger to reduce inflammation and pain. Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pain, and see a doctor if these occur.
Dirt Under Fingernails: A Mystery Unraveled
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Bruised nail treatment
A bruised nail is usually the result of an accident or injury, such as stubbing your toe or finger, or even dropping a brick on it. The bruise is caused by the blood or bruising under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. This is a result of the blunt force that crushes the small blood vessels under your skin.
If you have a bruised nail, it is important to seek medical care within two days to rule out any serious injuries. Your doctor will examine your nail and may perform imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds to check for broken bones or other underlying issues. In some cases, your doctor may need to remove the nail to repair the tissues underneath and relieve the pressure and pain caused by the pooled blood. This procedure is known as nail evulsion, where the doctor numbs your finger, lifts the nail on each side, and peels it away from the nail bed.
While waiting for your appointment, you can manage the pain by icing and elevating the affected area. You can also take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. It is important to keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as fever, redness, warmth, swelling, or pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
If the bruised area is very small, you may not need medical treatment, and the nail will heal on its own. However, it is important to be cautious and seek medical attention if you are unsure or if the pain persists.
What Nail Filing Rules Apply for Air Travel?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![NatureWise Hair Skin and Nails Vitamin, Biotin 5000mcg w/Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen for Women with C, B Complex, D3, A, E, Iron - Non-GMO, Gluten Free - 150 Softgels[50-Day Supply]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/711XQJUMNkL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Bruised nail prevention
Bruised nails are usually the result of an accident, such as stubbing your toe or finger, or smashing your thumb with a hammer. The pain from a bruised nail is caused by blood trapped under the nail, which puts pressure on the nerves in your finger or toe. This is known as a subungual haematoma.
To prevent a bruised nail, you can take some steps to lower your risk by:
- Being aware of where your hands and feet are when you close doors.
- Avoiding going barefoot or wearing open-toed shoes when lifting heavy objects or walking around.
- Avoiding distractions when using hammers or other tools that might slip or hurt your finger.
- Wearing gloves, shoes and/or boots appropriate to the task when doing manual labour.
If you have a bruised nail, it is recommended that you seek medical care within two days to relieve the pressure and pain. Your doctor may perform a trephination procedure to drain the blood and relieve the pressure. After this procedure, keep your nail clean and dry, and bandaged and elevated for the first 12 hours.
Understanding Sore Fingernails: Causes and Remedies
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A subungual hematoma is a bruised fingernail or toenail that develops after sudden trauma to your nail, like dropping a heavy object on your finger.
If you have a bruised nail, you should seek medical care soon—within two days. You can apply ice wrapped in a hand towel or cloth to the injured finger for up to 20-minute intervals, several times daily.
Symptoms of a bruised nail include pain, swelling, and discoloration. In some cases, the nail may fall off.
It can take several months for a bruised nail to look normal again. A new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow and replace the lost nail.
Yes, you can cover a bruised nail with nail polish—with a few precautions. It is recommended to first coat the nail with a layer of nail hardener to help protect the nail plate.
![Fracture (BD) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/812i+0+jqUL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Fracture (Full Screen Edition) [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81vDX8i9QmL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
