Sophia Delgado
A subungual hematoma is the medical term for bruising under the nail, which is caused by blood collecting under the nail, often due to trauma. This can cause severe pain and throbbing, and the bruise will gradually disappear as the nail grows out. However, it is important to seek medical attention for a nail bruise as it can take weeks for the pain to subside without treatment, and there is a risk of infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical term | Subungual hematoma |
| Cause | Blunt or crush trauma |
| Symptoms | Throbbing pain, discoloration (reddish-purple, dark brown, black) |
| Treatment | Trephination, antibiotics, elevation, icing, OTC pain medications |
| Healing time | 4-6 months for fingernails, 12-18 months for toenails |
| Prevention | Keep the area clean and dry, avoid ill-fitting shoes |
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What You'll Learn
Bruises under the nail are called subungual hematomas
Subungual hematomas are usually the result of some kind of injury to the blood vessels under the nail bed. For example, blood vessels can break and leak blood into the area underneath the nail when a door slams on a finger or a heavy object crushes a toe. They can also occur when a person repeatedly jams their toes into the toe box of a too-tight shoe. This is especially true when the person wearing the ill-fitting shoe engages in sports with a lot of stop-and-start action, such as tennis, soccer, or basketball. Subungual hematomas can also happen to runners and hikers, especially when running or hiking downhill, as this creates undue pressure on the blood vessels in the toes.
The first symptom of a subungual hematoma is throbbing pain in the nail area, thanks to the pressure of blood pooling under the nail bed. The second symptom is the discoloration of the nail. What starts as a reddish-purple will eventually turn dark brown and black as the blood clots. Nail discoloration can be a symptom of other conditions, such as melanoma, so it is important to contact a doctor if you have concerns about the appearance of blood under the nails.
Most cases of subungual hematoma will heal on their own within a few months. Home remedies such as resting, icing, applying compression, and elevation can also encourage healing. In more severe cases, medical treatments may be necessary. It is important to contact a doctor if a person experiences severe pain, bleeding that does not stop, signs of infection, or a subungual hematoma that does not go away on its own. They should also contact a doctor if it affects a baby or child.
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They are caused by trauma to the blood vessels under the nail bed
A bruised fingernail or toenail is caused by trauma to the blood vessels under the nail bed, a condition known as a subungual hematoma. This can be the result of a blow to the nail, such as closing a finger in a door or drawer, or a heavy object falling on the toe. It can also be caused by ill-fitting shoes that put undue pressure on the blood vessels in the toes, leading to broken blood vessels and bleeding under the nail. This condition is often seen in runners and hikers, especially when running or hiking downhill.
The first symptom of a subungual hematoma is throbbing pain in the nail area due to the pressure of blood pooling under the nail bed. This is followed by nail discolouration, which usually starts as reddish-purple and eventually turns dark brown to black as the blood clots. The pain typically subsides within a few days, but the nail discolouration will take longer to grow out, and in some cases, the nail may fall off or need to be removed.
If you notice a bruise under your nail, it is important to seek medical care within two days. While it may seem like a minor issue, a nail bruise can cause excruciating nerve pain that interferes with daily activities. Your healthcare provider can perform a simple procedure called trephination to drain the blood, relieving the pressure and pain. They may also recommend keeping the area clean and dry, and elevating and icing the affected area to reduce swelling.
In some cases, a subungual hematoma may be associated with a broken bone in the finger or toe. X-rays are often necessary to diagnose any underlying fractures, as they can be hard to spot without medical tests. Untreated fractures can heal incorrectly, leading to long-term pain and interference with the natural function of the finger or toe. Therefore, it is crucial to seek timely medical attention for any suspected nail or bone injuries.
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Symptoms include throbbing pain and discolouration of the nail
Symptoms of a subungual hematoma, or a bruised nail, include throbbing pain and discolouration of the nail. This is caused by bleeding under the nail plate, which leads to swelling and puts pressure on the nail plate, causing pain and discolouration. The blood under the nail can be the result of broken blood vessels under the nail bed, often due to some form of trauma, like a heavy object crushing a toe or finger, or from repeated jamming of the toes into a too-tight shoe.
The first symptom of a subungual hematoma is typically throbbing pain in the nail area, caused by the pressure of blood pooling under the nail bed. This can be excruciating and may interfere with daily activities. The second symptom is discolouration of the nail, which usually starts as reddish-purple and eventually turns dark brown to black as the blood clots.
The pain from a subungual hematoma typically goes away within a few days, but the discolouration will take longer to disappear as the nail grows out. It could take anywhere from four to six months for a fingernail to grow out, and 12 to 18 months for a toenail. In some cases, the discoloured nail may fall off or need to be removed, and it will be replaced by a new, healthy nail.
It is important to seek medical attention for a nail bruise as it can be difficult to spot a small bone break in the finger or toe without medical tests. A large bruise under the nail can indicate a broken bone, and untreated fractures can heal incorrectly, causing long-term pain and interfering with the function of the finger or toe.
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Treatment involves draining blood and relieving pressure
A subungual hematoma is the medical term for bleeding and bruising under a fingernail or toenail. It is caused by blunt or crush trauma that damages the blood vessels under the nail plate, resulting in blood collecting under the nail and causing pressure and pain. This pressure can be excruciating and may interfere with daily activities.
Treatment for a subungual hematoma depends on the severity of the injury. Minor injuries can be cared for at home by elevating the affected hand or foot and icing the area. Over-the-counter pain medications can also help relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation.
However, if the pain is intense or worsens over time, it is important to seek medical care. A healthcare provider may recommend a simple procedure called trephination or decompression, which involves draining the hematoma to relieve pressure. This procedure can be performed using a heated wire or laser (electrocautery) or a needle to make a hole in the nail and allow the blood to drain. After the procedure, it is important to keep the area clean and dry, and avoid soaking the injured nail to prevent infection.
In some cases, if there is additional damage such as a broken bone or deep cut, the nail plate may need to be removed to surgically repair the underlying tissues. This can help support the proper healing of the nail. The affected nail may fall off or need to be removed and will eventually be replaced by a new, healthy one. A fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks, while a toenail may take up to 12-18 months.
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Nails typically take months to grow back after a bruise
A bruised nail is usually the result of an accident or trauma. When you stub your toe or finger, blood collects under your nail, causing pain and pressure on your nerves. This is called a subungual hematoma, which is the medical term for bleeding and bruising under the nail. It is important to seek medical attention within two days of the injury to avoid any complications.
After a trephination procedure, where the blood is drained from under the nail, it is important to keep the nail clean and dry. This involves avoiding soaking the injured nail and refraining from swimming until advised otherwise by a healthcare provider. Failure to do so can lead to skin breaks and potential infection.
Nail injuries can be noticeable until the damaged portion grows out completely. Typically, fingernails take about two to six months to grow back, while toenails can take anywhere from four to twelve months or even longer, up to eighteen months in some cases. During this time, the new nail may have grooves, ridges, and misshapen areas, which could be permanent.
It is important to keep the injured area clean and dry, and to cover it with a bandage only when necessary. This helps prevent infection, which may require antibiotics. Additionally, elevating the affected hand or foot and icing the area can help reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain medications can also provide relief and reduce inflammation.
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Frequently asked questions
A subungual hematoma is the medical term for a bruised nail, which occurs when blood collects under the nail.
A subungual hematoma is usually caused by some form of injury to the blood vessels under the nail bed. This could be from blunt force trauma, such as a heavy object falling on the toe, or from repeated jamming of the toes into a too-tight shoe.
Treatment for a subungual hematoma depends on the type and seriousness of the injury. For minor injuries, it is recommended to keep the area clean and dry, and to cover it with a bandage if needed. For more serious injuries, such as a large bruise under the nail or a broken bone, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor may create a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and relieve pressure and pain.
Yes, as the nail grows, the bruise will gradually grow out and be replaced by a new, healthy nail. This process can take several months for fingernails and up to a year or more for toenails.
