Sophia Delgado
It is not normal to bleed when cutting your nails. The nail plate of the toes and fingers is made of a specialized keratin that has no blood vessels. Bleeding when cutting your nails may indicate that you have damaged the soft tissue below the nail plate. This is known as a subungual hematoma, which is a bruised nail that may cause severe, throbbing pain. If you experience this, it is recommended to seek medical attention, especially if there is intense pain or a deep cut.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of bleeding | Cutting the eponychium or soft tissue below the nail plate |
| Nail injuries | Fracture, dislocation, deep wound, bruising, broken bone |
| Treatment | Stop the bleeding, clean the wound, apply antibiotic ointment and bandage, elevate the injured area, ice the area, pain medication |
| Medical care | Drain blood, tetanus shot, antibiotics, removal of the nail, repair of tissue under the nail |
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What You'll Learn
Bleeding during manicures
While it is not uncommon to experience some bleeding when cutting your nails, it is usually an indication that something has gone wrong. Nails themselves do not contain blood vessels, so any bleeding is likely to be coming from soft tissue below the nail plate. This can happen when trimming your nails too short, or when cutting the cuticles during a manicure.
Cutting the cuticle is not recommended, and can lead to bleeding and infection. The cuticle should be gently pushed back, and only loose skin carefully removed. If you are cutting your nails at home, take your time, and cut straight across to avoid cutting into the soft tissue.
If you experience bleeding during a manicure, it is important to stop the procedure and tend to the wound. Gently wash any cuts with soap and warm water, and apply a bandage if necessary. If the bleeding does not stop, or you notice signs of infection, seek medical attention.
For more serious nail injuries, such as a deep cut or fracture, you should go to an urgent care centre or emergency room. They will be able to stop the bleeding, clean the wound, and provide any necessary treatment, such as stitches or glue to reattach the nail. It is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your doctor, as it can take several months for a nail to grow back fully.
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Nail injuries and their treatment
Nail injuries are common and can be caused by various activities, including manicures, sports, or accidents involving heavy objects. While some nail injuries may be minor and can be treated at home, others may require medical attention. Here are some guidelines on nail injury treatment:
Minor Nail Injuries:
For minor cuts or scrapes, gently wash the affected area with soap and warm water to clean the wound. You can then apply a bandage if needed. Change the bandage daily, and keep an eye out for any signs of infection, such as pus, redness, heat around the nail, or a red streak extending from the wound. If infection develops, consult a healthcare provider.
Serious Nail Injuries:
More serious nail injuries may require a trip to an urgent care center or the emergency room. These injuries can include deep wounds, fractures, tendon injuries, or crush injuries. If you are unable to straighten and bend your finger normally, it may indicate a fracture. Additionally, if the wound is deep or long enough, it may require stitches. In the case of a subungual hematoma, which is a bruised fingernail or toenail, you may experience severe throbbing pain and nail discoloration. If the injury is severe or there are signs of infection, such as swelling or fever, seek medical attention.
Nail Tears and Avulsions:
If the nail is torn or partially avulsed (separated from the nail bed), use sterile scissors to trim any rough edges and prevent further injury. Clean the wound and nail area, and consider using ice and over-the-counter pain medication to manage pain and swelling. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed and the nail bed repaired. This is especially true if there is an associated bone fracture or a large bruise. The wound may be closed with stitches, and the nail can be reattached with special glue or stitches.
It is important to note that treatment may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the injury. Always consult a healthcare professional if you are unsure about the severity of the injury or the appropriate treatment.
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Subungual hematoma
Typically, you should not bleed a lot when you cut your nails. If you do, it is possible that you have damaged the soft tissue below the nail plate.
If you have bleeding under a fingernail or toenail, it is called a subungual haematoma. This usually happens when the nail gets crushed in an injury. Symptoms include intense pain and throbbing as blood collects under the nail, causing pressure on the nail bed.
A small subungual haematoma may not require medical treatment. You can ice and elevate the area to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for minor pain. If the pain is severe, a doctor may perform decompression or trephination, which allows the blood to drain, relieving pressure and pain. This is typically a quick and painless procedure where the doctor will numb the affected area and use a heated wire, carbon laser, or needle to make a hole in the nail.
If you have bleeding under a large area of the nail surface, the nail bed may be injured, and the entire nail may need to be removed and replaced with stitches. The nail will usually fall off on its own after several weeks, and a new fingernail can regrow in as little as eight weeks. Toenails may take up to six months to fully regrow.
The main complication associated with decompression is a small risk of infection. If the haematoma is not advancing, see a dermatologist to rule out abnormally growing tissue, such as melanoma.
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Tissue repair
Typically, you shouldn't bleed when cutting your nails. If you do see blood, it's likely that you've damaged the soft tissue below the nail plate. This can be caused by cutting your nails too short, or by cutting your cuticles, the eponychium, which is the skin at the base of the nail. This area is very sensitive, and cutting it can be painful and cause bleeding.
If you experience a nail injury, the treatment will depend on the type and severity of the injury. Minor injuries, such as small nail bruises, can often be treated at home by washing any cuts with soap and water and applying a bandage. For more serious injuries, such as lacerations or amputations of the nail, nail bed, or surrounding skin, it's important to seek medical attention.
The repair process for nail injuries will vary depending on the type of injury. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed partially or completely before repairing the nail bed. Cuts in the nail bed will typically be closed with stitches, and the nail may be reattached using medical-grade glue or stitches. If the nail cannot be reattached, a special type of material may be placed on the nail bed to protect it as it heals. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection.
It's important to keep the injured area clean and protected during the healing process. This may involve the use of bandages, splints, or special shoes. The healing time can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but it typically takes about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal, and a new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow back. Toenails can take up to 12 months to regrow. The new nail may have grooves or ridges and may be somewhat misshapen, which could be permanent.
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Signs of infection
While it is not normal to bleed a lot when you cut your nails, it can happen. If you see blood while cutting your nails, it is possible that you have damaged the soft tissue below the nail plate.
Nail injuries can be treated at home if the bleeding can be stopped quickly and the nail is still attached to the nail bed. However, if the injury is more serious, it is important to seek medical attention at an urgent care center or emergency room.
Nail injuries can lead to infections, and it is important to be able to recognize the signs of infection and seek treatment if necessary. Here are some signs of infection to watch out for:
- Redness, swelling, and pain around the nail are common symptoms of an infected nail, also known as paronychia. The infected area may also feel warm and tender to the touch.
- Pus-filled blisters or abscesses may form around the nail, indicating a more severe infection.
- In some cases, the infection may cause the nail to turn a different color, appear detached, or look abnormally shaped.
- If the infection spreads beyond the nail, it can lead to more serious complications, and you may experience symptoms such as fever, chills, or increased pain.
If you notice any of these signs of infection, it is important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider will examine the affected area and may take a sample to test for bacteria or fungi. Treatment options may include antibiotics, antifungal medications, or minor procedures such as drainage of abscesses. It is important to prioritize the treatment of nail infections to prevent further complications and ensure proper healing.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails themselves do not contain blood vessels, so you shouldn't bleed when cutting them. However, if you cut yourself below the nail plate, you may bleed and injure the soft tissue.
If you experience a nail injury, you should apply pressure with a clean cloth. If the nail is torn, use sterile scissors to cut off rough edges and prevent further injury. Clean the wound with soap and warm water, apply antibiotic ointment, and bandage the area.
If you are experiencing intense pain, a deep cut, bleeding that won't stop, or suspect a broken bone, you should seek medical attention.
A subungual hematoma is a bruised nail that may cause severe, throbbing pain. It is generally not a cause for worry, but you should seek medical care if you experience intense pain, a deep cut, or bleeding that won't stop.
