Ava Monroe
A bruised nail, or subungual haematoma, is a common injury that occurs when blood vessels under the nail bed break and leak blood, causing pain and pressure. This can be treated by a doctor who will drain the blood, relieving the pain and pressure. However, if left untreated for too long, the blood will clot, causing a bulk under the nail that can lead to weeks of unnecessary pain. A new nail will grow back in several months, but it may look different or malformed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a bruised nail called? | Subungual hematoma |
| What causes a subungual hematoma? | An injury that breaks open blood vessels under the nail, causing blood to collect and become trapped in one spot |
| What are the symptoms? | Severe throbbing pain, discoloration of the nail (reddish-purple, dark brown, or black), and deformity of the finger or toe |
| What to do when you have a subungual hematoma? | Seek medical attention within 48 hours to drain the blood and relieve pressure and pain. Keep the area clean and dry. |
| How long does it take for a new nail to grow? | Fingernails: 8 weeks to 6 months; Toenails: 6 months to 18 months |
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What You'll Learn
- Bruised nails can be the result of a number of accidents, such as stubbing your toe or finger
- A bruised nail can take several months to grow out and may require medical attention
- Trapped blood under the nail can cause extreme pain and pressure, requiring a procedure to drain the blood
- A bruised nail may fall off, requiring protection of the nail bed until a new nail grows
- In rare cases, a bruised nail can be a symptom of melanoma or skin cancer, requiring immediate medical attention
Bruised nails can be the result of a number of accidents, such as stubbing your toe or finger
Bruised nails are often the result of accidents such as stubbing your toe or finger. This can happen by jamming your finger in a door or window, or stubbing your toe on a door jamb. In some cases, a heavy object like a hammer may be involved, or a sharp object like a knife.
The pain from a bruised nail is caused by the pressure of blood trapped under the nail, which puts pressure on the nerves of the finger or toe. This is known as a subungual hematoma, and it can be extremely painful. The pain from a subungual hematoma can last for weeks, and it can take months for the nail to look normal again. In some cases, the nail may fall off, either immediately or weeks later.
If you experience a subungual hematoma, it is important to seek medical care within 48 hours to drain the blood and relieve the pressure. This is a simple, painless procedure called trephination, which involves creating a small hole in the nail to allow the blood to drain out. If the blood is not drained within the first 48 hours, it will clot and cause a bulk under the nail that could lead to prolonged pain.
After a trephination procedure, it is important to keep the nail clean and dry, and to cover it with a bandage only when it needs extra protection or if there is significant pain. It is also important to keep the injured area elevated and to use cold compresses during the first 12 hours after the procedure. A new fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks, while a toenail can take up to 6 months or more.
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A bruised nail can take several months to grow out and may require medical attention
A bruised nail, or subungual haematoma, is the result of an injury that breaks open blood vessels under the nail. This causes blood to collect and become trapped under the nail, leading to pressure and pain. The pain from a bruised nail is not just due to the injury but also because the trapped blood puts pressure on the nerves of the finger or toe. This pressure can cause excruciating pain and make it difficult to perform daily activities.
A bruised nail can take several months to grow out. Fingernails may take 4 to 6 months to grow out, while toenails may take 6 to 18 months. In some cases, the nail may fall off or need to be removed, and it may take about 6 months for a new nail to grow back. If there is severe damage to the nail bed, the new nail may be malformed or cracked, and there is a small chance the nail may not grow back at all.
Due to the risk of infection and potential for severe pain, a bruised nail may require medical attention. If there is severe pain or the injury is at the base of the nail, it is recommended to seek medical care within 48 hours. During this time, a healthcare provider can drain the excess fluid and relieve the pressure, which can help prevent weeks of unnecessary pain. After this time, the blood will clot, causing a bulk under the nail that may lead to prolonged pain. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed to prevent infection or further injury.
To care for a bruised nail at home, it is important to keep the area clean and dry, and to cover it with a bandage only when necessary. Soaking the affected finger or toe in a warm solution with Epsom salts can help to drain fluid and alleviate pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage pain and swelling.
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Trapped blood under the nail can cause extreme pain and pressure, requiring a procedure to drain the blood
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 blood to become trapped under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. While this can sometimes resolve without treatment, it can also cause extreme pain and pressure. This is due to the blood putting pressure on the nerves in your finger or toe.
The pain from a subungual hematoma can be so intense that it interferes with daily activities, and it can take weeks to get better. To relieve the pain and pressure, a doctor may perform a procedure called trephination or decompression, which involves draining the trapped blood. This procedure should be carried out within 48 hours of the injury, before the blood clots, to be most effective.
During trephination, the doctor will numb the affected finger or toe and then use a heated wire, electrocautery device, laser, or needle to make a small hole in the nail. This allows the blood to drain out, relieving the pressure and pain. After the procedure, the area may be bandaged and will need to be kept clean and dry.
It's important to note that a bruised nail can take months to grow out and heal completely. In some cases, the nail may fall off or need to be removed, and there is a chance that the new nail may be malformed or cracked. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention for a bruised nail and follow the recommended treatment plan to ensure proper healing.
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A bruised nail may fall off, requiring protection of the nail bed until a new nail grows
A bruised nail is usually the result of an accident, such as stubbing your toe or finger, or hitting your finger with a hammer. This can cause blood to collect and become trapped under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. The pain from a bruised nail is caused by the pressure of the trapped blood on the nerves of the finger or toe. This can be extremely painful and may take weeks to get better.
In some cases, a bruised nail may fall off right away or weeks later. If your nail comes off, it is important to protect the nail bed to prevent infection. Keep the area clean and dry, and cover it with a bandage when it needs extra protection or if you are in pain. You can also use a Band-Aid to protect the sensitive skin of the nail bed.
If left open, the exposed skin can get very dry and cracked, which may affect how the nail grows back. In some cases, the doctor may need to remove the nail, a procedure called a nail evulsion. This may be necessary if the nail bed is infected.
It can take several months for a new nail to grow out, with toenails taking longer than fingernails. During this time, it is important to follow any instructions from your healthcare provider and keep the area clean and protected.
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In rare cases, a bruised nail can be a symptom of melanoma or skin cancer, requiring immediate medical attention
A bruised nail is usually the result of an accident, such as stubbing your toe or finger. The pain from a bruised nail is caused by the pressure of blood trapped under the nail, which can be excruciating. This pressure can cause severe, throbbing pain and can make it difficult to work or perform daily activities.
It is important to seek medical attention if you notice any discoloration or bruising under your nail, especially if you do not remember any injury that could have caused it. A doctor will examine your nail and may perform a biopsy to determine if the cells are cancerous. Early detection and treatment of subungual melanoma yield the best outcomes, and most people recover when it is diagnosed and managed early.
While a bruised nail will eventually grow out, it can take several months for a new nail to regrow. In the meantime, it is important to keep the injured area clean and dry to prevent infection.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take anywhere from 4 to 18 months for a bruised nail to grow out, depending on whether it's a fingernail or toenail. Fingernails can regrow in as little as 8 weeks, while toenails can take up to 18 months.
If you have a bruised nail, it's important to seek medical attention, especially if there is severe damage to the nail bed or if the pain is unmanageable. Your doctor may recommend a procedure called nail trephination to drain the blood and relieve the pressure and pain.
The symptoms of a bruised nail include severe throbbing pain, discoloration of the nail, and pressure and pain due to the collection of blood under the nail.
It's important to keep the area clean and dry, and to cover it with a bandage if needed. You can also soak your finger or toe in a warm solution with Epsom salts to help drain fluid and alleviate pain.
