Liam Carter
Smashing your finger in a door or getting it slammed in a drawer can cause a nail injury. This can lead to blood under the nail, a condition called subungual hematoma, which can cause the nail to fall off. The nail may also split, crack, or lift away from the nail bed. In the case of a severe injury, it's important to seek medical attention to prevent further complications and ensure proper healing. Typically, a new nail will grow in and replace the old nail, but this can take several weeks or even months. During the healing process, it's crucial to keep the area clean and treat any pain or swelling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recovery time | A smashed finger usually starts to heal on its own after a few days of at-home care. More complicated or severe cases may take a few weeks or more to fully heal. |
| Treatment | Ice, elevation, keeping the area clean, and using OTC pain relievers are the recommended course of treatment for a smashed finger. |
| Nail reattachment | If the nail cannot be reattached, a doctor may replace it with a special type of material. |
| Nail growth | Fingernails usually regrow completely in about two months. Toenails take about four months. |
| Nail appearance | The new nail will probably have grooves or ridges and be somewhat misshapen. This may be permanent. |
| Nail matrix injury | If the nail matrix is injured, a ridge or split can develop. If the matrix heals normally, this deformity will disappear as the nail regrows. |
| Nail bruising | Nail bruising happens when blunt force crushes the small blood vessels under your skin. |
| Subungual hematoma | A subungual hematoma appears dark red under the nail. It is a blood blister under the nail. |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernail injuries and what to do
Fingernail injuries are common and can be quite distressing. They can occur due to various reasons, such as slamming a finger in a door, dropping a heavy object on the finger, or even from a cut with a sharp object. The good news is that many fingernail injuries can be treated at home, but it's important to know when to seek medical attention.
Treating Fingernail Injuries at Home:
- Rest and Ice: Elevate the injured finger or toe and apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 20 minutes at a time to help stop bleeding and reduce pain and swelling.
- Clean the Wound: Gently clean the area with soap and water or an antibacterial rinse to prevent infection.
- Cover the Wound: Use sterile gauze or bandages to protect the wound and change the dressing regularly.
- Pain Relief: Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to manage pain and swelling.
- Avoid Certain Activities: While your finger is healing, refrain from activities that increase pain or strain your fingers, such as physical or contact sports.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
- Deep or Large Wounds: If the wound is deep or large enough to require stitches, or if there is a cut in the nail bed, seek medical attention.
- Severe Bleeding: If you are unable to stop the bleeding or there is a large amount of blood under the nail, see a doctor. They may need to drain the blood by creating a small hole in the nail.
- Bone Fractures: If you suspect a broken bone in your finger or toe, seek immediate medical care to prevent future problems.
- Loss of Fingernail: If the fingernail falls off or is partially torn off, and there is significant injury to the nail bed, you may need medical treatment to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
- Infection: Signs of infection include pus, redness, heat, swelling, and persistent pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
Remember, it's always better to be cautious and seek professional medical advice if you are unsure about the severity of your fingernail injury.
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How to treat a smashed finger
A smashed finger is a common injury that involves trauma to one or more fingers. Most smashed fingers won't require medical treatment and can be treated at home with first aid, ice, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. However, there may be times when a smashed finger can be severe, such as when there is a fracture or broken finger bone, which requires immediate medical care.
Assess the damage:
It is important to calmly assess the damage and determine whether you need medical attention. If you are experiencing persistent bleeding, deep wounds, or suspect that your finger is broken, seek medical help.
Clean the wound:
If the nail or skin is broken, gently clean the area using soap and water or an antibacterial rinse. This will help prevent infection.
Apply ice:
Use an ice pack or cold water to help reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the ice in a clean cloth and apply it to the injured finger for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This will also help stop bleeding and prevent a blood blister from forming under the nail.
Elevate the finger:
Keep the injured finger elevated above the level of the heart to help reduce throbbing pain and swelling.
Use pain relievers:
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help manage pain and make you more comfortable during the healing process.
Keep the finger clean and dry:
It is important to keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infection. Change the bandages at least twice daily or whenever they become wet or soiled.
Move the finger gently:
While rest is important for healing, it is also beneficial to gently move the finger as much as possible without increasing pain. This will help promote circulation and improve recovery time.
Seek medical attention if needed:
If you are unable to move your finger, if there is a large amount of blood under the nail, or if the injury is severe, seek medical attention. A doctor may need to drain the blood from under the nail or treat any fractures or broken bones.
In most cases, a smashed finger will start to feel better within a few days. More severe cases may take a few weeks or more to fully heal. During the healing process, it is important to avoid any activities that increase pain or involve a lot of finger strain.
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What is a subungual hematoma?
When a fingernail or toenail is smashed, it can cause bleeding underneath the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. This injury occurs when the small blood vessels under the skin are crushed, leading to a collection of blood under the nail. The official name for this condition is a subungual hematoma, which simply means a blood blister under the nail.
Subungual hematomas can cause intense pain and throbbing due to the pressure of blood accumulating between the nail and the nail bed. The pain may be so severe that it becomes necessary to relieve the pressure by draining the blood. This can be done by creating a small hole in the nail plate, which is typically performed by a doctor using a heated wire, a carbon laser, or a needle. It is important to get this procedure done within 24 hours, before the blood coagulates.
Large subungual hematomas increase the risk of the fingernail falling off. Additionally, if there is damage to the nail matrix, which is the tissue at the base of the nail where nail growth occurs, the nail may grow out strangely. Therefore, it is recommended to have a professional evaluate the severity of the injury to prevent any long-term damage.
The treatment for a subungual hematoma typically involves icing and elevating the affected area to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can also be taken to manage minor pain. It is important to monitor the injury for any signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail, and to seek medical attention if these symptoms develop.
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How to prevent nail matrix injuries
The nail matrix is the "factory" where your body makes new fingernails and toenails. Certain injuries and conditions can damage your nail matrix and affect how your nails look or grow. While it is rare for your nail matrix to be permanently damaged, preventing your nail from growing back, it is still important to take steps to prevent nail matrix injuries. Here are some ways to do so:
Protect your fingers and toes
Keep your fingers and toes safe from crush injuries, which are common in children. Avoid slamming your fingers in doors or having heavy objects fall on them. Additionally, wear properly sized shoes to prevent toenail trauma.
Practice good nail hygiene
Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed and avoid biting them or the surrounding cuticles. Good nail hygiene can help prevent nail matrix injuries and infections.
Seek medical attention for any nail injuries
If you injure your nail, gently clean the area with soap and water or an antibacterial rinse, and cover it with sterile gauze or bandages. Seek medical attention if you experience persistent bleeding, suspect a broken bone, or have a deep wound that may require stitches. A doctor can evaluate the severity of the injury and provide proper treatment to prevent nail matrix damage.
Be cautious with any nail procedures
Avoid self-inflicted injuries such as improper manicures, nail biting, or inserting artificial nails. These activities can damage the nail matrix and lead to nail deformities.
Maintain overall health
Certain illnesses and medications can affect nail growth and increase the risk of nail matrix injuries. Take precautions to maintain your overall health and consult a doctor if you have any concerns about how your health may impact your nails.
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When to seek medical attention
After a smashed finger, it is important to know when to seek medical attention. Here are some detailed guidelines:
Firstly, if you are experiencing persistent bleeding, you should seek medical attention. Bleeding under the nail can be a sign of a serious injury, and a doctor may need to drain the blood and relieve the pressure. If there is a large amount of blood under the nail, it could increase the risk of your fingernail falling off. In addition, if you are unable to stop the bleeding quickly, it is best to seek medical help.
Secondly, if you suspect a broken finger or fracture, especially at the end of the bone where it grows (known as the growth plate), you should go to an urgent care centre or see a doctor. An X-ray will be required to determine if there is a fracture.
Thirdly, if the injury is deep and may require stitches, medical attention is necessary. This includes injuries to the nail bed, which may need to be repaired with stitches or special glue. If the nail is cut, torn, or smashed, and there is a risk of infection, it is important to seek medical help. Signs of infection include pus, redness, heat, or a red streak extending from the wound.
Additionally, if you are experiencing extreme pain, or if the injury involves more than just the fingertip, it is important to speak with a doctor or nurse. If the pain is intense and persists, it could indicate a more serious issue.
Finally, if you notice any problems as the nail heals and regrows, it is important to consult a doctor. The new nail may take longer to grow if there was damage to the nail bed or surrounding tissues, and it may not grow back normally.
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Frequently asked questions
Stop what you're doing to prevent further injury and calmly assess the damage. If there is bleeding, apply ice wrapped in a hand towel or cloth to the injured finger for up to 20-minute intervals, several times a day. If there is a cut, gently clean the area using soap and water or an antibacterial rinse, then cover the wound with sterile gauze or a bandage.
Most smashed fingers start to feel better within three to four days. More complicated or severe cases may take a few weeks or more to fully heal.
If there is a large amount of blood under your nail, you should seek medical attention. A doctor may drain the blood by drilling a small hole in the nail to relieve pressure and reduce pain.
Fingernails typically take about two months to regrow completely, while toenails can take up to four months. The new nail may have grooves, ridges, or be misshapen, and these changes may be permanent.
Signs of an infected nail injury include pus, redness, heat, and swelling. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor or dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment.
