Sophia Delgado
A bruise under the thumbnail, also known as a subungual hematoma, occurs when blood vessels under the nail break open, causing blood to collect and become trapped in one spot. This can be caused by a crushing or stubbing injury, such as hammering your thumb. It is important to seek medical attention within two days, as a subungual hematoma can be extremely painful and may indicate a more serious injury, such as a broken bone. While most subungual hematomas heal without complications, they can sometimes lead to further damage, such as nail loss or infection. The pain and pressure associated with a subungual hematoma can be relieved through a simple drainage procedure, which can be performed by a healthcare professional.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it called? | Subungual hematoma |
| Cause | Trauma to the nail, such as crushing or stubbing |
| Appearance | Dark red, purple, blue, black, brown |
| Pain | Severe, throbbing |
| Treatment | Drainage procedure, stitches, removal of nail, splint |
| Healing time | 4-6 months for fingernails, 12-18 months for toenails |
| Prevention | Keep fingernails trimmed, avoid nail biting and cuticle biting |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Bruise colour and changes
A bruise under the thumbnail, also known as a subungual hematoma, occurs when blood collects and becomes trapped under the nail due to broken blood vessels. This can be caused by a crushing or stubbing injury, such as dropping something on your thumb or finger, or hitting your thumb with a hammer.
The colour of the bruise can vary, with blood under the nail appearing blue, purple, black, or brown. Initially, the hematoma may appear dark red, but over time, the blood may turn dark as it clots, changing colour from red to purple to dark brown or black.
The appearance of the bruise can also change as it heals. While the nail may remain discoloured after drainage, the bruise will gradually disappear as the nail grows back. A new fingernail typically takes around two months to grow out completely, while a toenail can take between 12 and 18 months. During this time, the nail may still look discoloured for several weeks or even months.
It is important to note that any attempt to drain a subungual hematoma should be done by a medical professional. While small hematomas may not require drainage, it is always best to consult a doctor before making that judgment.
Toe Trauma: Nail Loss Timeline and Treatment
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pain and pressure
A bruise under the thumbnail, also known as a subungual hematoma, occurs when blood vessels under the nail break open, causing blood to collect and become trapped in one spot. This can happen due to a crushing or stubbing injury, such as dropping something on your thumb or finger.
The pain and pressure associated with a subungual hematoma can be intense and excruciating, making it difficult to work or perform daily activities. This is because the trapped blood puts pressure on the nerves in the finger or toe. The pain can be throbbing and may take weeks to get better without proper medical care.
The pressure from the hematoma can also cause the nail to come off completely, a process known as avulsion. To relieve the pain and pressure, drainage of the hematoma can be performed, which involves creating a small hole in the nail to allow the blood to drain out. This procedure, called trephination, can be done quickly and relatively painlessly in a doctor's office or urgent care centre. It is important to note that drainage should be performed within 48 hours of the injury, as after this time, the blood will start to clot, making it harder to drain.
If the hematoma is small and the pain is mild, it may resolve without treatment. However, if the pain is severe or lasts longer than a few days, it is recommended to seek medical attention. Additionally, if the bleeding is severe or accompanied by extreme trauma, it is important to contact a doctor for advice on medical treatments.
In some cases, the nail may need to be removed to access and repair deeper injuries, such as tears or fractures, with stitches. This can impact the regrowth of the nail, which may take between 4 to 6 months for a fingernail and 12 to 18 months for a toenail. During this time, the nail may regrow with ridges or other abnormalities.
The Mystery of Postmortem Hair and Nail Growth
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Treatment and drainage
A bruised thumbnail, or subungual hematoma, is usually caused by a crushing injury, such as slamming your thumb in a door or hitting it with a hammer. This can be very painful, but most subungual hematomas heal well without any lasting effects.
If you have a bruised thumbnail but no other apparent damage, you can treat it at home by applying ice wrapped in a soft cloth to the area. This should help to reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin or Advil, can also help with minor pain.
If your pain gets worse or doesn't improve within a few days, you should seek medical care. Your doctor will examine your nail and may recommend a simple procedure called trephination or decompression, which involves draining the hematoma to relieve pressure and pain. This procedure can be performed quickly and relatively painlessly in a doctor's office or urgent care center. It is important to note that you should never attempt to drain a subungual hematoma at home, as this can lead to serious infection and permanent damage to your nail or finger.
During the procedure, your doctor will numb your thumb with a nerve block and then use a heated wire (electrocautery device), carbon laser, or needle to make a small hole in your nail, allowing the blood to drain out. After the procedure, your doctor will bandage your nail, and you will need to keep your thumb bandaged and elevated for the first 12 hours. In some cases, you may need to use a splint for a few days until the tenderness subsides.
Following treatment, your nail may still look discolored for several weeks, but the bruise will gradually fade as your nail grows back. This can take anywhere from 4 to 6 months for a fingernail and up to 18 months for a toenail. In some cases, the new nail may not look normal, with ridges or other abnormalities.
Dip Nails: How Long Before Soaking Off?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Healing time
A bruise under the thumbnail is called a subungual hematoma. It occurs when blood vessels under the nail break open, causing blood to collect and become trapped in one spot. The blood can turn dark over time, and the pressure from the hematoma may cause the nail to come off completely.
Subungual hematomas are usually not dangerous and often go away without causing major problems. However, they can be very painful, and the pain can last for weeks unless treated by a healthcare provider. The pain is caused by the pressure of the blood on the nerves of the finger or toe.
If the hematoma is small and the pain is mild, it will usually resolve without treatment. However, if the pain is severe or lasts longer than a few days, it is recommended to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform a simple drainage procedure called trephination, which provides immediate relief from pain and pressure. During this procedure, a small hole is made in the nail to allow the blood to flow out. The wound is then covered with a dry bandage and kept clean and dry while it heals.
After the drainage procedure, the nail may bleed a bit, and the area may continue to drain for up to 3 days. The nail may remain discolored for many weeks, but this is normal, and the bruise will gradually fade as the nail grows back. Fingernails usually take about 2 months to regrow completely, while toenails can take between 4 and 18 months. In some cases, the nail may not regrow, or it may be malformed or cracked.
Nail Basics: Understanding the Length of 12d Nails
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Potential complications
A bruised thumbnail, or subungual hematoma, is usually not a cause for concern and often resolves without treatment or complications. However, there are some potential complications to be aware of. Here are some detailed explanations of these potential complications:
Infection
One potential complication of a bruised thumbnail is the development of a bacterial infection. This complication is more likely if the injury is severe, particularly if there is damage to the bone. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, and pus drainage. It is important to seek medical attention if any of these signs are present, as an infection can lead to further complications if left untreated.
Nerve Damage
The pain associated with a bruised thumbnail is caused by the pressure of the trapped blood on the nerves in the finger or toe. If not addressed promptly, this pressure can lead to long-term nerve damage, resulting in symptoms such as tingling, weakness, or pain. Therefore, it is important to seek medical care within two days of the injury to relieve the pressure and reduce the risk of nerve damage.
Melanoma
Although rare, melanoma, a type of skin cancer, can occur under a fingernail or toenail. Melanoma may present as a dark mark under the nail that is not linked to any injury and is usually painless. It is important to contact a doctor if there are concerns about the appearance of blood under the nails, as melanoma can be mistaken for a subungual hematoma.
Nail Loss and Malformation
In some cases, a severely injured nail may need to be removed by a doctor to allow access to the underlying nail bed for treatment. Even if the nail is left in place, it may fall off on its own due to the pooled blood separating it from its bed. While a new nail will typically grow back within 6-9 months, there is a possibility that it may be malformed or cracked, or even fail to regrow at all.
Bone Fractures
A bruised thumbnail can sometimes be indicative of a more serious injury, such as a bone fracture in the finger or toe. X-rays or other imaging tests may be necessary to detect such 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.
Shellac Nails: How Long Do They Actually Last?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A subungual hematoma is a bruise under the nail that occurs when blood vessels under the nail break open, causing blood to collect and become trapped in one spot.
The pain from a subungual hematoma usually goes away within a few days. The nail itself takes around 4 to 6 months to grow back for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
If you have a subungual hematoma, you should seek medical attention within two days. A doctor may recommend draining the hematoma, which is a simple procedure that provides immediate relief from pain and pressure.
Subungual hematomas can cause severe throbbing pain and may lead to complications such as nail loss, infection, and nerve damage. In rare cases, melanoma, a type of skin cancer, can occur under the nail.
You can take steps to encourage healing by resting the digit, using a cold compress, keeping the hand or foot elevated, and applying compression to slow the bleeding. However, it is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
