Sophia Delgado
Bruised fingernails are usually minor injuries that heal without complications. However, they can be extremely painful due to the pressure of blood collecting between the nail and the nail bed. This pressure can be relieved through a simple procedure called trephination, which involves draining the blood. Without this procedure, the blood will clot, causing bulk under the nail that could lead to weeks of unnecessary pain. The bruise will remain visible until the affected nail grows out, which can take several months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healing Time | A few days to a few weeks |
| Drainage Procedure | Within 48 hours of injury |
| Healing Time with Drainage | A few days |
| Healing Time without Drainage | A few weeks |
| Nail Regrowth Time | 4-6 months for fingernails, 12 months for toenails |
| Nail Bed Healing Time | 7-10 days |
| Bruise Disappearance | A few months |
| Nerve Pain Relief | Immediate |
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What You'll Learn
Bruised nail healing time
A bruised fingernail or toenail, also known as a subungual hematoma, is a common injury that occurs as a result of sudden trauma to the nail. This could be from something crushing or slamming the nail, such as closing a finger in a door or dropping a brick on a toe.
Healing Time
The healing time for a bruised nail depends on the severity of the injury. Most simple cases start to feel better within a few days, with any pain easing within this time frame, especially after drainage. However, it may take several months for the nail to return to normal in appearance, as you wait for the affected portion of the nail to grow out.
If there is significant injury to the base of the nail, or other injuries such as a broken bone or deep cut, healing time will be longer. In these cases, it may take up to four weeks for the nail bed to heal, and four to six months for a new fingernail to grow and replace the damaged nail. Toenails typically take even longer to grow back, up to 12 months.
Treatment
To promote healing and reduce pain and inflammation, it is recommended to apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured finger for 20-minute intervals, several times a day. Keeping the injured finger elevated above the level of the heart can also help to slow down the blood flow to the site and reduce throbbing pain. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medications can be taken to reduce inflammation and pain. It is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
In some cases, medical attention may be required. If there is severe pain, a deep wound, or if symptoms do not improve with basic treatment, it is recommended to seek medical help. A healthcare provider can perform a simple drainage procedure to relieve pressure and reduce pain. If there is a broken bone or a large bruise, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed repaired.
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How to treat a bruised finger nail
A bruised fingernail, or subungual hematoma, is usually the result of an accident or trauma, like stubbing your toe or finger, or dropping something heavy on it. It can be very painful and may take months to look normal again. In some cases, the nail may fall off.
If you have a bruised fingernail, it's important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible, preferably within two days. They will be able to advise on the best course of treatment, which may include a simple drainage procedure to relieve pressure and reduce pain. Do not attempt to drain the blood yourself, as this can cause further injury or infection.
While your bruised fingernail is healing, there are several things you can do to ease the pain and promote healing:
- Apply ice wrapped in a hand towel or cloth to the injured finger for up to 20-minute intervals, several times a day. This will help to stop bleeding and prevent a blood blister from forming under the nail.
- Keep the injured finger elevated above the level of your heart to slow down the blood flow to the site, reducing inflammation and pain.
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory and pain medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin, to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Apply OTC antibiotic ointments or creams to the wounds after cleaning to prevent infection.
- Use pain-relieving medicated creams or herbal formulas to reduce inflammation and pain. Arnica may help improve healing time.
- Avoid any activities that increase pain or involve a lot of finger strain.
It's important to keep the injured area clean and dry, and to follow your healthcare provider's instructions for changing any bandages. The bruise may remain visible for several months until the affected portion of the nail grows out.
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Signs of infection
A bruised fingernail, or subungual haematoma, is usually the result of an injury that causes bleeding and bruising under the nail. This can be caused by something crushing or slamming the nail, such as a hammer or a door. While most bruised fingernails heal without complications, it is important to watch out for signs of infection.
If you notice any signs of infection, seek immediate medical attention. Signs of infection include:
- Pus
- Redness or red streaks in the skin
- Skin or nail that feels warm to the touch
- Swelling
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Significant pain
If you notice any discolouration or bruising under your nail and cannot recall any injury, contact your healthcare provider. While it may be harmless, nail discolouration can sometimes signal a more serious health condition that requires treatment.
It is important to keep the injured area clean and dry. You should also avoid soaking the injured nail in a bath or hot tub, and refrain from swimming until your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
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Preventing further injury
A bruised fingernail is a common injury that occurs when there is trauma to the finger, such as slamming it in a door or hitting it with a hammer. This can result in blood under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma, which can be extremely painful due to the pressure exerted on the finger or toe nerves.
To prevent further injury and promote healing, it is important to take the following steps:
- Rest: Avoid any activities that increase pain or involve a lot of finger strain. Give your finger time to heal by resting it and avoiding strenuous activities.
- Ice: Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured finger for 20-minute intervals, several times a day. This will help stop bleeding, prevent a blood blister, and reduce inflammation and pain.
- Elevation: Keep the injured finger raised above the level of your heart to slow down the blood flow to the site, reducing inflammation and pain.
- Clean the wound: Gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes with soap and water to prevent infection.
- Bandage: Apply a bandage to the injured finger if needed. Keep the area clean and dry to avoid infection.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Take OTC anti-inflammatory and pain medications, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin, to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Antibiotic ointments: Apply OTC antibiotic ointments or creams to the wound after cleaning to further prevent infection.
- Medical attention: Seek medical attention if the injury is severe, if you suspect a broken bone, or if symptoms do not improve with basic treatment. A doctor can perform a simple drainage procedure to relieve pressure and pain.
- Avoid weight on the injury: While healing, avoid putting weight on the injured finger.
- Prevent future injuries: Be mindful of your hands and feet when closing doors or lifting heavy objects. Wear proper shoes and gloves when doing manual labor or using tools to avoid injuries.
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When to see a doctor
In most cases, a bruised fingernail will heal without complications and you will have no lasting effects. Any pain should ease on its own within a few days or right after drainage. However, if you experience any of the following, you should seek medical attention:
- Extreme pain—If you experience severe or throbbing pain, or if the pain gets worse over the next few hours, you should seek medical care.
- Inability to move the finger—If you are unable to move your finger, this is a sign that you should seek medical attention.
- Broken bone—If you suspect that you have a broken bone, you should go to an urgent care center or emergency department.
- Deep cut—If you have a deep wound that may require stitches, you should seek medical attention.
- Difficulty controlling bleeding—If you are experiencing persistent bleeding or having trouble controlling it, you should see a doctor.
- Deformity—If the finger or toe is deformed, you should seek medical attention.
- Darkened area under the nail without injury—If you notice a darkened area under your nail and have not experienced any trauma or injury, you should see your doctor to rule out other possible causes.
- Injury to the nail bed—If there is an injury to the nail bed or surrounding tissues, you may need stitches or other treatment.
- Injury to a child's finger—If your child has a serious injury to their finger or nail, take them to an urgent care center or emergency department.
- Failure to improve with basic treatment—If your symptoms do not start to improve after a few days of basic treatment, you should consult a doctor.
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Frequently asked questions
A bruised fingernail can take several months to heal and return to a normal appearance. The nail may fall off right away or weeks later, and a new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow and replace the lost nail.
If you have a bruised fingernail, you should seek medical care soon, preferably within two days. A healthcare provider can perform a simple drainage procedure to relieve the pressure and give you relief. You should also keep the area clean and dry, and follow your provider's instructions for changing any bandages.
A bruised fingernail, or subungual hematoma, is typically caused by direct trauma to the nail, such as something crushing or slamming it. This can result in bleeding, swelling, and nail discoloration.
To relieve pain, you can apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured finger for up to 20-minute intervals, several times a day. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also help reduce inflammation and pain.
