Liam Carter
A bruised nail, or subungual hematoma, is usually the result of an accident such as stubbing your toe or finger, or slamming your finger in a door. It can be very painful and may take months to heal and grow out. In some cases, your nail may fall off. The bruise you see on your nail should gradually grow out over the next few weeks or months. It may take six to nine months for your nail to completely grow out and return to its normal colour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pain | Severe or throbbing |
| Discoloration | Black-and-blue, black-and-purple, red, or brown |
| Sensitivity | Very tender to the touch |
| Separation | The nail plate may separate from the nail bed |
| Treatment | Drain blood trapped under the nail |
| Recovery time | 6 to 9 months for the nail to grow out and return to its normal colour |
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What You'll Learn
Bruised nail causes
A bruised nail, also known as a subungual hematoma, is usually the result of an accident or injury. This could be stubbing your toe, dropping a heavy object on your foot, or accidentally closing a door on your finger. In these cases, the tissue under the nail is bruised, not the nail itself.
Bruised nails can also be caused by repetitive pressure or trauma over time. For example, wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause toenail injuries and lead to deformities. Similarly, habits such as nail biting and cuticle biting can cause trauma to the nails.
In some cases, a bruised nail may indicate a more serious underlying condition. For example, if you notice nail discolouration without any apparent injury, it could signal a health issue that requires treatment, such as skin cancer. Additionally, a large bruise under the nail could indicate a broken bone in the finger or toe, which requires prompt medical attention to prevent incorrect healing and long-term pain.
It is important to seek medical care if you experience severe pain, worsening pain, or bleeding that won't stop. While bruised nails usually heal over time, it can take several months for the nail to grow out and return to its normal appearance.
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Bruised nail symptoms
A bruised nail is usually the result of an accident or trauma, such as stubbing your toe or finger, or dropping a heavy object on your toe. It is often referred to as a subungual hematoma, which is when blood becomes trapped underneath the toenail or fingernail. This can cause severe, throbbing pain and may result in the nail falling off.
Symptoms of a bruised nail include:
- Pain: This may be severe or throbbing. The pain is caused by the pressure of the blood trapped under the nail, which puts pressure on the nerves in the finger or toe.
- Nail discoloration: The nail may appear red or purple initially, but it will gradually turn dark brown or black.
- Nail sensitivity: The nail may be very tender to the touch, even with gentle pressure.
- Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed: The pressure from the pooling blood may cause the nail plate to lift up from the underlying tissue.
- Bleeding under the nail: This is a common symptom of a subungual hematoma and can result in blood trapped under the nail.
It is important to seek medical care if you experience intense pain, prolonged bleeding, or if you believe there may be a broken bone. A healthcare provider can examine the injury and determine the best course of treatment. In some cases, a simple draining procedure may be performed to relieve the pressure and reduce pain.
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Bruised nail treatment
A bruised nail is usually the result of an accident or trauma, such as stubbing your toe or finger, or from crush injuries like slamming your finger in a door. The medical term for a bruised nail is a subungual haematoma, which is when blood collects under the nail, causing severe throbbing pain.
If you have a large bruise under your nail, it could be an indication of a broken bone. In this case, you should seek medical attention to ensure the bone does not heal incorrectly, which can cause long-term pain.
If you have a subungual haematoma, it is important to seek medical care within two days of the injury. Your doctor may recommend a variety of treatments, depending on the severity of the injury. If you have a simple subungual haematoma, your doctor may recommend a drainage procedure to relieve pressure and pain. This procedure is called decompression or trephination. Your doctor will numb the affected area and use a heated wire or carbon laser to burn a hole, allowing the blood to drain.
For minor pain, you can treat a subungual haematoma at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication. However, if you have a large haematoma, severe pain, or any additional injuries, you should seek medical care. It is important to keep the area clean and avoid soaking your nail, as this can lead to infection.
It can take several months for a subungual haematoma to fade completely and for a healthy nail to regrow. In some cases, your nail may fall off right away or weeks after the injury.
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Bruised nail recovery time
A bruised nail, or subungual hematoma, is usually the result of an accident such as stubbing your toe or finger, or slamming your finger in a door. It can also be caused by crush injuries, such as dropping a heavy object on your toe, or by repetitive pressure over time, like running in shoes that are too tight. Bruised nails are often accompanied by symptoms such as severe or throbbing pain, nail discolouration, nail sensitivity, and separation of the nail plate from the nail bed.
The recovery time for a bruised nail depends on the severity of the injury and whether there are any other injuries present, such as a broken bone, deep cut, or other trauma to the nail. In general, it can take several weeks or months for a bruised nail to return to normal. The bruise will gradually grow out, and the discolouration will change from red or purple to dark brown or black over time. It can take up to six to nine months for the nail to completely grow out and return to its normal colour.
If the bruised nail is not properly treated, it can lead to serious pain or damage to the finger or toe. It is important to seek medical care within two days of the injury to prevent further complications. Treatment options may include draining the blood trapped under the nail to relieve pressure and pain, or in more severe cases, removing part or all of the nail to repair the underlying nail bed. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection.
To care for a bruised nail at home, it is important to remove any jewellery from the affected hand or foot and gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes. A bandage can be applied if needed. It is recommended to avoid covering up the injury with nail polish or bandages, as this can interfere with healing and proper nail growth. Additionally, keeping the injured area elevated and applying ice can help reduce swelling and pain.
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Bruised nail prevention
Bruised nails are usually the result of accidents or trauma, such as stubbing your toe or finger, dropping a heavy object on your toe, or closing your finger in a door. They can be very painful and may take months to heal and grow out. In some cases, your nail may fall off.
While it is challenging to prevent bruised nails entirely, as accidents can happen unexpectedly, there are several measures you can take to lower the risk and manage recurrence:
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
Be aware of the location of your hands and feet when closing doors or drawers. This simple act of mindfulness can help prevent your fingers or toes from getting caught and bruised.
Protect Your Feet and Toes
- Wear proper-fitting, closed-toe shoes: Choose comfortable shoes that provide adequate space for your toes and do not squeeze them together. Avoid going barefoot or wearing open-toed shoes when lifting heavy objects or moving around, as this can increase the risk of dropping something on your toes or stubbing them.
- Keep your toenails trimmed: Short and well-maintained toenails are less likely to catch on outside objects or bend, reducing the chances of trauma and bruising.
Practice Safe Manual Labor
- Wear appropriate footwear and gloves: When engaging in manual labor or handling tools, ensure you are wearing the necessary protective gear, such as sturdy shoes or boots and gloves, to shield your hands and feet from potential injuries.
- Avoid distractions: Stay focused and avoid distractions when using tools like hammers, which can slip and cause accidental trauma to your fingers or toes.
Address Underlying Health Conditions
Certain health conditions, such as bleeding or blood clotting disorders (e.g., coagulopathy or peripheral vascular disease), can increase the risk of bruising. Consult with your healthcare provider to manage these conditions effectively.
Consider Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy exercises can help manage pain, improve movement, and combat the effects of repetitive stress. This can be especially beneficial if your work involves repetitive motions, such as manual labor or construction.
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Frequently asked questions
A bruised nail can be extremely painful and may throb. The pain can last for several months, and in some cases, the nail may fall off.
A bruised nail is called a subungual hematoma, which is a collection of blood under the nail, often caused by trauma.
Subungual hematomas are typically caused by blunt force trauma, such as hitting your finger with a hammer or dropping something on your toe. They can also result from repetitive pressure, such as wearing tight-fitting shoes.
For minor nail bruises, you can treat them at home by washing any minor cuts or scrapes and applying a bandage. However, for more severe cases, you should seek medical attention, and your doctor may create a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and relieve pressure and pain.
To prevent a bruised nail, it is important to be cautious when handling tools and heavy objects and to avoid distractions. Wearing proper footwear and gloves during manual labour can also help reduce the risk of nail injuries.
