Caleb Foster
A bruised nail, or subungual hematoma, is usually the result of a blow to the nail or crushing injury, causing blood to pool under the nail. This can be extremely painful as the pressure from the blood build-up can put pressure on the nerves of the finger or toe. The pain and pressure can be relieved by draining the blood, a procedure called trephination, which must be performed within 48 hours of the injury before the blood clots. If left untreated, a bruised nail may take several months to grow out and heal, with fingernails taking 4-6 months and toenails taking 12-18 months to fully grow back.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for a bruised nail to grow out | Several months (4-6 months for a fingernail, 12-18 months for a toenail) |
| Time taken for the nail bed to heal after losing a nail | 7-10 days |
| Time taken for blood under the nail to clot | 48 hours |
| Time taken for nerve pain from trapped blood to get better without medical intervention | Weeks |
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What You'll Learn
- Bruised nails are usually the result of an accident or trauma
- Bruised nails can take months to grow out and look normal
- Bruised toenails take longer to grow out than fingernails
- Bruised nails may require medical attention to relieve pain and pressure
- Bruised nails can lead to cosmetic changes and permanent damage
Bruised nails are usually the result of an accident or trauma
The pain from a bruised nail can take weeks to get better unless a doctor drains the blood, a procedure called trephination. This should be done within 48 hours of the injury, before the blood clots, to relieve pain and pressure quickly. Trephination is a simple, relatively painless procedure, but it must be done by a doctor to avoid infection and permanent damage.
If the blood under your nail occupies more than half of the nail area, or 25% if you've fractured your finger, you should see a doctor for drainage. If you don't drain the blood, it will eventually clot and cause the nail to come off, either right away or weeks later. A new fingernail will take about four to six months to grow back, while a toenail may take up to 12 to 18 months.
In the meantime, you should keep the injured area clean and dry, and cover it with a bandage when needed. You should also elevate your hand or foot and use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. If your nail comes off, you have an opening for infection, so keep an eye out for signs of infection, including fever, redness, warmth, swelling, or pain.
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Bruised nails can take months to grow out and look normal
A bruised nail is usually the result of an accident, such as stubbing your toe or finger, or even smashing your thumb with a hammer. This can cause blood to pool under the nail, known as a subungual haematoma, which is essentially a bruise under the nail. This can be very painful, as the pressure from the blood build-up causes pain and puts pressure on the nerves of the finger or toe.
The pain from a bruised nail can take weeks to subside and the nail itself can take months to grow out and look normal. In some cases, the nail may fall off, either immediately or weeks later. If the injury is left untreated, it could take between 4 and 6 months for a fingernail to grow back, and 12 to 18 months for a toenail. The new nail may have ridges or other abnormalities.
It is important to seek medical care within 48 hours of the injury, as the blood under the nail will clot after this time, making it difficult to drain. Drainage, or trephination, is a simple procedure that can provide quick relief from pain and pressure. It involves creating a small hole in the nail to allow the blood to drain out. If left untreated, a subungual haematoma can lead to potential nail loss and infection.
If the bone is broken or the bruise is very large, the nail may need to be removed and the nail bed repaired with stitches and glue. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. It is recommended to keep the injured area clean and dry, and to cover it with a bandage for extra protection or to manage pain.
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Bruised toenails take longer to grow out than fingernails
A bruised nail is usually the result of an accident, such as stubbing your toe or finger. This is an extremely painful experience as the blood trapped under the nail puts pressure on your finger or toe nerves. This pressure can cause difficulty in performing daily activities and may take weeks to get better.
If you have a bruised toenail, it is important to allow your toe to "breathe" and keep the area clean and dry. A bandage is only necessary if your toe requires extra protection or if you are in significant pain. It is also important to keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as fever, redness, or swelling.
Bruised nails can take months to grow out and return to normal. Toenails, in particular, can take up to 12 months to grow back, while fingernails typically take 4 to 6 months. During this time, the new nail may have ridges or other abnormalities.
To speed up the healing process, it is recommended to drain the blood with a procedure called trephination. This involves creating a small hole in the nail to relieve the pressure and allow the blood to drain out. It is important to perform this procedure within the first 48 hours before the blood clots, as this can lead to weeks of unnecessary pain.
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Bruised nails may require medical attention to relieve pain and pressure
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 it. This can cause blood to collect under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma, which can be extremely painful as it puts pressure on the nerves in your fingers or toes.
While small bruises that make up less than 25% of the total nail area will usually heal on their own, larger bruises may require urgent medical attention or even surgery to prevent complications such as infection or recurrence. If blood occupies more than half of the area under your nail, you should seek medical attention as it could indicate a more serious injury, such as a bone fracture or tissue tear.
If you are experiencing prolonged or severe pain, or bleeding alongside a bruised nail, it is important to seek medical care within two days of the injury. A healthcare provider can perform a simple, painless procedure called trephination to drain the blood and relieve the pressure and pain. If left untreated, the blood can clot, causing a bulk under the nail that could lead to weeks of unnecessary pain.
To care for a bruised nail at home, it is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. You can also apply ice wrapped in a soft cloth to the area to help ease swelling and pain. Antibiotic ointment may also be recommended by your healthcare provider to prevent infection.
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Bruised nails can lead to cosmetic changes and permanent damage
Bruised nails are usually the result of an accident, such as stubbing your toe or slamming your finger in a door. This can cause blood to pool below the nail plate, leading to a condition called a subungual hematoma. While subungual hematomas are typically minor injuries, they can sometimes lead to further damage.
Potential Cosmetic Changes
Bruised nails can result in cosmetic changes, such as discolouration and changes in the shape and contour of the nail. In some cases, the nail may fall off immediately or weeks after the injury. Repeated trauma to toenails, for example, can lead to deformities, with nails becoming thickened or discoloured and lifting away from the nail bed. Even with proper medical treatment, the nail may not reattach to the nail bed, and a new nail will slowly regrow, usually taking several months.
Potential Permanent Damage
Bruised nails can also lead to permanent damage. If the injury involves the base of the nail, some cosmetic changes may be irreversible. Damage to the nail matrix, the area under the base of the nail where nail growth occurs, can cause permanent nail deformity and loss of natural contour and shape.
Additionally, a bruised nail may be indicative of a more serious underlying issue. A large bruise under the nail could signify a broken bone, and untreated fractures can heal incorrectly, leading to long-term pain and interference with the natural function of the finger or toe. Bruised nails can also be a sign of skin cancer or other health conditions that require treatment. Therefore, it is important to seek medical care if you are unsure about the severity of your injury.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take several months for a bruised nail to grow out, with toenails taking longer than fingernails.
A bruised nail is usually the result of an injury, such as stubbing your toe or finger, causing blood to pool under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma.
If the hematoma is small and not causing pain, it can be treated at home with rest, ice, and pain medication. For larger hematomas, or those causing significant pain, medical care should be sought for drainage and additional treatment.
If a hematoma is not drained within the first 48 hours, the blood will clot, causing a bulk under the nail that could lead to weeks of unnecessary pain.
Yes, nail loss and infection are possible complications of a bruised nail. Keep the area clean and dry, and seek medical attention if you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, redness, warmth, swelling, or pain.
