Liam Carter
A bruised nail, also known as a subungual hematoma, is a common injury that occurs when blood collects under the nail, causing pressure and pain. This is usually caused by blunt or crushing trauma to the finger or toe, resulting in blood vessels breaking and bleeding underneath the nail. The good news is that most subungual hematomas heal without complications and any pain should subside within a few days, either on its own or after drainage. However, it can take several months for the nail to return to its normal appearance, and in some cases, the nail may fall off.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a nail bruise called? | Subungual Hematoma |
| What causes it? | Trauma to the nail, such as blunt force, crush trauma, stubbing, or a hard impact |
| What does it look like? | The nail may turn purple, blue, black, brown, or dark |
| What are the symptoms? | Pain, throbbing, pressure, and severe pain in some cases |
| What to do? | For minor injuries, rest, ice, and pain medication can help. For more serious injuries, seek medical care within 48 hours for drainage and additional treatment. |
| How long does it take to heal? | It can take several months for the hematoma to fade and for a healthy nail to regrow. |
| What are the complications? | Nail loss, infection, and permanent ridges or abnormalities in the new nail. |
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What You'll Learn
Bruised nails are often the result of blunt trauma
While most subungual hematomas heal without complications, it is important to seek medical care if you are concerned about the severity of your injury. In some cases, the trauma that caused the bruised nail may have also led to further damage, such as a broken bone. If you notice a large bruise under your nail, it could be an indication of a broken bone. Leaving a fracture untreated can result in incorrect healing, causing long-term pain and interfering with the natural function of your finger or toe. Therefore, it is recommended to get your injury examined by a healthcare provider, who can advise on the next steps for treatment.
The pain from a subungual hematoma usually subsides within a few days, especially with proper drainage. However, if the pain persists or is severe, it may indicate an infection or other injuries, and you should consult a medical professional. They will check for any underlying issues and provide appropriate treatment.
To care for a bruised nail at home, it is recommended to keep the area clean and dry. You can also try home remedies such as resting and elevating your hand or foot, applying ice, and taking pain medication. However, it is important not to attempt to drain the hematoma at home, as it may lead to infection. Drainage should be performed by a medical professional within the first 48 hours after the injury, as the blood begins to clot after this timeframe, making drainage more difficult.
The time it takes for a subungual hematoma to fade and a healthy nail to regrow can vary. It may take several months for the hematoma to reabsorb or grow out, and a new fingernail may take about 4 to 6 months to grow back. Toenails typically take longer, ranging from 12 to 18 months for regrowth. Nails that grow back may have ridges, grooves, or other abnormalities, and these changes may be permanent.
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Blood collects under the nail, causing pain and pressure
A bruised nail, or subungual hematoma, is often the result of blunt or crush trauma. When blood collects under the nail, it can cause throbbing pain and pressure. The blood has nowhere to go as the nail is connected to the finger or toe on all sides, so it gets trapped underneath, causing pressure and pain. The blood can turn dark over time, and the pressure may cause the nail to come off.
The pain from a subungual hematoma usually goes away within a few days. If you experience severe pain or if the pain lasts longer, see a doctor. They will check for infection, fracture, and other injuries. If you have a large hematoma, a lot of pain, or any additional injuries, you should seek medical care for drainage and additional treatment. Drainage can provide pain relief and prevent further complications.
In some cases, the nail may fall off, either right away or weeks later. If your fingernail falls off, it will take about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal, and a new nail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow back. Toenails take about 12 to 18 months to grow back and may have ridges or other abnormalities.
To care for a bruised nail, you can try home measures such as resting, icing, and taking pain medication. Keep your hand or foot elevated above the level of your heart to reduce throbbing. You can also take prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Remember to keep the area clean and dry.
It is important to see a doctor within the first 48 hours of the injury for the best results, as the blood begins to clot after this time, making drainage more difficult. Do not attempt to drain the hematoma at home, as it may cause infection.
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Drainage can provide pain relief
A bruised nail, or subungual hematoma, is usually the result of an accident or trauma. This can be from stubbing a toe or finger, or from a more serious injury. Bruised nails can be very painful and can take months to heal and look normal again. In some cases, the nail may fall off.
When a nail is bruised, blood collects underneath the nail plate, causing pressure and pain. This is known as a subungual hematoma. The pressure from the blood build-up can cause severe, throbbing pain. This can be relieved through a procedure called trephination, which allows the blood to drain and the pressure to be relieved. Draining the hematoma can provide pain relief.
Trephination is a simple procedure that can be performed by a healthcare professional. It involves decompressing the area by creating a hole in the nail, through which the blood can drain. This can be done using a heated wire or laser, or a needle. The procedure is quick and painless, and the finger or toe may be numbed beforehand. After the procedure, the area should be bandaged and kept elevated, with cold compresses applied during the first 12 hours.
While drainage can be an effective treatment for a bruised nail, it is important to seek medical advice first. In some cases, a bruised nail may be an indication of a more serious injury, such as a broken bone or damage to the nail bed or surrounding tissues. If there is any concern of a more serious injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Most bruised nails will heal without any complications, and any pain should ease within a few days. To aid healing, it is important to keep the area clean and dry, and to avoid soaking the nail, as this can lead to infection. With proper care and treatment, the pain and discomfort from a bruised nail should subside, and the nail should regrow over time.
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Hematomas can take months to fade
A bruised nail, or subungual hematoma, is usually the result of a crush injury or blunt trauma. The blood vessels beneath the nail break and begin to bleed, and because the nail is connected to the finger or toe on all sides, the blood gets trapped underneath, causing pain and pressure. The blood may turn dark over time, and the pressure may cause the nail to come off completely.
Subungual hematomas can be very painful, but this can be relieved by draining the blood. This procedure, called trephination, involves making a small hole in the nail to allow the blood to flow out. Drainage should occur within the first 48 hours of the injury, as the blood begins to clot after this time, making it difficult. Most subungual hematomas heal well, but there is a risk of complications such as nail loss and infection.
Hematomas can take several months to fade and for a healthy nail to regrow. The body will naturally break down and absorb the blood under the nail. However, if the nail falls off due to the hematoma, it may take between four and six months for a fingernail to grow back, and 12 to 18 months for a toenail. Nails that grow back may have ridges or other abnormalities and may be misshapen.
While most bruised fingernails and toenails heal without complications, it is important to seek medical care if there is a large bruise under the nail, as this could indicate a broken bone. Additionally, if there are signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, a healthcare professional should be consulted immediately.
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Complications may include nail loss and infection
A bruised nail, or subungual hematoma, is usually the result of a crush injury. Blood collects under the nail, causing pressure and often intense pain. While most subungual hematomas heal well, there is a risk of complications, including nail loss and infection.
Nail loss can occur when the pressure from the blood trapped underneath the nail becomes too great, causing the nail to come off completely. This is known as avulsion. If the nail falls off due to the hematoma, it can take between 4 and 6 months for a fingernail to regrow and 12 to 18 months for a toenail to regrow. The new nail may have ridges or other abnormalities, and these changes can be permanent.
Infection is another potential complication of a subungual hematoma. Soaking the nail should be avoided as it can increase the risk of infection. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, and pus. If an infection develops, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent further complications. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
To reduce the risk of complications, it is recommended to seek medical care within two days of the injury. Drainage of the hematoma, also known as trephination, can provide pain relief and reduce pressure. This procedure involves creating a small hole in the nail to allow the blood to drain out. However, it is important to note that drainage should only be performed by a medical professional and not attempted at home, as it may introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
While most bruised nails heal without any lasting effects, it is important to be mindful of potential complications. By seeking prompt medical care and following the recommended treatment plan, individuals can effectively manage their nail injuries and reduce the risk of nail loss and infection.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take several months for a nail bruise or subungual hematoma to fade completely and for a healthy nail to regrow.
If you have a large bruise under your nail, there’s a chance you have a broken bone. You should seek medical care soon, preferably within two days of the injury. If the hematoma is small and doesn't cause pain, you can take care of it at home with rest, ice, and pain medication.
You can treat a nail bruise at home by applying ice wrapped in a cloth for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day after that. You can also take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and swelling.
