Ava Monroe
A subungual hematoma is a bruised nail that may cause severe, throbbing pain. It occurs when blood pools under the nail plate, causing discoloration. The pain from a bruised nail is due to the pressure exerted on the nerves of the finger or toe. This pressure can be relieved through a simple drainage procedure, which should be performed by a healthcare professional. The time taken to heal a nail bed bruise depends on the severity of the injury and whether there is any accompanying damage to the bone or surrounding tissues. Typically, a new fingernail can regrow in 8 weeks, while a toenail may take about 6 months to a year to fully regrow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healing time for nail bed injuries | 7-10 days |
| Healing time for a new fingernail to grow | 2-6 months |
| Healing time for a new toenail to grow | 6 months to 1 year |
| Healing time for a broken bone in finger or toe | 4 weeks |
| Treatment for subungual hematoma | Drainage procedure, cautery, or needle |
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Drainage procedures
A subungual hematoma is a bruised nail that may cause severe, throbbing pain. It is usually caused by a crushing or stubbing injury, such as hitting your finger with a hammer or dropping a heavy object on your toe. The blood pools under the nail plate, causing discoloration and sometimes separation of the nail plate from the nail bed.
If you have a bruised nail, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthcare provider can determine the best course of treatment, which may include a simple drainage procedure to relieve the pressure and reduce pain. This procedure, called trephination, involves making a small hole in the nail to drain the blood. It is quick, relatively painless, and can be performed in a doctor's office or urgent care center. However, it must be done within the first 48 hours after the injury, as the blood will clot and cause prolonged pain if left untreated.
- The area around the affected nail is cleaned with alcohol, iodine, or another antiseptic solution.
- Pain relief or anesthetic may be administered, although this is not always necessary unless there is additional damage to the finger or toe.
- A small hole is made in the nail to allow the blood to drain out. This can be done using a heated wire (electrocautery device) or carbon laser, which prevents injury to the nail bed by cooling upon contact with the hematoma. Alternatively, a needle can be used to create the hole.
- After the procedure, the nail is typically bandaged, and the finger or toe should be kept elevated for the first 12 hours. Cold compresses may also be recommended during this time.
- In some cases, a splint may be used for a few days until the tenderness subsides.
It is important to note that attempting to drain a subungual hematoma at home is not recommended due to the risk of infection. If left untreated, a subungual hematoma will usually result in the nail falling off on its own after several weeks. A new fingernail can regrow in as little as eight weeks, while a toenail may take up to six months to fully regrow. However, if there is damage to the nail bed or surrounding tissues, the new nail may take longer to grow and may not look normal.
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Healing time
The healing time for a nail bed bruise depends on the extent of the injury and the treatment received. If you suspect you have a nail bed bruise, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out any other possible causes and receive proper treatment.
For minor nail bed bruises, your healthcare provider may recommend a simple draining procedure to relieve pressure and pain. This procedure, called trephination, is usually performed within the first 48 hours of the injury to prevent blood clotting, which can cause weeks of unnecessary pain. After trephination, it is important to keep the nail clean and dry, avoiding soaking it in water until fully healed.
In some cases, a nail bed bruise may indicate a more severe injury, such as a broken bone or deep cut. These types of injuries often require further treatment and a longer healing time. If the bone is broken or the bruise is very large, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed will need to be repaired. This can extend the healing time, and the recovery process may take several weeks or even months.
The regrowth of a new fingernail can take anywhere from 8 weeks to 6 months, while a toenail may take about 12 months to fully regrow. The new nail may have grooves, ridges, or be misshapen, and this may be permanent. If there has been significant damage to the nail bed or surrounding tissues, the nail may take longer to grow back, and it may not look completely normal.
It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and take the necessary precautions to protect the injured nail and allow it to heal properly. This may include the use of a splint or special shoe, as well as keeping the injured area elevated and using cold compresses during the initial healing phase.
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Signs of infection
A subungual hematoma is a bruised nail that occurs when blood vessels under the nail break open, causing blood to collect and become trapped under the nail. This can be caused by blunt force trauma, crush injuries, or repetitive pressure over time. While subungual hematomas usually go away without causing major problems, it's important to be aware of potential signs of infection, which can include:
- Redness or red streaks in the skin around the nail
- Skin or nail that feels warm to the touch
- Swelling
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Pus or purulent drainage
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider will be able to determine if you need antibiotics or other treatment. It is recommended that you do not attempt to treat a subungual hematoma at home, as this can cause infections or further injury to the nail bed.
In addition to signs of infection, there are other indicators that you should seek medical care for a nail injury. These include:
- Intense pain or pain that worsens over time
- A deep cut and/or bleeding that won't stop
- A suspected broken bone
- Deformation of the finger or toe
- Injury to a nearby joint
- Continuing, intense pain
- More than a quarter of the nail is discolored
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Broken bones
A bruised nail, also known as a subungual haematoma, can be extremely painful. This is because the blood trapped under the nail puts pressure on the nerves in your fingers or toes. In some cases, the pain and pressure can be relieved through a simple procedure called trephination, which involves draining the blood. However, if not performed within the first 48 hours, the blood will clot, leading to prolonged pain.
If you have a large bruise under your nail, there is a possibility that you may have broken a bone in your finger or toe. X-rays or ultrasounds can help detect such fractures. Broken bones in fingers or toes usually heal within four weeks. However, it is important to seek medical attention to ensure proper healing and avoid long-term issues such as incorrect bone healing, which can interfere with the natural function of your fingers or toes and cause pain, tingling, or weakness.
In the case of a broken bone, you may be given a splint or a special shoe to protect your nail and digit during the healing process. The nail bed typically takes about seven to ten days to heal. A new fingernail will take around four to six months to grow back, while a toenail can take up to twelve months. The new nail may have grooves or ridges and might not be perfectly shaped, and these changes could be permanent.
It is important to be vigilant about potential signs of infection, such as fever, redness, warmth, swelling, or pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider. Additionally, if you observe discolouration under your nail without any apparent injury, it is advisable to see your doctor to rule out other possible causes, including skin cancer.
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Nail separation
A subungual hematoma is a bruised fingernail or toenail that may cause severe, throbbing pain. It is caused by sudden trauma to the nail, such as hitting your fingertip with a hammer or dropping a heavy object on your toe. The blood collects under the nail plate, causing discoloration and pressure. The pressure from the pooling blood may cause the nail plate to separate from the nail bed.
If you experience nail separation due to a subungual hematoma, it is important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform a simple draining procedure to relieve the pressure and aid healing. This involves creating a small hole in the nail, usually with a needle, to drain the blood. It is important not to attempt this procedure at home as it could lead to infection.
In some cases, the nail may need to be removed to repair any underlying damage. If the nail is torn or jagged, it should be trimmed to avoid further injury. The nail will not reattach to the nail bed, but a new nail should slowly regrow. It takes approximately one week for a fingernail to start growing back and three to six months for it to fully regrow.
It is important to keep the injured nail clean and dry during the healing process. Avoid soaking the nail in water or swimming until the healthcare provider advises it is safe to do so. Additionally, ensure that your tetanus vaccination is up to date following a nail injury.
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Frequently asked questions
A subungual hematoma is a bruised fingernail or toenail that may cause severe, throbbing pain. It occurs when blood pools under the nail plate, causing discoloration.
A healthcare provider can perform a simple draining procedure to relieve the pressure and pain. This involves creating a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and fluid. The procedure is quick, painless, and can be done using a heated wire, carbon laser, or needle.
If the nail is lost, it will take about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal. A new fingernail will typically take about 4 to 6 months to grow back, while a toenail can take up to 12 months.
Signs of infection include fever, redness or red streaks in the skin, warmth, swelling, and significant pain. If any of these symptoms are present, seek medical attention.
