Ava Monroe
A bruised nail, also known as a subungual hematoma, is a common injury that occurs when blood vessels under the nail break open due to trauma, resulting in blood collecting and becoming trapped under the nail. This can cause severe throbbing pain and may indicate a more serious injury such as a broken bone. While most bruised nails heal without complications, proper treatment is important to prevent infection and ensure the nail regrows normally. The healing time for a bruised nail bed varies depending on the severity of the injury and whether it occurs on a fingernail or toenail, with fingernails typically taking around 6-9 months to regrow and toenails taking longer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Subungual hematoma is a bruised fingernail or toenail that may cause severe, throbbing pain. |
| Causes | Trauma to the nail, such as hitting your fingertip with a hammer, dropping a heavy object on your toe, or closing your finger in a door. |
| Symptoms | Pain, nail discoloration (black-and-blue or black-and-purple), nail sensitivity, separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. |
| Treatment | A simple drainage procedure can be performed to relieve pressure and pain. Home remedies include over-the-counter pain relievers and the RICE method. |
| Healing Time | Varies depending on the severity of the injury and the type of nail (fingernail or toenail). The nail bed takes about 7 to 10 days to heal. A new fingernail takes about 4 to 6 months to grow back, while a toenail takes about 12 months. |
| Complications | If the trauma caused additional damage, such as a broken bone or deep cut, further treatment and healing time may be required. In rare cases, a subungual hematoma may be due to a malignant tumor, such as melanoma. |
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What You'll Learn
Bruised nail bed healing time
A bruised nail, or subungual haematoma, is caused by blood pooling under the nail plate, resulting in nail discolouration. Symptoms of a bruised nail include pain, nail discolouration, nail sensitivity, and separation of the nail plate from the nail bed.
If you have a bruised nail, it is important to see a healthcare provider. They can advise on the best course of treatment, which may include a simple drainage procedure to relieve pressure and pain. If there is severe damage to the nail bed, the nail may be malformed or cracked when it grows back, and it may even fail to regrow.
In most cases, a new nail will slowly regrow, although this can take several months. Fingernails usually take about two months to regrow, while toenails take about four months. If the injury includes the base of the nail, some cosmetic changes may be permanent.
To aid the healing process, you should keep the injured area clean and dry. You can also try home remedies such as over-the-counter pain relievers and the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).
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Treatment options
If you have a bruised nail, it is important to seek medical attention to prevent further complications and to receive pain relief. Treatment options depend on the type and seriousness of the injury. Here are some options:
Home Care
Minor nail bruises, or subungual hematomas, may heal over time without treatment. This is because the trapped blood will eventually be reabsorbed, and the discolouration will disappear. This can take several months or even years. To encourage healing, you can rest the digit, use a cool pack, keep the hand or foot elevated, and apply compression. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help reduce discomfort and swelling.
Medical Care
For more serious injuries, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor can examine the injury and decide on the best course of action. They may recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, to check for broken bones or other underlying issues. If there is severe damage to the nail bed, the doctor may need to remove the nail and repair the nail bed. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
Drainage Procedure
In the case of a subungual hematoma, a healthcare provider can perform a simple drainage procedure to relieve the pressure and provide pain relief. This involves creating a small hole in the nail to drain the blood. This procedure should not be attempted at home, as it can cause infections or further injury to the nail bed. After the procedure, the area may be wrapped with a bandage and may continue to drain for a few days.
Splinting
If you have broken a bone in your finger or toe, your doctor may recommend splinting to promote healing and protect the area. Minor nerve damage may only require rest and splinting, while more complicated cases may require physical therapy or surgery.
Nail Regrowth
After a nail injury, a new nail will typically regrow over time. Fingernails usually regrow within two to eight weeks, while toenails can take up to twelve months. The new nail may have grooves or ridges and be misshapen, and this may be permanent.
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Potential complications
A bruised nail, or subungual hematoma, is a common injury caused by trauma to the nail bed. It occurs when blood becomes trapped underneath the nail, often as a result of blunt force trauma or crush injuries. While most bruised nails heal without complications, there are some potential complications that can arise.
One potential complication is onycholysis, a condition where the nail separates from the nail bed. This can occur due to the pressure from pooling blood, causing the hard part of the nail to lift up from the underlying tissue. If the nail completely lifts off the nail bed, it can be replaced and held in place with a bandage, but it will not reattach. A new nail will usually regrow slowly over the course of several months, with potential cosmetic changes that may be permanent.
Another potential complication is a bacterial infection in the area of the injury. Complications such as this are more likely if the injury is severe, particularly if it involves damage to the bone. In such cases, further treatment and a longer healing time may be necessary.
Nail avulsion, or the partial or complete loss of a toenail, can also occur as a complication of a bruised nail. This can happen when the nail and part of the nail bed are pulled away from the finger, often as a result of the finger getting stuck or jammed. Nail avulsions are very painful and can cause the finger to swell.
Additionally, severe injuries can lead to deformed nails, especially when the base of the nail bed is injured. The most common deformities are hook nails and split nails. Hook nails occur when the nail doesn't have enough bony support and curves around the finger, while split nails happen because the nail can't grow over scar tissue. These deformities may be permanent.
It is important to seek medical attention for a bruised nail if there are any signs of serious complications, such as intense pain, prolonged bleeding, or discoloration of the nail. A healthcare provider can perform a simple drainage procedure to relieve pain and pressure, and they can also advise on the proper care and treatment to support healing and prevent potential complications.
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Prevention
While it is challenging to prevent bruised toenails and fingernails, as these injuries often occur suddenly and unexpectedly during everyday activities, there are some measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of nail trauma:
- Wear properly sized shoes: Ill-fitting shoes are a common cause of toenail trauma. Ensure your shoes are not too small, as this can lead to various foot problems, including toenail injuries.
- Keep your fingernails trimmed: Long fingernails are more prone to accidental trauma and can also hinder your ability to perform tasks safely.
- Avoid nail biting and cuticle biting: These habits can weaken your nails and make them more susceptible to trauma and infection.
- Practice caution during high-risk activities: Be extra careful when performing tasks that could potentially result in nail trauma, such as hammering or handling heavy objects.
- Maintain good foot and hand hygiene: Keep your nails clean and dry, and regularly inspect them for any signs of injury or infection. Seek medical advice if you notice any unusual symptoms.
- Protect your nails: If you anticipate potential nail trauma, consider using protective gear such as gloves or special shoes to shield your nails from injury.
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When to seek medical attention
In most cases, a bruised nail bed will heal without any complications and you will have no lasting effects. However, if you experience any of the following, you should seek medical attention:
- If the bone underneath the nail is broken or fractured, or if there is a deep cut, you will likely need further treatment and a longer healing time.
- If there is bleeding under the nail that is not caused by trauma, a physician should evaluate the injury.
- If the nail has separated from the nail bed, a doctor should examine the injury to decide on the best course of action.
- If you are unable to remove a ring because your finger is swollen, contact your healthcare provider.
- If your pain gets worse over a few hours, seek medical care.
- If you experience any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, seek medical attention.
- If you have any concerns or questions about your injury, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
A bruised nail bed is when blood pools under the nail plate, causing discoloration and severe throbbing pain.
If you have a bruised nail bed, you should seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider may perform a simple draining procedure to relieve the pressure and give you relief.
A bruised nail bed may take months or years to heal on its own. The new nail may grow out within around 6–9 months, but this can differ for each person.
To encourage healing, you can rest the digit, use a cool pack, keep the hand or foot elevated, and apply compression.
