Ava Monroe
Bruised nails, also known as subungual hematomas, are usually the result of an injury or trauma to the nail. This can be caused by a direct force, such as stubbing your toe or finger, or by repetitive stress, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes or participating in activities that involve repetitive movements like running. The pain from a bruised nail can last for a few days to several months, depending on the severity of the injury. In some cases, the nail may fall off or grow back disfigured. It is important to seek medical attention if the pain is severe, there are signs of infection, or if the bruise does not heal on its own. Treatment options include home remedies, over-the-counter pain relievers, and medical procedures such as draining the blood from under the nail or removing the nail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a bruised nail? | Subungual haematoma, or bleeding and bruising under the nail. |
| What causes it? | Trauma or injury to the nail, such as a direct force or repetitive stress. |
| What does it look like? | A brown or black streak or spot on the nail. |
| How long does the pain last? | A few days, but severe pain or pain lasting longer may indicate infection, fracture, or other injuries. |
| How long does it take to heal? | A couple of weeks to a few months, depending on the severity. |
| What should you do if you have a bruised nail? | Keep the area clean and dry, and cover it with a bandage if needed. See a healthcare professional if you are concerned or if the pain is severe. |
| How is a bruised nail treated? | Minor subungual haematomas usually heal without treatment. More severe cases may require medical treatment, such as draining the blood from under the nail or removing the nail. |
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What You'll Learn
Bruised nails are usually the result of an accident
Subungual haematomas are very common and while they can be extremely painful, they are usually not dangerous. However, if there is severe damage to the nail bed or if the pain is unmanageable, it is important to seek medical treatment. Minor subungual haematomas usually heal without treatment, and the trapped blood will eventually be reabsorbed, causing the discolouration to disappear.
If you experience severe pain, bleeding that does not stop, signs of infection, or if the haematoma does not go away on its own, it is important to contact a doctor. In some cases, a doctor may recommend draining the blood from under the nail to relieve pain and pressure. This procedure, called nail trephination, should not be attempted at home as it can lead to infection or further injury to the nail bed.
To promote healing and prevent further injury, it is important to keep the injured area clean and dry. Cover it with a bandage only when necessary or when you need extra protection. Additionally, home remedies such as resting, icing, applying compression, and elevation can help encourage healing.
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Bruised nails can take months to look normal again
Bruised nails, or subungual haematomas, are usually caused by trauma or injury to the nail unit. This can be due to direct force, such as stubbing your toe or finger, or something heavy falling on and crushing your toe or finger. It can also be caused by repetitive stress, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes or participating in activities that put repetitive strain on your feet, like running or hiking.
Subungual haematomas are very common and while they can be intensely painful, they are usually not dangerous. The pain and discomfort associated with subungual haematomas can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers and home remedies such as resting, icing, applying compression, and elevation. However, if the pain is severe or does not go away, it is important to seek medical advice.
The healing time for subungual haematomas can vary. The skin underneath the nail usually takes a couple of weeks to heal after the injury, but if the blood is not drained, it will dry up and leave a dark discolouration that can take months to grow out. In some cases, it can take up to 9-12 months for a subungual haematoma on the toenail to fully grow out. During this time, it is important to keep the injured area clean and dry to prevent infection.
While waiting for the nail to heal, it is important to protect the nail bed and prevent further injury. If the nail falls off, there will be an opening where an infection could start. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend removing the nail to allow the nail bed to heal properly.
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Bruised nails may fall off or require removal
A bruised nail, or subungual haematoma, is usually the result of an injury or trauma to the nail, such as slamming your finger in a door or dropping something heavy on your toe. This causes the blood vessels under the nail to break and leak, leading to intense pain and throbbing as blood collects under the nail. While subungual haematomas are very common and often not dangerous, they can be extremely painful.
If left untreated, the blood under the nail will eventually dry up and leave a dark discolouration that will grow out as the nail grows. This can take up to 9-12 months for a toenail to fully grow out. However, in some cases, the nail may fall off on its own or may require removal by a medical professional.
If the damage to the nail is severe or the nail has separated from the toe, a podiatrist or doctor may decide to remove the nail. This is because a severely damaged nail can act as a cover for an injured nail bed, which can lead to permanent damage or infection if left untreated. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed to relieve pressure and pain, or to drain the blood from under the nail. It is important to note that drilling a hole in the nail to drain the blood should never be attempted at home, as it can lead to infection or further damage to the nail bed.
While minor subungual haematomas usually heal without treatment, it is important to seek medical advice if the pain is severe or the damage to the nail is significant. Additionally, if there are signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, or fever, it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
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Bruised nails can lead to infections
Bruised nails, or subungual haematomas, are usually the result of an accident or trauma, like stubbing your toe or finger, or slamming your finger in a door. They can be intensely painful and may take months to heal and look normal again. In some cases, your nail may fall off immediately or weeks later.
In some cases, a bruised nail may be a sign of a more serious injury, such as a broken bone. If you have a large bruise under your nail, there is a good chance that you may also have a broken bone. X-rays are important to diagnose any underlying fractures, as untreated fractures can heal incorrectly and cause long-term pain and interference with the natural function of your finger or toe.
If you experience severe pain or trauma to the nail, it is important to seek medical advice. Minor subungual haematomas usually resolve without treatment, but for more severe cases, a healthcare professional may recommend draining the blood to relieve pain and support healing. This procedure should not be attempted at home as it can lead to serious infection and permanent damage to the nail or finger.
To care for a bruised nail at home, it is important to keep the area clean and dry, and to allow the injured finger or toe to "breathe" as much as possible. Only cover it with a bandage when it needs extra protection or if there is significant pain.
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Home remedies can help manage pain and promote healing
A bruised nail, also known as a subungual hematoma, is usually the result of an accident. It can take several weeks or months for the nail to heal and look normal again. In some cases, the nail may fall off.
- Rest: Rest the injured finger or toe and avoid using it where possible.
- Ice: Apply ice packs or cold compresses to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Apply pressure to the area with a wrap to reduce blood pooling.
- Elevation: Keep the affected hand or foot elevated above the level of the heart to reduce throbbing and swelling.
- Cleaning: Keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. Gently clean minor cuts or scrapes with mild soap and water, removing any dirt or debris.
- Foot Soak: Prepare a soothing foot soak using warm water and Epsom salts, which can help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.
Over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can also help reduce discomfort, swelling, and pain.
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Frequently asked questions
A bruised nail, or subungual haematoma, can be very painful, but the pain usually goes away within a few days. The skin underneath the nail takes a couple of weeks to heal, and the nail itself can take several months to grow back and look normal again.
If the pain is mild, a bruised nail will usually heal without treatment. Over-the-counter painkillers can help with inflammation and discomfort. You can also try home remedies such as resting, icing, applying compression, and elevation to encourage healing.
If you have severe pain, bleeding that doesn't stop, signs of infection, or a subungual haematoma that doesn't go away on its own, you should seek medical advice. If your nail has separated from your toe or finger, you may need antibiotics to prevent infection.
