Draining A Smashed Fingernail: Quick And Safe Home Remedies

A smashed finger can be extremely painful and may lead to swelling, stiffness, and bruising. While it is not usually a cause for medical concern, it is important to relieve the pain and reduce the swelling as soon as possible. One way to do this is by draining the blood from under the nail. This can be done by using a heated paper clip, safety pin, or needle to pierce the nail and release the built-up pressure. However, it is important to note that attempting to drain the blood yourself may not be safe and can lead to further complications. It is always best to seek medical advice before attempting any at-home treatments.

How to Drain a Smashed Fingernail

How to relieve pain and pressure

To relieve pain and pressure from a smashed fingernail, you can try the following methods:

Ice the injury

Apply ice to the injured finger to help reduce pain and swelling. Wrap an ice pack or cold compress in a clean cloth or paper towel and place it on the finger for 10-20 minutes at a time, with 20-minute breaks in between. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or weight with the ice.

Elevate the hand

Keep your hand elevated to help reduce swelling and pain.

Over-the-counter medication

Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as anti-inflammatories like aspirin, Advil, or Motrin, to help manage discomfort and relieve pain. Always follow the recommended dosage guidelines or your healthcare provider's advice.

Clean the wound

Gently clean the injured area with mild soap and water to prevent infection. If there is an open wound, rinse it with running water and wash around it with soap. Remove any dirt or debris with tweezers cleaned in alcohol. Disinfect the wound with rubbing alcohol by applying a small amount to a cotton ball and cleaning the surface of the fingernail.

Drain the blood

A few days after the injury, you may notice blood under the nail, which can cause pain and pressure. To relieve this, you can drain the blood by heating the tip of a safety pin or paperclip and gently piercing the nail. Be careful not to burn the skin or press too hard. If done successfully, you will see drainage of clear or slightly bloody fluid for 2 to 3 days, which is normal. After draining, soak the finger in warm, soapy water several times a day to keep it clean and prevent infection.

It is important to note that you should not attempt to drain the blood yourself unless recommended by your healthcare provider. If the injury is severe or there are signs of infection, seek medical care.

When to seek medical attention

In most cases, a smashed finger will not require medical treatment. However, it is important to know when to seek medical attention to avoid long-term complications. Here are some scenarios where you should seek medical help:

• If you have a deep wound that may require stitches, or if there is persistent bleeding that you cannot control, seek medical attention.
• If you suspect a broken finger, especially if you heard a crack when the injury occurred, or if there is a visible bone fragment piercing the skin, seek medical care.
• If the injury is severe and involves more than just the fingertip, or if there are signs of a fracture, do not hesitate to seek help.
• If the pain, swelling, and stiffness persist or worsen after a few days of basic treatment, it is best to consult a doctor.
• If there is significant injury to the base of the nail, or if the pressure beneath the nail becomes too painful, call your doctor.
• If you cannot move your finger, or if there is noticeable numbness or loss of sensation, seek medical attention.

Remember, when in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical care. A severely jammed finger can lead to permanent joint deformity and stiffness if not given appropriate treatment.

How to clean the wound

To clean a smashed finger wound, start by gently cleaning the injured area with mild soap and water. If there is any dirt or debris in the wound, carefully remove it with tweezers cleaned with alcohol. If there is bleeding, apply slight pressure with a clean cloth.

Once the wound is cleaned, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or OTC antibiotic ointment to keep the wound moist and help prevent infection. You can also use pain-relieving medicated creams to reduce inflammation and pain. Cover the wound with sterile gauze or bandages. Change the dressing and clean the wound at least twice a day, or as needed, to keep it clean and promote healing.

Soaking the injured finger in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes, three times a day, for 2-3 days can also help keep the wound clean and reduce the risk of infection. Remember to gently move your finger as much as possible without increasing pain to improve blood flow to the area and promote healing.

If you notice blood pooling beneath the fingernail, it is important to seek medical advice. Do not attempt to drain the blood yourself unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional, as this can increase the risk of infection.

How to drain blood from under the nail

If you have a smashed fingernail, it is important to act quickly to minimise pain and the risk of infection. Start by gently cleaning the wound with mild soap and water. If there is bleeding, apply slight pressure with a clean cloth. Elevate your hand and use a cold compress or ice pack to reduce pain, swelling, and bleeding. If the nail is severely damaged or there is a risk of a more serious injury, seek medical care. Over-the-counter pain medication can help manage discomfort when following dosage guidelines or your healthcare provider's advice.

If you are experiencing severe, throbbing pain, you may be able to relieve it by draining the blood from under your nail. However, this procedure is not recommended if you are not in pain, and you should not attempt it without the recommendation of a healthcare professional. If done improperly, you could accidentally burn the skin under your nail.

To drain blood from under your nail, start by straightening a paper clip and heating the tip in a flame until it is red-hot. Place the tip of the paper clip on the part of the nail where most of the blood has collected and keep it there until the paper clip has burned through the nail. Be careful not to push or apply pressure, as you could accidentally touch the skin under the nail. Go slowly, and reheat the clip as needed.

After the procedure, soak the finger in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes, three times a day for two to three days. Clear or slightly bloody fluid may drain from the nail during this time. This is normal. Most smashed fingernails tend to feel better within three to four days, but more severe injuries may take weeks to heal. If your pain does not go away, you may have a more serious injury, so be sure to contact your doctor.

What to do if the nail falls off

Fingernail injuries can be painful and may take a few weeks or months to heal. In some cases, your nail may fall off right after the injury or a few weeks later. Here's what to do if the nail falls off:

Protect the Nail Bed

The nail bed, or the skin underneath the nail, needs to be protected after the nail falls off. The exposed skin can get very dry and cracked, and any further trauma can affect how the new nail grows. Cover the area with a band-aid or sterile gauze to protect the nail bed.

Keep the Area Clean and Dry

It is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. Gently clean any minor cuts or scrapes with soap and water or an antibacterial rinse. Avoid soaking the injured nail in water, as this can affect the healing process.

Manage Pain and Inflammation

The exposed nail bed can be extremely painful due to the nerves in the area. Manage pain and reduce inflammation by gently applying ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured finger several times a day. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also help reduce pain and inflammation.

Monitor for Complications

Keep an eye out for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice any unusual symptoms, seek medical attention. Additionally, if there is significant injury to the base of the nail or persistent bleeding, contact your doctor.

Allow for Nail Regrowth

It can take several months for a new fingernail to grow back, and the new nail may have grooves or ridges and be misshapen. Be patient and allow the nail to regrow naturally. Avoid any activities that may put strain on the injured finger during this time.

Frequently asked questions