Liam Carter
Nail bed injuries are common and can occur when a heavy object crushes or hits the fingers or toes, or when a sharp object inflicts a cut. The first step in treating a cut under the nail bed is to remove any jewellery from the affected hand. Next, gently wash the injury with soap and clean water, and cut off any rough edges of the nail with sterile scissors to prevent further injury. Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop any bleeding, and then ice the area to reduce swelling. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to seek medical attention, especially if there is a fracture or if the cut requires stitches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Bandages, ice packs, antibiotic ointment, stitches, special glue, antibiotics, pain relievers, elevation of the injured area, removal of torn nail, surgery |
| Symptoms | Bruising, discolouration, pain, swelling, tenderness, redness, warmth, pus, abnormal nail growth, ridges, dryness, brittleness |
| Causes | Cuts, crushing injuries, heavy impact, sharp objects, bite injuries, contaminated wounds, bacterial infections, fungal infections, chemical exposure, diabetes, AIDS, chemotherapy, poor circulation |
| Prevention | Keeping nails short, keeping hands away from sharp objects, being cautious around machinery and hammers, using door guards |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the wound with soap and water
To heal cuts under the nail bed, cleaning the wound with soap and water is an important step. This is a gentle process, but it is crucial for optimal wound management to prevent complications and deformities. Firstly, remove any rings or jewellery from your hand. Then, wash the injury carefully with soap and clean, warm water. Be sure to clean both the wound and the torn nail area. This will help to prevent infection, which can occur when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold.
Nail injuries can lead to a subungual hematoma, where blood pools between the nail and the nail bed. This can happen when the tips of the fingers or toes are crushed or subjected to heavy impact. Cleaning the wound is a vital step to avoid infection and ensure that the nail bed heals smoothly. After cleaning the wound, you can cut off any rough edges of your nail with sterile scissors to prevent further injury.
If the wound is deep and needs suturing, or there are signs of infection such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail, seek medical attention. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics and drain the wound to prevent and treat infection. Proper wound care at home involves cleaning the injury and applying antibiotic ointment and a bandage.
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Cut off any torn parts of the nail with sterile scissors
If your nail is torn or cut, you should cut off any rough edges with sterile scissors to prevent further injury. This is important because if the nail is left with rough edges, it could catch on things and cause more damage. It is also important to use sterile scissors to reduce the risk of infection.
If you need to cut your nail, it is important to do so carefully and gently. If there is a lot of damage, you may need to seek professional medical help. For example, if there is a large amount of blood or if the injury is very painful, you should see a doctor. They may be able to provide you with local anaesthesia to reduce pain and stitch up the wound.
If you are able to treat the injury yourself, you should wash the wound and the torn nail area with soap and warm water. This will help to clean the area and reduce the risk of infection. You should then apply an antibiotic ointment to the area to further prevent infection and cover it with a bandage.
If the injury is causing swelling, you can ice the area and elevate it above the level of your heart. Over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve) can also be taken to reduce pain and swelling. It is important to continue to use ice and pain medication as needed until the pain and swelling have subsided, which should be within a week.
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Apply antibiotic ointment and bandages
After cleaning the wound with soap and warm water, it is important to apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. Paronychia, a bacterial nail infection, can occur when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold. Antibiotics can be used to treat this. In addition, if the wound is large and deep, it may require stitches or medical-grade glue to close the wound and stop the bleeding. This will help the nail bed heal appropriately and ensure the nail grows back smoothly.
After applying the ointment, cover the wound with a bandage. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, you may need to use a special type of gauze or adhesive bandage. It is important to keep the wound clean and dry, and to change the bandage daily. Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart to reduce pain and swelling.
If the injury is severe or if there are signs of infection, such as redness, heat, or pus, seek medical attention. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics or perform a minor surgical procedure to close the wound. In some cases, a tetanus booster shot may be recommended to prevent further complications.
It is important to note that this advice is general in nature and that you should always seek professional medical advice for any specific concerns or issues.
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Treat pain and swelling with ice and medication
To treat the pain and swelling that occurs with a nail bed cut, you can use ice and over-the-counter medication. Firstly, remove any rings or jewellery from your hand to prevent further injury. Then, wash the injury gently with soap and clean water. Apply ice to the injured area and elevate it above the heart to help with the swelling. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve) to reduce swelling and manage pain.
If you are experiencing pain and swelling, it is likely that there is also bleeding. Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. If the nail is torn, cut off any rough edges with sterile scissors to prevent further injury. You can also apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage to prevent infection. Change the bandage daily and watch out for signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
In some cases, a cut on the nail bed may require medical attention. If the wound is deep and needs suturing, or if there is a fracture, you should seek professional help. Additionally, if it has been more than ten years since your last tetanus booster shot, or if you have certain health conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation, or AIDS, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
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Seek medical attention for severe injuries
While minor nail bed injuries can often be treated at home, more severe injuries may require medical attention to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Here are some scenarios where it is advisable to seek professional help:
Deep Wounds and Severe Bleeding
If the cut is deep and bleeding profusely, it may require suturing or stitches. In such cases, a doctor can assess the severity of the injury and determine if the wound needs to be closed with stitches. They may also administer local anesthesia to manage pain during the procedure.
Bone Fracture
If there is a possibility of a bone fracture under the nail, especially after a crushing injury, an X-ray may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. A fracture of the bone under the nail is called a distal tuft fracture and requires medical attention.
Infection Risk
Nail bed injuries can lead to a risk of infection, especially in individuals with diabetes, AIDS, poor circulation, or those undergoing chemotherapy. If you notice signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, or pus around the nail, seek medical attention promptly. Healthcare providers will typically treat the infection with antibiotics and may also drain the pus to prevent further complications.
Large Subungual Hematomas
Subungual hematomas are bruises that form under the nail when blood pools between the nail and the nail bed due to leakage from small blood vessels. While minor hematomas may resolve on their own, larger ones might require medical intervention. A doctor can drain the pooled blood by making a small hole in the nail, promoting proper healing and reducing discomfort.
Nail Avulsion
Nail avulsion occurs when a portion of the nail is lifted off or detached from the nail bed. If there is significant displacement or deformation of the finger or toe, it is important to seek medical help. In some cases, the nail can be reattached or replaced under the skin if there is no damage to the nail bed. However, severe cases may require advanced procedures performed by a plastic surgeon to restore the appearance of the affected digit.
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