Caleb Foster
Bruised nails are usually the result of accidents such as stubbing a toe or finger, or dropping a heavy object on it. The medical term for a bruised nail is a subungual haematoma, which occurs when there is bleeding under the nail. This can be extremely painful due to the pressure of blood collecting between the nail and the nail bed. To relieve the pain, a doctor may perform decompression, which involves creating a small hole in the nail to allow the blood and fluid to drain out. This procedure is quick and painless and will help to relieve pressure and pain in the affected area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a bruised nail called | Subungual Hematoma |
| What causes a bruised nail | Blunt force trauma, crush injuries, or repetitive pressure over time |
| What are the symptoms of a bruised nail | Pain, nail discolouration, nail sensitivity, separation of nail plate from nail bed |
| What to do when you have a bruised nail | Check for visible bruising, swelling, and tenderness around the nail area, noting any signs of bleeding or severe pain. Seek medical attention promptly if bleeding or pain persists |
| How to treat a bruised nail at home | Prepare a soothing foot soak using warm water and Epsom salts, which can help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation |
| How long does it take for a bruised nail to heal | Several weeks to months |
| When to see a doctor for a bruised nail | If there is no improvement after several weeks, persistent pain, signs of infection, or any underlying complications |
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What You'll Learn
Seek medical attention for severe pain or signs of infection
If you experience severe pain or signs of infection, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. A bruised nail, also known as a subungual hematoma, can cause severe and throbbing pain. While most bruised nails heal without complications, it is important to be vigilant about monitoring any persistent or worsening pain, as this could indicate a more severe injury.
Signs of infection that require medical attention include redness, swelling, discoloured skin around the nail, and purulent drainage. Additionally, be alert for accompanying symptoms such as fever or numbness, as they may indicate underlying complications that necessitate professional assessment and treatment.
If you notice any signs of infection or persistent pain after draining a subungual hematoma, it is important to seek medical care. A small risk of infection is associated with the procedure, and your doctor will provide instructions for changing bandages and caring for the affected area.
If you have a broken bone or damage to the nail bed and surrounding tissues, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment, which may include removing the nail, repairing the nail bed, and prescribing antibiotics to prevent infection.
In summary, while most bruised nails heal without intervention, it is important to seek medical attention for severe pain or signs of infection. Prompt medical care will help relieve pain, prevent future problems, and address any underlying complications.
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Avoid bandages and nail polish to prevent infection
A bruised nail is usually the result of an accident, such as stubbing your toe or finger, or from wearing ill-fitting shoes. The medical term for a bruised nail is a "subungual hematoma". This occurs when there is bleeding under a fingernail or toenail, which causes intense pain and throbbing due to the pressure of blood collecting between the nail and the nail bed.
While it is important to keep the injured area clean and dry, it is recommended that you avoid bandages and allow your injured finger or toe to breathe as much as possible. Covering the area with a bandage can increase the risk of infection, as germs can enter your body through a break in your nail or skin. Only use a bandage when the injury needs extra protection or if you are in significant pain.
Similarly, avoid covering up a bruised nail with nail polish. While you may be tempted to conceal the appearance of a bruised nail, applying nail polish can prevent your nail from "breathing", increasing the risk of infection. Instead, seek medical care from your healthcare provider or visit an urgent care facility. They can provide pain relief and help prevent future problems with your nail.
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Keep the injured area clean and dry
Keeping the injured area clean and dry is crucial to preventing infection and promoting healing. Here are some detailed instructions to do so:
Clean the Injury:
- Gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes around the nail with soap and water. Ensure you don't have any rings on, as the affected area may swell, making ring removal difficult.
- If there is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth for several minutes.
- Once the bleeding has stopped, you may apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment and cover the area with a bandage.
Keep the Area Dry:
- Avoid getting the injured nail wet for prolonged periods. If you need to wash your hands or shower, try to keep the injured area dry.
- If your nail is bruised but still intact, you can apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to act as a temporary protective barrier against moisture.
Prevent Further Injury:
- Avoid picking or trimming the nail until it has fully healed.
- If your toe is injured, consider wearing open-toed shoes or sandals to allow airflow and prevent rubbing or pressure on the injured toe.
- If your finger is injured, try to keep it elevated whenever possible to reduce swelling and avoid accidental bumps or knocks.
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Apply ice and elevate the injured area to reduce swelling
To reduce swelling, it is recommended that you ice and elevate the injured area. To do this effectively, follow these steps:
Prepare an ice pack
Fill a plastic bag with ice cubes or use a bag of frozen vegetables as an alternative. Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel or cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin.
Elevate the injured area
While applying the ice pack, elevate the injured hand or foot above your heart level. Prop it on a pillow or cushion to keep it comfortably raised.
Apply the ice pack
Place the ice pack on the bruised nail and surrounding area. Keep it in place for 15-20 minutes. Take breaks as needed to avoid skin damage or discomfort.
Repeat as needed
You can reapply the ice pack every 3-4 hours or as required to manage pain and reduce swelling. Remember to always wrap the ice pack and avoid direct skin contact to prevent ice burns.
Consider over-the-counter medication
In addition to icing and elevating the injured area, you can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin, Advil, or Motrin, to help manage minor pain associated with the bruised nail.
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Soothe pain with a foot soak of warm water and Epsom salts
A bruised toenail can make each step painful. To heal it, you should check for visible bruising, swelling, and tenderness around the toenail area, noting any signs of bleeding or severe pain. If you observe any of these symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention to rule out more severe injuries.
You can also prepare a soothing foot soak with warm water and Epsom salts. This home remedy is known for its ability to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. Soaking your foot in this solution for 15 to 20 minutes can help alleviate pain and promote healing by enhancing blood flow to the affected area.
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, has been used for hundreds of years to ease various ailments. When dissolved in warm water, it releases magnesium and sulfate ions, which may be absorbed through the skin, offering several health benefits.
The increased circulation from the warm water and Epsom salts can help to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. This treatment is an excellent natural way to heal a bruised toenail and find relief from the pain and discomfort.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have a bruised nail, you should seek medical attention, especially if you are experiencing intense pain or have a deep cut that won't stop bleeding. Your doctor may recommend a procedure called decompression or trephination, which involves creating a small hole in the nail to drain blood and fluid, thus relieving pressure and pain.
Yes, there are some things you can do at home to help ease the pain and promote healing. Keep the area clean and dry, and soak your nail in warm water and Epsom salts to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. You can also take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like aspirin or Advil to reduce minor pain and swelling.
It may take several weeks for the bruising and tenderness to subside completely. During this time, be gentle with your nail and avoid picking or trimming it. A new fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks, while a toenail may take up to 6 months.
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