Caleb Foster
Making a hole in your nail is a procedure called nail trephination. It is performed to drain blood from a bruised nail and relieve the pressure and pain under it. The procedure is typically carried out by a healthcare provider using a needle, an electrocautery device, or a special tool designed for trephination. However, some individuals choose to perform this procedure themselves using a hypodermic needle or other tools. While it is considered a quick and relatively painless process, it is important to exercise caution to prevent infection or further damage to the nail.
How to Make a Hole in Your Nail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Nail trephination |
| Purpose | Drain blood from a bruised nail (subungual hematoma) |
| Tools | Needle, electrocautery device, nail drill, hypodermic needle |
| Process | Clean the nail, apply gentle pressure to make a small hole, drain blood, apply a bandage |
| Risks | Infection, minor injury to the nail bed |
| Post-procedure care | Keep the area dry and clean, change bandages as instructed |
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What You'll Learn
Using a hypodermic needle
Hypodermic needles are a great option for drilling a hole in your nail. They are easy to come by, cheap, and effective. The procedure can be done by yourself, but it is important to be careful to avoid infection or damage.
To start, you will need a hypodermic needle. As hypodermic needles come in a variety of sizes, it is important to select an appropriate needle width and length. A thicker nail will likely require a larger needle. The tip of the needle should be beveled, which means it has a slanted shape. This is important because it allows the needle to separate the tissue so that it does not get stuck in the hollow part of the needle.
Once you have your needle, simply place it on your nail and twist it back and forth with light pressure until you get all the way through. You may be surprised to find that it does not hurt, even when you reach the other side of the nail. This is due to the angle of the pointy end of the hypodermic needle.
After creating the hole, blood will begin to ooze out, relieving the pressure and pain caused by the buildup of fluid. It is normal to see drainage through the hole for the next 24 to 36 hours. During this time, keep the area dry and clean, and follow instructions for changing bandages as needed.
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With an electrocautery device
Trephination is a procedure that relieves the pressure and pain caused by a subungual haematoma (blood under the nail) by creating a small hole in the nail. This procedure can be performed using a needle or an electrocautery device.
An electrocautery device is a pencil-shaped tool with a heated wire tip. The procedure using this device is as follows:
- The doctor will first numb the affected finger or toe with a nerve block.
- The doctor will then place the device over the middle of the bruise, exerting gentle pressure to create a hole.
- The electrocautery device will only penetrate the nail plate, not the tissues below it.
- The hole will allow the collected blood to drain, relieving the pressure and pain.
- The doctor will then apply a sterile bandage and provide instructions on how to care for the wound as it heals.
The electrocautery procedure is quick, easy, and almost painless. It is also very safe, with a low risk of infection or damage to the nail bed.
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Drilling a hole in your toenail
If you are experiencing severe pain due to a hematoma under your toenail, it is recommended to seek medical advice or visit an emergency room or urgent care clinic. A healthcare provider will typically clean the nail and the surrounding area with soap and water, and apply a wound-cleansing solution to ensure sterility. They will then use a needle, an electrocautery device, or a special tool to make a small hole in the middle of the bruise. This hole will allow the blood to drain out and relieve the pressure and pain.
If you choose to drill a hole in your toenail yourself, it is important to be aware of the risks. It is crucial to use sterile tools to prevent infection. A hypodermic needle is a commonly recommended tool for this procedure due to its sharp tip and ability to create a hole with light pressure. Simply place the needle on your nail and twist it back and forth until you reach the other side. You may be surprised to find that this procedure is not very painful.
After drilling the hole and releasing the fluid, it is important to apply an antiseptic and cover the area with a sterile bandage or island dressing to prevent infection. You may need to reopen the hole over the next few days to allow for the ongoing release of fluid. Keep the area clean and dry, and follow your healthcare provider's instructions for changing bandages and caring for your toe.
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Relieving pain and pressure
You can also soak the toe in warm water and apply a wet compress for a few minutes every day until the swelling goes down. Keep the toe elevated for 12 to 24 hours and avoid activities that cause pain to the toe. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease the pain.
If the ingrown nail is severe, with inflamed skin, pain, and pus, a healthcare provider may recommend a partial nail avulsion procedure, which involves numbing the toe and removing the ingrown portion of the nail. This procedure may take 2 to 4 months to heal and there is a risk of the nail growing back.
Another procedure, known as nail trephination, involves making a small hole in the nail plate to drain blood from a bruised nail (subungual hematoma). This procedure is typically performed by a healthcare provider using a needle, an electrocautery device, or a special tool. It is a quick and painless way to relieve pressure and pain under the nail.
It is important to note that attempting to cut or treat an ingrown nail at home can lead to infection or further damage. If home remedies do not provide relief, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Treating toenail blisters
Toenail blisters are often caused when the toenail is pushed backward, taking the nail bed with it, and creating a blister-causing shear. This can be extremely painful as there is no room for the fluid to go, and the extra liquid volume separates the nail from the tender nail bed skin.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to treat a toenail blister, you can try the following:
- See a podiatrist. They have specialized equipment to help get your nails into better shape.
- Get a good pair of toenail clippers for thick nails that are extremely sharp.
- If the blister has extended past the margins of the nail, you can lance that skin with a scalpel blade.
- If the blister is under the nail, you will need to drill a hole through the nail with a hypodermic needle. Place the needle on your nail and twist it back and forth until you get all the way through. You will only need to apply light pressure.
- Soak up as much blister fluid as you can, apply an antiseptic or antibiotic, then cover it with an island dressing to keep it clean and soak up the fluid that will continue to drain.
- You may need to make a couple of holes in your nail. The holes may need to be reopened the next day to allow the ongoing release of fluid.
- Keep the area dry and clean.
It is important to note that trying to drain a blister yourself can lead to infection or worse damage. Blisters are best left alone, and you should avoid popping them as it increases the risk of bacterial infection. If your toe is red, swollen, and sore, you may have an infection and should seek medical advice.
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