Liam Carter
A smashed fingernail can be extremely painful due to the pressure exerted by the collection of blood under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. This injury is common and usually occurs when there is a crush or direct blow to the fingertip. To relieve the pressure and reduce pain, the blood must be drained from under the nail, which can be done at home if the injury is mild, or by a doctor through a procedure called trephination or decompression.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition | Subungual Hematoma |
| Description | Bleeding under a fingernail or toenail |
| Cause | Direct injury to the blood vessels under the nail |
| Symptoms | Dark discoloration, severe throbbing pain |
| Treatment | Decompression/trephination performed by a doctor; home care for mild cases |
| Procedure | Cautery, needle |
| Recovery | New fingernail can regrow in 8 weeks, toenail in 6 months |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
See a doctor if you suspect a subungual hematoma
If you suspect you have a subungual hematoma—a blood clot under your fingernail or toenail—you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Intense or throbbing pain. Subungual hematomas can be extremely painful due to the pressure generated by the collection of blood under the nail.
- Signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or red streaks leading from the area. Pus draining from the wound is another sign of infection that requires medical attention.
- Deformity of the finger or toe. If you suspect that you have broken bones or serious damage to the nail bed and/or surrounding tissues, seek immediate medical attention.
- Discoloration under the nail without any injury. If you notice a darkened area under your nail and haven't had any recent injuries, see your doctor to rule out other possible causes.
- Persistent pain. If the pain does not subside or improves slower than expected, follow up with your doctor.
In most cases, a subungual hematoma can be treated at home if the pain is mild and the hematoma covers less than 25% of the area under the nail. However, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to relieve the pressure and pain and prevent further complications.
How Your Finger Nails Get Their Round Shape
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Decompression or trephination relieves pressure
Trephination is a simple procedure that can be performed by a doctor or other medical professional. It involves using a heated wire (electro cautery device), a carbon laser, or a needle to create a hole in the nail. The procedure is quick and painless, and it effectively relieves the pressure and pain caused by the built-up blood.
During the procedure, the affected finger or toe is usually numbed with a nerve block to ensure the patient's comfort. The doctor will then use the chosen method to create a hole in the centre of the subungual haematoma, allowing the blood to drain out. After the procedure, the nail will be bandaged, and the patient will need to keep the finger or toe bandaged and elevated for the first 12 hours.
Trephination is generally well-tolerated by patients and provides immediate relief from pain and other symptoms. It is important to note that this procedure should be performed within 48 hours of the injury, as haematomas that have lasted longer are likely to have clotted, and trephination will not be effective. Additionally, if there is an obvious nail bed laceration, fingertip avulsion, or open fracture, nail removal may be indicated instead of trephination.
Overall, decompression or trephination is a safe and effective method to relieve pressure and pain from a smashed fingernail, providing immediate relief and allowing the nail to regrow.
Grooming Fingernails: Easy Tips for Perfect Sides
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cauterise with a heated wire or laser
If you have a smashed fingernail, you may notice blood pooling under the nail bed, causing it to darken in colour. This is called a subungual hematoma and can be extremely painful due to the pressure generated by the pooled blood.
One way to relieve the pressure and drain the hematoma is through cauterization. This procedure involves using a heated wire (electrocautery device) or a carbon laser to burn a hole in the nail, allowing the blood to drain out. The heated tip of the wire is cooled by its contact with the hematoma, preventing injury to the nail bed. This is a quick and relatively painless procedure that can be performed at a doctor's office or urgent care centre.
Before performing cauterization, the finger should be numbed to reduce pain. After the procedure, the nail will be bandaged, and the finger should be kept elevated for the first 12 hours. Cold compresses may also be used to reduce pain and swelling.
It is important to note that cauterization is not always necessary for small hematomas, which may heal on their own without any issues. However, if the hematoma is large and causing intense pain, it is recommended to seek medical attention to determine the best course of treatment.
Additionally, there are other methods to drain a subungual hematoma, such as using a needle to create a hole in the nail. This can be done at home with an 18-gauge needle, but it is important to clean the finger beforehand and be aware of the risks, such as infection and loss of the nail.
The Allure of Men with Long Fingernails
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Drainage with a needle
If you have a smashed fingernail, you may have what's called a "subungual hematoma", or bleeding under the nail. This usually happens if the nail gets crushed in an injury, causing blood to collect under the nail and creating intense pain and throbbing. If the pain is mild and the hematoma covers less than 25% of the area under the nail, you can try home care. Otherwise, you should seek medical attention.
If you have a large hematoma, your doctor may perform a procedure called trephination, which allows the underlying blood to drain, relieving pressure and pain in the area. They may first numb the affected finger with a nerve block. Then, they will use an 18-gauge needle at a 90-degree angle over the central area of the hematoma and rotate the needle in a drilling fashion to create a hole through the nail. Smaller gauge needles can be used for children, though several holes may need to be drilled. Once a hole is created, blood will drain out from the hematoma, and the pain will be significantly reduced. The hole will remain and grow out at the rate that the nail normally grows.
After the procedure, your doctor will bandage your nail. You will need to keep the finger bandaged and elevated, and you may need to use cold compresses during the first 12 hours after decompression. In some cases, you may need to use a splint for up to 3 days until the tenderness subsides.
The main complication associated with decompression is a small risk of infection in the residual hematoma. If the nail bed is injured, your doctor may need to remove the entire nail and use stitches to repair it.
What's Behind Fingernails Turning White?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Keep the wound elevated and bandaged
If you've smashed your finger and are experiencing throbbing pain, it's important to keep the wound elevated and bandaged. Here's what you need to do:
First, elevate your injured finger or hand above the level of your heart. This will help to reduce throbbing and slow down any bleeding. Keep your hand elevated for the first 24 hours, and then continue to do so several times a day for the next few days. You can also apply ice wrapped in a towel or cloth to your injured finger for 20-minute intervals, several times a day. This will help with both pain and swelling.
It's important to keep the wound clean and bandaged. Clean any minor cuts or scrapes with soap and water or an antibacterial rinse. Then, cover the wound with sterile gauze or a bandage. Change the bandage and clean the wound at least twice a day. Keep the wound dry to prevent infection.
If you're experiencing pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen. These will help with both pain and swelling. You can also apply OTC antibiotic ointments or creams to the wound after cleaning to prevent infection and promote healing.
If your symptoms don't improve with basic treatment, or if you have a deep wound that may require stitches, seek medical attention. It's important to take care of a smashed finger to ensure proper healing and prevent further complications.
Weird Nail Growth: What's the Deal with My Finger?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A smashed fingernail is when there is a direct injury to the blood vessels under the fingernail, which causes a collection of blood and intense pain. This is called a subungual hematoma.
If the pain is mild and the hematoma covers less than 25% of the area under the nail, you can try home care. Keep your hand elevated and use cold compresses. If the pain is more severe, you may need to see a doctor. They may perform a procedure called decompression or trephination, which involves creating a hole in the nail to drain the blood and relieve pressure.
If left untreated, a subungual hematoma can cause a nail bed laceration or cut. This can result in deformity of the new nail as it grows out.
A new fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks. However, if there has been damage to the nail bed or surrounding tissues, it may take longer, and the new nail may not look normal.
