Liam Carter
A blood blister under the nail, also known as a subungual hematoma, is usually caused by a direct injury to the nail, resulting in broken blood vessels that bleed and get trapped underneath. This can cause severe throbbing pain due to the pressure of blood building up. While small hematomas can be treated at home with rest, ice, and pain medication, larger hematomas or those accompanied by additional injuries may require medical care for proper drainage and treatment. Attempting to drain a subungual hematoma by yourself is not recommended as it can lead to serious infections and permanent damage to your nail or finger. If you experience severe pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the nail, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out other possible causes and ensure proper care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical name | Subungual hematoma |
| Cause | Direct trauma to the nail, causing blood vessels to break and bleed |
| Symptoms | Severe throbbing pain, blue/purple/black/brown discolouration of the nail |
| Treatment | Drainage within 48 hours of injury, local anaesthetic, small hole created in the nail with a cautery device, heated wire or carbon laser |
| Home remedies | Ice, elevation, anti-inflammatory medication, rest |
| Complications | Nail loss, nail discolouration, permanent damage to nail or finger |
| Prevention | N/A |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Drain blood from under the nail
If you have bleeding under a large area of the nail surface, you must seek medical treatment. Your doctor may need to remove the entire nail and use stitches to repair the nail bed. In less severe cases, a doctor may perform a nail trephination, a quick outpatient procedure that drains blood from a bruised nail. This procedure should be done within 24 to 48 hours of the injury.
To perform the procedure, your doctor will first clean your nail and the surrounding area with soap and water and apply a wound-cleansing solution. Then, they will use a needle, an electrocautery device, or a special tool to make a small hole in the middle of the bruise, releasing the blood. You may notice drainage through the hole for the next 24 to 36 hours, which is normal. Keep the area dry and clean, and follow your doctor's instructions for changing bandages.
Alternatively, you can try soaking the affected finger in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes, three times a day for 2 to 3 days. This may help to drain the blood and relieve pain and pressure. However, if your pain does not go away, you may have a more serious injury and should consult a doctor.
It is important to note that attempting to drain blood by yourself can lead to infection or further damage. Therefore, it is recommended to seek medical help for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Repairing a Split Gel Nail: Quick Fix at Home
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Seek medical attention
While a subungual hematoma is usually a minor injury, it is important to know when to seek medical attention. Firstly, if you have a darkened area under your nail and haven't experienced any injury, see your doctor to rule out other possible causes. If you have injured your nail, you should see a doctor within the first 48 hours to assess whether the hematoma needs draining. Drainage can only be performed within the first two days after your injury, as the blood begins to clot after this amount of time, making drainage difficult.
If you have a severe blow to a finger or toe, you may have broken bones or serious damage to the nail bed and/or surrounding tissues. Seek medical attention from your doctor right away or go to an emergency room if:
- You have a bone fracture or deep cut, which will likely require further treatment and more time to heal.
- Your finger or toe is deformed.
If you notice any problems as your nail heals and regrows, see your doctor. Even with the best repair, there is a possibility that the new nail may grow back and not look normal.
Sally Hansen Gel Nail Polish: Is It Worth the Hype?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Home remedies for pain
A blood blister under a nail is called a subungual hematoma. It happens when something causes the blood vessels under the nail to break open, with blood collecting and becoming trapped under the nail. This can be extremely painful due to the pressure generated by the pooled blood.
Rest
It is important to rest the affected finger or toe and avoid using it where possible. This will help reduce pain and allow the injury to heal.
Ice
Applying ice packs can help reduce swelling and pain. It is recommended to elevate the affected hand or foot while icing to further reduce swelling.
Compression
Applying pressure to the area, such as with a wrap, can help reduce the amount of blood that pools under the nail. This can help to relieve pain and promote healing.
Elevation
Keep the affected hand or foot elevated whenever possible to reduce swelling and pain.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories
Minor pain can be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, Advil, or Motrin. These can help reduce discomfort, swelling, and inflammation.
It is important to note that while home remedies can provide pain relief and encourage healing, more severe cases of subungual hematomas may require medical treatment. If you experience severe pain, bleeding that does not stop, signs of infection, or a subungual hematoma that does not heal, it is important to seek medical attention.
Olive Oil: An Effective Remover for Acrylic Nails?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Signs of infection
A subungual hematoma is a bruised fingernail or toenail that may cause severe, throbbing pain. This happens when blood collects between the nail and the nail bed, creating pressure and pain. While subungual hematomas are very common and usually heal well, they can sometimes lead to complications such as nail loss and infection.
- Redness or discoloured skin around the nail: The skin surrounding the nail may appear red or discoloured, indicating a possible infection.
- Swelling: If the area around the nail becomes swollen, it could be a sign of infection.
- Pus or purulent drainage: Any discharge of pus from the nail bed or surrounding area is a definite sign of infection and should be addressed immediately.
- Fever: A fever may indicate that the infection has spread beyond the local area.
- Pain: If the pain returns or intensifies, it could be a sign of infection.
- Red streak extending from the wound: If a red streak is visible extending away from the wound, it could indicate that the infection is spreading and requires immediate medical attention.
It is important to note that you should never attempt to drain a subungual hematoma at home. Always seek medical care if you suspect any signs of infection or if your symptoms persist or worsen.
LED Gel Nail Polish: How Does It Work?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Regrowing a nail
If you have a detached nail, the first step is to trim the nail and file any sharp edges to prevent further injury. Soak the affected finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes, then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and cover the area with a non-stick bandage. Keep the wound dry and clean, changing the bandage daily and applying antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
To promote nail growth, you can take biotin supplements, which help your body produce protein-building amino acids, resulting in faster nail growth. Nails also tend to grow faster in the summer and on the dominant hand.
If there is damage to the nail bed or matrix, the new nail may grow back deformed. In this case, a minor surgical procedure on the nail bed may improve its appearance.
Gel Nails: Allergic Reactions and You
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A subungual hematoma is when blood collects under a fingernail or toenail, usually due to a crush injury.
If the hematoma is small and not painful, you can treat it at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. If the hematoma is large, painful, or accompanied by other injuries, seek medical care.
To relieve pain from a subungual hematoma, a doctor may perform a procedure called trephination or decompression, which involves creating a small hole in the nail to allow the blood to drain and relieve pressure. This procedure should be done within 48 hours of the injury, before the blood starts to clot.
While it is possible to drain a subungual hematoma at home by creating a hole in the nail with a heated paper clip, it is not recommended as it can lead to serious infection and permanent damage to the nail or finger.
