Caleb Foster
Blood stains under your nails, or subungual hematoma, can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Subungual hematoma is usually caused by a traumatic injury, like stubbing your toe or hitting your finger with a hammer. If you have blood stains under your nails, it's important to act quickly. If you see a healthcare professional within 48 hours, they can drain the excess fluid and relieve the pressure. In this article, we will explore the different ways to remove blood stains from under your nails and provide tips for preventing further injuries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical Term | Subungual Hematoma |
| Cause | Traumatic injury, e.g. stubbing toe, hitting finger with hammer |
| Symptoms | Darkened discolouration, black spots, pressure, pain |
| Treatment | Drain blood through a pierced hole, soak in warm solution with Epsom salts |
| Prevention | Cover wound with sterile gauze, wash twice a day, apply Vaseline and non-stick bandage |
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What You'll Learn
See a doctor if the injury is severe
If you have injured your nail and there is blood under the nail bed, you may have what is called a subungual haematoma. This is usually caused by a crushing or stubbing injury, and can be extremely painful. The pressure generated by the pooled blood can cause throbbing pain, and the blood can turn dark over time.
If the injury is severe, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will examine your nail and may recommend a simple procedure called trephination, which is the drainage of the haematoma to relieve pressure. This can be performed quickly and relatively painlessly in a doctor's office. Trephination involves making a small hole in the nail to allow the blood to flow out. The doctor may numb the affected finger or toe with a nerve block and use a heated wire or carbon laser to burn a hole. This procedure is generally recommended when the haematoma causes pain or covers 50% or more of the nail.
If there is bleeding under a large area of the nail surface, it is important to seek medical attention as the nail bed may be injured. In this case, a doctor may need to remove the entire nail and use stitches to repair the nail bed. If there is damage to the underlying tissues, removing the nail plate can support proper healing. Complications from subungual haematomas are rare, but they can lead to bacterial infections, especially if there is damage to the bone. Therefore, it is important to have an X-ray to check for any bone fractures or other injuries that are not visible on the surface.
If you experience severe pain, deformation of the finger or toe, or broken bones, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Do not attempt to drain the haematoma at home as this could lead to further complications. Elevating the affected area, using a cold compress, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can help manage mild cases until you are able to see a doctor.
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Drain blood through a pierced hole
If you have dried blood under your fingernail, it is important to seek medical attention, especially if the injury is recent (less than 48 hours old). A healthcare professional can drain the excess fluid and relieve the pressure. This procedure is important to prevent a situation where the nail falls off or needs to be removed.
If you are unable to see a healthcare provider, there are a few steps you can take to drain the blood yourself. Firstly, pierce a hole in the nail. This hole should be large enough to allow the blood to drain out. Cover the pierced hole with sterile gauze during the process. It usually takes about a day or two for the blood to drain completely.
During this time, it is important to keep the area clean and sterile. Wash gently around the wound twice a day and cover it with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a non-stick bandage. Make sure to remove the bandage periodically to allow the wound to breathe and drain any remaining blood.
If the damage to the nail is extensive, there is a chance that the nail matrix may have been affected. This could result in the nail growing back differently or not growing back at all. Therefore, it is always best to seek professional medical advice and treatment for any injuries resulting in dried blood under the nail.
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Soak in warm water with Epsom salts
Soaking your nails in warm water with Epsom salt is a common self-treatment method for ingrown toenails and can also be used to help drain fluid and alleviate pain from dried blood under the fingernail. Epsom salt acts as an antibacterial agent and helps to draw out fluid, reducing swelling.
To create an Epsom salt soak, mix two quarts of warm water with three tablespoons of Epsom salt. You can use table salt instead of Epsom salt if you don't have any available. Soak the affected nail for about 15 minutes. Podiatrist Mark Co suggests repeating this routine anytime the nail feels painful.
After soaking your nail, it is important to thoroughly dry it with a clean towel. Keeping your nail dry helps prevent the growth of bacteria and other potential pathogens, such as fungus. Elevating your leg on a few cushions while you sit can also help promote blood drainage out of your nail and reduce inflammation.
You can repeat this process three to five times daily, depending on the results you are looking for. It is also recommended to apply an antibacterial or antibiotic cream to the affected area after soaking and drying your nail.
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Treat with sterile gauze and bandages
If you are experiencing dried blood under your fingernail, medically known as a subungual haematoma, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Subungual haematomas are usually caused by a traumatic injury and can result in darkened discolouration, pressure, and pain. If the injury is recent (less than 48 hours), your healthcare provider can drain the excess fluid to relieve the pressure.
If the wound is minor and you choose to treat it at home, it is important to keep the area clean and protected. After piercing the nail to allow for drainage, cover the area with sterile gauze. This will help to absorb any oozing blood and protect the wound from infection. Change the gauze daily, or more frequently if it becomes soaked with blood or other fluids. It is important to gently wash the area with mild soap and warm water at least twice a day to prevent infection. After cleaning, carefully dry the area and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to keep the wound moist and promote healing. Finally, cover the wound with a non-stick bandage, securing it in place with tape or an elastic wrap.
The bandage should be changed at least once a day, or more often if it becomes wet or soiled. When changing the bandage, gently wash the area again and inspect the wound for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. If the wound is not healing properly or you experience increased pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
It is important to note that treating a subungual haematoma at home carries risks, including the possibility of infection and incomplete drainage of the blood. If the haematoma covers more than half of the nail or the injury is deep, your healthcare provider may need to remove the nail completely to prevent further complications. Therefore, it is always advisable to seek professional medical advice for any nail injuries to ensure proper care and reduce the risk of long-term nail damage.
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Recognise symptoms of a fracture
Blood stains under the nails can be unsightly and challenging to remove. While there are various methods to tackle this issue, it is important to approach this task with care to avoid damaging your nails or skin. Here are some methods to remove blood stains from under your nails:
- Soak your nails in warm water: Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a mild soap or detergent. Soak your nails in the solution for about 15-20 minutes, which will help soften and loosen the blood stains. Use a soft-bristled nail brush to gently scrub under your nails.
- Use lemon juice or vinegar: Both lemon juice and vinegar have acidic properties that can help break down blood stains. Soak a cotton ball in either lemon juice or vinegar, and then apply it directly to the stained areas under your nails. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Try hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a mild disinfectant and bleaching agent. Dilute it with an equal amount of water, and then use a cotton swab to apply it under your nails. Be cautious, as hydrogen peroxide may irritate your skin.
- Opt for baking soda: Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Gently apply the paste under your nails using a soft toothbrush or nail brush. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Medical options: If home remedies are ineffective, you can consult a doctor or dermatologist for more intensive treatments. They may suggest professional bleaching agents or other medical solutions to remove the blood stains.
Now, recognizing symptoms of a fracture is crucial to ensure prompt medical attention and proper healing. Here are some detailed instructions to help you recognize the symptoms of a fracture:
Recognizing Symptoms of a Fracture:
- Understand the nature of fractures: A bone fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone, which can be full or partial. Fractures can occur in any bone in the body and are typically caused by falls, blows, or other traumatic events. They can range from simple closed fractures, where the bone does not break the skin, to more severe compound fractures that damage surrounding tissue and penetrate the skin.
- Identify common symptoms: The symptoms of a fracture include intense pain, swelling, redness, and bruising around the affected area. You may also notice deformities, such as protruding bones or a noticeable difference in the appearance of the body part. In some cases, the bone may even be visible through the skin. These symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of the fracture.
- Look out for limited mobility: Fractures often result in limited mobility or a reduced range of motion in the affected body part. You may find it challenging to move the injured area as you usually would. This is a key indicator of a potential fracture.
- Observe for bleeding and infection: Open or compound fractures, where the bone pierces the skin, are more prone to bleeding and infection. If you notice bleeding or any signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or discharge around the wound, seek immediate medical attention.
- Consider your medical history: Certain underlying conditions can increase the risk of fractures. For example, if you have osteoporosis or a family history of it, your bones may be weakened, making you more susceptible to fractures. If you are over 50, consider getting a bone density screening to assess your risk.
- Seek medical attention: If you suspect a fracture, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthcare provider will ask about the circumstances of the injury and perform a physical examination. They may order imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, to confirm the fracture and determine its severity.
Remember, fractures can vary widely in severity and location, so it is important to be vigilant about recognizing the symptoms and seeking appropriate medical care. With proper treatment and care, most fractures can heal well without long-term complications.
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Frequently asked questions
It is called a subungual hematoma.
If the injury is small, you may not need to seek medical care. You can treat it by covering the pierced hole with sterile gauze and letting the blood drain for a day or two. However, if the affected area continues to collect blood, you experience extreme pain, or the injury is at the base of the nail, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Symptoms include darkened discolouration (e.g. black spots), pressure, and pain.
See a doctor if you experience symptoms suggesting a fracture, such as swelling or an inability to move the finger or toe, or if you have other symptoms like pain or discolouration without a known cause.
