Get Rid Of Blood Clots Under Nails

A subungual haematoma is a bruised fingernail or toenail that may cause severe, throbbing pain. It is usually caused by a crushing or stubbing injury, resulting in bleeding below the nail plate, which leads to swelling, nail discolouration, and pain. Treatment for a subungual haematoma depends on the severity of the injury. If the injury is minor, you can treat it at home by applying ice wrapped in a soft cloth to the affected area. However, if you are experiencing extreme pain, or if the injury covers a large area of the nail surface, it is recommended to seek medical care. A doctor may recommend a procedure called trephination, which involves draining the blood to relieve pressure and pain. In some cases, the entire nail may need to be removed to repair the nail bed.

When to seek medical help

A subungual haematoma is a bruised fingernail or toenail that may cause severe, throbbing pain. It occurs when an injury breaks open blood vessels under the nail, causing blood to collect and become trapped in one spot. This can happen due to sudden trauma to your nail, such as dropping a brick on your toe or hitting your fingertip with a hammer.

While small subungual haematomas may not require medical attention, you should seek medical help in the following situations:

• If the affected area continues to collect blood, indicating ongoing bleeding.
• If you experience extreme or worsening pain that is not manageable with home treatments such as ice or elevation.
• If there is severe damage to the nail bed or the injury is at the base of the nail, as this may indicate a fracture or deep cut.
• If you observe signs of infection, such as red or discoloured skin around the nail, swelling, purulent drainage, or fever.
• If the haematoma does not heal or goes away on its own after several months.
• If there is bleeding that does not stop, as this may indicate a laceration requiring sutures.
• If there is an inability to move the finger or toe, which could be a sign of a more severe injury.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare provider can perform a simple drainage procedure called nail trephination to relieve pressure and support healing. In some cases, they may need to remove the nail plate to surgically repair the underlying tissues.

What is a subungual hematoma

A subungual hematoma is a bruised fingernail or toenail that develops after sudden trauma to the nail, such as a direct blow or crush injury. This trauma damages the blood vessels just under the nail plate, resulting in bleeding beneath the nail. It can cause severe throbbing pain and darkened discolouration, such as black spots, due to the pressure of blood collecting between the nail and the nail bed.

Subungual hematomas are typically minor injuries, and the pain usually gets better within a few days. However, if there is intense and continuous pain, or there are signs of infection such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail, medical attention should be sought. A doctor may recommend a simple procedure called trephination, which involves creating a hole in the nail to relieve the pressure and drain the accumulated blood. This procedure can be performed using a heated wire (electrocautery device), a carbon laser, or a needle.

In some cases, especially if there is additional damage such as a broken bone or deep cut, more extensive treatment may be required. This could involve removing the nail plate and repairing the underlying tissues. It is important to note that attempting to drain a subungual hematoma at home is not recommended, and medical care should be sought for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The recovery process for a subungual hematoma can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the extent of the injury and the treatment required. It may take about six months for the nail to grow back completely. During the recovery period, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the healthcare professional, including methods of pain relief and caring for the affected finger or toe.

Overall, a subungual hematoma is a common condition that usually resolves without complications. However, it is important to monitor the injury and seek medical care if symptoms persist or worsen, as early intervention can help prevent more serious issues and promote proper healing.

How to drain blood at home

A subungual hematoma is a bruised fingernail or toenail that may cause severe, throbbing pain. It is usually caused by a crushing or stubbing injury, such as hitting your fingertip with a hammer or dropping a brick on your toe. The blood may turn dark over time, and the pressure may cause your nail to come off completely.

If you have dried blood under your nail, you should seek medical attention. However, if the injury is minor and there is no other apparent damage, you can try the following methods at home to care for yourself:

• Apply ice wrapped in a soft cloth to the injured area to help ease swelling and pain.
• Elevate your hand or foot to reduce pain and slow the bleeding under the nail.
• Use a cold compress for pain and swelling.

If your pain gets worse or you experience extreme pain, swelling, or an inability to move your finger or toe, seek medical care immediately. Do not attempt to drain the blood yourself, as this can cause further damage and increase the risk of infection.

Your healthcare provider may recommend a simple drainage procedure called trephination to relieve the pressure and pain. This involves piercing the nail plate with a hot metal wire, an electrocautery device, or a spinning, large-bore needle to allow the blood to drain. The procedure is relatively quick and painless and can help prevent the need for nail removal.

How to drain blood at a doctor's office

If you have dried blood under your nail, medically known as a subungual haematoma, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. If it has been less than 48 hours, your doctor can drain the excess fluid and relieve the pressure. Drainage may not be possible after this time, as the blood will have clotted.

At the doctor's office, they will likely perform a procedure called nail trephination. This is a quick and simple procedure that involves making a small hole in the nail to drain the blood. Before the procedure, the doctor will clean your nail and the surrounding area with soap and water, and apply a wound-cleansing solution. They may also apply a local anaesthetic to numb the area.

To make the hole, the doctor will use a needle, an electrocautery device, or a large-bore needle to pierce the nail plate for drainage. This process is painless, as the nail plate lacks nerves. The hole should be large enough to let the blood drain—around 3 to 4 millimetres thick. Additional holes may be necessary for large haematomas.

After making the hole, the doctor will milk, or squeeze, the nail to help the blood flow out. They will then cover the area with a dry bandage and may apply a splint for a few days until the tenderness subsides. You will need to keep the wound clean and dry while it heals. Your doctor may recommend soaking your finger or toe in a warm solution with Epsom salts to help drain fluid and alleviate pain.

Healing time and nail regrowth

The healing time for a subungual hematoma varies. The trapped blood will eventually be reabsorbed, and the discolouration will disappear. This can take a number of months or even years. Fingernails tend to heal faster than toenails.

If the nail has been removed, the wound should heal within a few weeks. However, it may take about six months for a new nail to grow back. The time it takes for the nail to grow back can vary depending on the person and the severity of the damage. In some cases, the nail may never regrow. The new nail may also be malformed or cracked.

After a nail trephination, it is important to follow all instructions from your healthcare provider, including methods of pain relief and caring for the injured digit. Your doctor may recommend soaking your finger or toe in a warm solution with Epsom salts to help drain fluid and alleviate pain. They may also recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen.

If you have a broken bone or deep cut, your nail plate may need to be removed to surgically repair the tissues underneath. This can support proper healing.

Frequently asked questions