Sophia Delgado
Bruised nails, also known as subungual hematomas, are caused by sudden trauma to the nail, such as hitting your finger with a hammer or stubbing your toe. This results in blood pooling under the nail plate, causing severe throbbing pain and discoloration. While small hematomas can be drained at home, it is important to seek medical attention within two days to ensure proper treatment and prevent long-term pain or interference with the function of your fingers or toes. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed to repair the nail bed and underlying tissue, which can be done using stitches or special glue. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a bruised nail? | Blood or bruising under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. |
| Treatment | Apply ice to the area. If the pain worsens, seek medical care. |
| When to seek medical care | If pain gets worse, seek medical care within two days. |
| Medical treatment | Trephination (drainage of the hematoma to relieve pressure). |
| Prevention of infection | Keep the area clean and dry. |
| Antibiotics | Your provider may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. |
| Pain medication | Take prescription pain relievers, ibuprofen, or naproxen to reduce pain and swelling. |
| Healing time | It can take several months for a new nail to grow back. |
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What You'll Learn
Drainage of blood to relieve pressure
A bruised nail, or subungual haematoma, is a common injury that can result in severe throbbing pain. This is because the blood trapped under the nail puts pressure on the nerves in the finger or toe.
If you have a bruised nail, it is important to seek medical attention within two days. Your healthcare provider may recommend a simple procedure called trephination, which involves draining the blood under the nail to relieve pressure. This procedure can ease pain and support healing.
Trephination should not be attempted at home. Instead, you can apply ice wrapped in a soft cloth to the area to help ease swelling and pain. Keep the injured area clean and dry, and cover it with a bandage if needed.
After the trephination procedure, your nail may bleed a bit, but this should stop quickly. Your provider will give you instructions for changing any bandages they apply. Your nail may still look discoloured for several weeks, but this is normal, and the bruise will gradually disappear as your nail grows back.
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Antibiotics to prevent infection
A bruised nail is a result of a hard impact to your finger or toe, causing blood or bruising under your nail, known as a subungual hematoma. It is important to seek medical attention within two days of the injury, as the blood trapped under the nail can put pressure on your finger or toe nerves, causing excruciating pain.
If the bone is broken or the bruise is very large, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed repaired. In such cases, your provider may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. Antibiotics are also used to treat paronychia, a common nail infection caused by bacteria entering broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold. Paronychia can cause pain, swelling and tenderness around the nail, as well as a build-up of pus under the skin.
The use of antibiotics depends on the mechanism and extent of the injury. For example, antibiotics are often prescribed for crush injuries and human or animal bites. Antibiotics work by inhibiting bacterial growth and are effective against rapidly growing organisms forming cell walls.
It is important to keep the injured area clean and dry to prevent infection. Signs of infection include fever, feeling unwell, redness or red streaks in the skin, warmth, swelling and significant pain.
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Trimming rough edges to prevent further injury
Trimming nails is a simple yet important self-care routine. Short, well-maintained nails are less likely to harbour dirt and bacteria, which can lead to infection.
If you have a bruised nail, it is important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider may advise removing the nail, which will take several months to grow back. In the meantime, you can trim your nails to prevent further injury and keep them in good condition.
Firstly, it is important to prepare your nails for cutting. Nails should be softened before trimming, so the best time to cut them is immediately after a shower or bath. If this is not possible, you can soak your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes to soften them.
When trimming your nails, cut straight across the nail. Avoid cutting your nails into a "V" shape or rounding off the edges. Cutting straight across will help to prevent ingrown toenails, which can be caused by the toenails curling at the sides.
After cutting, use a nail file or emery board to smooth out any rough edges. File your nails in one direction only, as filing back and forth can weaken your nails.
Finally, remember to disinfect your nail tools monthly. Soak a small scrub brush in a bowl of 70-90% isopropyl alcohol and use it to scrub your nail clippers or nail scissors. Rinse the tools in hot water and dry them completely before putting them away.
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Keeping the injured area clean and dry
Firstly, avoid soaking your injured nail in water. Do not immerse it in a bath or hot tub, and refrain from swimming until your healthcare provider advises it is safe to do so. These activities can cause breaks in the skin, providing an entry point for infection. Keep the injured area covered with a bandage to protect it from moisture and potential contaminants.
Secondly, ensure the injured area is thoroughly cleaned. If there is an open wound, clean it with soap and warm water, and apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. Change any bandages daily, or as instructed by your healthcare provider, to maintain a clean environment for the wound to heal.
Thirdly, elevate the injured area whenever possible. Keep your hand or foot above the level of your heart to reduce throbbing and discomfort. This will also aid in reducing any swelling that may be present.
Additionally, continue to monitor the injured area for any signs of infection. These may include fever or feeling unwell, redness or red streaks in the skin, warmth around the nail, swelling, or persistent pain. If any of these symptoms develop, seek prompt medical attention.
Finally, it is important to allow the injured area to breathe as much as possible. Only cover it with a bandage when necessary for protection or pain management. This will promote proper airflow and healing.
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Reattachment with glue or stitches
Reattaching a nail that has been bruised or torn is challenging and may not always be possible. If the nail has completely come off, there is little that can be done to repair or reattach it. However, if a portion of the nail is still attached to the nail bed, there are some methods you can try to reattach the nail using glue or other adhesive methods.
Using Super Glue or Nail Glue:
- Clean the nail and the nail bed area to ensure there is no dirt or debris.
- Apply a small amount of super glue or nail glue to the torn nail, smoothing it out with a toothpick or a thin brush.
- Press the nail into place, holding it for at least a minute to allow the glue to dry.
- Buff the repaired area with a nail file to smooth out any rough edges.
- Apply a top coat of nail polish to blend the repaired area with the rest of the nail.
Using Tea Bags or Tissue Paper:
- Cut a small strip of a tea bag or tissue paper to fit the size of the break in your nail.
- Apply a small amount of super glue or nail glue to the tear and stick the tea bag or tissue paper strip onto it using tweezers.
- Add more glue until the strip is saturated, then allow it to dry.
- Buff the area with a nail file and paint your nails as usual.
Nail Silk Wrap or Artificial Nails:
- Purchase nail silk wraps or artificial nails from a drug store or online.
- Buff your broken nail to smooth out any rough edges.
- Apply nail glue directly to the break and trim the nail silk wrap to fit the size of the break.
- Stick the nail silk wrap onto the glued area, then cut off any excess.
- Apply another layer of glue to seal the wrap.
Alternatively, you can use press-on nails or artificial nails to cover the affected area. Simply glue on the artificial nail to match the length of your other nails and paint over it to create a seamless look.
While these methods can help reattach a bruised or torn nail, it is important to note that they may not always be effective, and there is a risk of infection. If there is significant damage to the nail bed or surrounding structures, it is recommended to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
A bruised nail, also known as a subungual hematoma, is a result of trauma to the nail, such as hitting your finger with a hammer. Blood pools under the nail plate, causing discoloration.
If you have a bruised nail, you should seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider may recommend a simple procedure called trephination, which involves draining the hematoma to relieve pressure.
To ease swelling and pain, apply ice wrapped in a soft cloth to the affected area. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve).
In some cases, your healthcare provider may need to remove the nail to repair the tissue underneath. The nail may be reattached with special glue or stitches, or replaced with a special type of material.
It can take several months for a new nail to grow back after a bruise. Fingernails usually regrow completely in about two months, while toenails can take up to four months.
