Sophia Delgado
A crushed fingernail, or a subungual hematoma, is a common but painful injury that can be treated at home in most cases. The injury is caused by blood pooling beneath the fingernail, which can cause throbbing pain and may require draining. To treat a crushed fingernail, it is recommended to first apply ice and elevate the finger to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain relievers can also be taken to manage pain. In more severe cases, such as when there is a fracture or break in the finger, it is important to seek medical attention.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Relieve pain and swelling with ice
Ice can be extremely effective in treating the pain and swelling from a crushed fingernail. It is important to act quickly and calmly to prevent further injury. First, wrap the ice in a hand towel or clean cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin. Then, gently apply the wrapped ice to the injured finger for no longer than 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. To avoid putting weight on the injury, rest the finger on top of the ice pack. Raising the injured finger above the level of your heart can also help to slow down the blood flow to the site, reducing inflammation and easing throbbing pain.
It is crucial to never place ice directly on the skin, as this can cause cold injury. Instead, always wrap the ice in a cloth or towel before applying it to the injured area. Additionally, be sure to monitor the injury site for any signs of increased pain, bleeding, or severe bruising. If the symptoms do not improve with basic treatment, or if the injury involves more than just the fingertip, it is important to seek medical attention.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), can also be used in conjunction with icing to help manage discomfort and reduce inflammation. It is important to read the label and follow the recommended dosage for these medications. In addition to icing and OTC pain relievers, it is recommended to keep the injured area clean and elevated to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Fake Nails: A Finger-Picking Necessity or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use over-the-counter pain medication
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication can help manage the pain and swelling of a crushed fingernail. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or Aleve) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are recommended for relieving pain. Naproxen is another option for reducing pain and swelling. These medications can be purchased without a prescription, but it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before administering them to children. Additionally, those with heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or a history of stomach ulcers or internal bleeding should consult a doctor before taking these medications. It is crucial to follow the recommended dosage on the bottle or as advised by a healthcare provider.
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce inflammation, which is often the primary cause of pain, swelling, and redness or discoloration. It is important to note that ibuprofen does not address the infection itself. Acetaminophen, on the other hand, helps with pain relief but may not be as effective in reducing swelling.
For children, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be given to manage pain. It is crucial to read the label and follow the recommended dosage for children. It is advised not to give aspirin or products containing aspirin to children.
While OTC pain relievers can help manage symptoms, it is important to monitor the injury and seek medical attention if the pain and swelling persist or if there are signs of infection. In the case of a deep wound, suspected fracture, or persistent bleeding, professional medical care should be sought.
It is worth noting that, in addition to OTC pain medication, icing the injured finger can help reduce pain and swelling. Applying ice wrapped in a clean cloth for 15-20 minute intervals, several times a day, is recommended. This can help stop bleeding and prevent a blood blister from forming under the nail.
Little Moons: What Your Fingernails Say About Your Health
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Drain blood from beneath the nail
If you are experiencing severe, throbbing pain due to blood collecting under your nail, you may need to drain the blood to relieve the pressure and pain. This procedure is safe if done properly, but it is not recommended if you are not experiencing any pain.
Trephination
A doctor may perform a procedure called trephination, which is a form of decompression that allows the underlying blood to drain. The doctor may numb the affected finger or toe with a nerve block before using one of the following methods:
- Cautery: Using a heated wire (electrocautery device) or carbon laser to burn a hole or holes in the nail. The heated tip of the wire is cooled by contact with the hematoma, preventing injury to the nail bed.
- Needle: Using a needle to make a hole in the nail. After this procedure, the doctor will bandage your nail, and you will need to keep the finger or toe bandaged and elevated, possibly using cold compresses during the first 12 hours.
At-home method
If you are unable to see a doctor, you can drain the blood at home by following these steps:
- Straighten a paper clip and heat the tip in a flame until it is red-hot.
- Place the tip of the paper clip on the nail and let it melt through. Go slowly and reheat the clip as needed. Avoid pushing or applying pressure on the paper clip, as this may accidentally touch the skin under the nail.
- As soon as the hole is complete, blood will escape and the pain will be relieved.
- Soak the finger in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes, 3 times a day for 2 to 3 days.
After draining the blood, your nail may still bleed a bit, but it should stop soon after. Your nail may also look discolored for several weeks, but this is normal, and the bruise will fade as your nail grows back.
How to Promote Healthy and Fast Nail Growth
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Avoid further injury
If you have a crushed fingernail, it is important to take steps to avoid further injury. Here are some detailed instructions to prevent additional harm:
Firstly, stop the activity that caused the injury to prevent any further damage to the affected area. Assess the damage calmly, despite the pain, and decide if you need medical attention. If there is a severe blow to the finger, you may have broken bones or serious damage to the nail bed and surrounding tissues, so seek medical attention immediately.
If there is bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound using a gauze pad or a clean cloth. Press down firmly on the wound for about 10 minutes, or until the bleeding stops. If there is any dirt in the wound, scrub it gently with soap and water for about 5 minutes. Then, cover the wound with a sterile bandage and change the dressing daily.
If your finger is swollen, you can apply ice wrapped in a towel or cloth for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce inflammation and pain. Do not place ice directly on the skin. Keep the injured area elevated to further reduce swelling.
If your ring is stuck on the injured finger, remove it immediately as swelling may occur. If the nail is still attached, your doctor may be able to prevent it from falling off by draining the blood from the bruise to alleviate the pressure. Do not attempt to drain the blood or remove the nail yourself, as this can cause infection or further injury.
Finally, avoid any movements or physical activities that cause pain in the injured area. Once the initial pain and swelling improve, gently massage the injury site and try to move the finger to encourage blood flow and improve recovery time.
How Bruising Your Fingernail Can Affect Your Health
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Seek medical attention if severe
If your crushed fingernail injury is severe, it is important to seek medical attention. While minor injuries may heal on their own with at-home treatments, more severe cases may require professional medical care. Here are some scenarios where you should seek medical attention:
Severe Pain or Discomfort
If your crushed fingernail is causing severe pain or extreme discomfort, it is advisable to consult a doctor or nurse. They can assess the severity of the injury and provide appropriate pain management options.
Inability to Move the Finger
If you are unable to move your finger due to the injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention. This could indicate a more serious issue, such as a fracture or joint damage.
Deep Wounds or Suspected Broken Bones
Crush injuries to the fingertip can result in deep wounds, including cuts, scrapes, or fractures. If you suspect that your injury requires stitches or believe that you may have broken your finger, it is important to go to an urgent care center or the emergency department.
Persistent Bleeding
While minor bleeding can often be stopped by applying direct pressure and cleaning the wound, if the bleeding is persistent or severe, you should seek medical attention. This could indicate a more severe injury or laceration.
Infection or Other Health Complications
If you experience any signs of infection, such as redness, drainage, or increased pain around the wound, you should seek medical attention. Additionally, if you have certain health conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system, you may be at a higher risk of infection and should consult a medical professional.
Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution. If you are unsure about the severity of your injury or if your symptoms persist or worsen, don't hesitate to seek medical attention.
Carson Daly's Black-Nail Mystery: A Style Statement?
You may want to see also
