Caleb Foster
A black-and-blue fingernail, also known as a subungual hematoma, is usually the result of some form of trauma or injury to the blood vessels under the nail bed. This can be caused by a heavy object crushing the finger or a door slamming on it. In most cases, a smashed finger won't require medical treatment and can be treated at home with ice, elevation, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if the pain is severe or persists beyond a few days, it is important to seek medical attention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a black-and-blue fingernail? | A subungual hematoma occurs when blood vessels under the nail bed break and leak blood, which then gets trapped under the nail. |
| Symptoms | Severe or throbbing pain, nail discolouration (red, purple, dark brown, or black), nail sensitivity, separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, and intense pressure. |
| Causes | Blunt force trauma, crush injuries, or repetitive pressure over time. |
| Treatment | Ice the area for 15-20 minutes at a time, wrapped in a soft cloth or towel to prevent skin damage. Elevate the hand above the level of the heart to slow blood flow and reduce pain and bleeding. Use over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce discomfort and swelling. |
| Medical Treatment | If the pain is intense or persistent, seek medical care. A doctor may recommend a procedure called trephination or nail decompression to drain the blood and relieve pressure. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed to repair the tissues underneath. |
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What You'll Learn
How to treat a black and blue fingernail at home
A black-and-blue fingernail is usually a sign of a subungual hematoma, which is a bruised nail. This occurs when blood vessels under the nail break open, causing blood to collect and become trapped under the nail. This can happen due to blunt force trauma, such as hitting your nail with a hammer, or crush injuries, such as slamming your finger in a door.
If you have a bruised nail but no other apparent damage, you can treat it at home with the following steps:
Rest
Try to rest the injured finger and avoid using it where possible. This will help to prevent further injury and promote healing.
Ice
Apply ice wrapped in a soft cloth or towel to the injured finger for up to 20-minute intervals, several times a day. This will help to reduce swelling and pain. Be sure to avoid exposing the skin directly to ice.
Compression
Apply pressure to the area, such as with a wrap, to reduce the amount of blood that can pool under the nail.
Elevation
Keep the injured finger elevated above the level of your heart to slow the flood of blood to the site, which can help reduce inflammation and ease pain.
Over-the-counter medications
Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory or pain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or acetaminophen (Tylenol), to reduce inflammation and pain.
It is important to note that if your pain gets worse or does not improve, you should seek medical care. Your doctor may recommend a simple procedure called trephination or decompression, which involves draining the hematoma to relieve pressure and pain. In some cases, further treatment may be necessary, such as removing the nail plate to surgically repair the underlying tissues.
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When to seek medical attention for a black and blue fingernail
A black-and-blue fingernail, or subungual hematoma, is usually not a cause for concern and will go away without causing any major problems. However, it is important to seek medical attention in the following situations:
- If you experience intense pain or pain that worsens over time.
- If there is a deep cut and/or bleeding that won't stop.
- If you notice signs of infection, such as pus, redness, heat around the nail, or a red streak extending from the wound.
- If the finger is deformed or a nearby joint is injured.
- If more than a quarter of the nail is discolored or the nail has changed in texture or shape.
- If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, chemotherapy, or major stress, which can cause your nails to stop growing.
- If you notice any problems with the nail as it heals and regrows.
In some cases, a simple drainage procedure called trephination may be recommended to relieve pressure and pain. It is important to never attempt this procedure at home and to always seek medical care if you are in any doubt about the severity of your injury.
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What a black and blue fingernail means
A black-and-blue fingernail is usually a symptom of a subungual hematoma, which is a collection of blood underneath the nail plate. This is often caused by blunt force trauma, such as slamming your finger in a door or dropping a heavy object on your finger. The injury can cause severe or throbbing pain, nail discolouration, nail sensitivity, and separation of the nail plate from the nail bed.
The colour of a subungual hematoma may change over time as the injury heals. The bruise will gradually grow out over several weeks or months, and the discolouration will change from red or purple to dark brown or
While subungual hematomas usually go away without causing major problems, it is important to seek medical care if you are in any doubt about the severity of your injury. For example, if you have intense pain or pain that worsens over time, or if you have a deep cut and/or bleeding that won't stop, you should see a doctor. They may recommend a procedure called trephination or decompression, which involves draining the hematoma to relieve pressure and pain.
In some cases, a black-and-blue fingernail may be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition. For example, bluish nails can indicate poor circulation or respiratory issues, such as lung conditions like pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also be a sign of heart conditions, vascular blockage, or blood poisoning (septicaemia). Therefore, it is important to see a healthcare provider if you have blue or purple fingernails, as they can determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
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How to prevent a black and blue fingernail
A black-and-blue fingernail is usually the result of a subungual hematoma, or a bruised nail. This occurs when blood pools under the nail plate, causing discolouration. This is usually the result of trauma to the finger, such as blunt force or a crush injury.
It is difficult to prevent bruised fingernails as they often occur quickly and unexpectedly. However, there are some steps you can take to lower the risk of a black-and-blue fingernail:
- Be aware of where your hands are when closing doors.
- Avoid going barefoot or wearing open-toed shoes when lifting heavy objects.
- Avoid distractions when using tools that might slip or hurt your fingers, such as hammers.
- Wear appropriate gloves, shoes, and/or boots when doing manual labour.
- Ensure your shoes fit well and do not pinch or put pressure on your toes.
If you have a black-and-blue fingernail with no other apparent damage, you can care for it at home by applying ice wrapped in a soft cloth to the area. This will help to reduce swelling and pain. It is important to elevate the injured finger and keep it clean, and you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage the pain.
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Recovery time for a black and blue fingernail
A black-and-blue discoloured fingernail is usually a symptom of a subungual hematoma, which is a type of bruise that occurs when blood pools under the nail plate, causing discolouration. This is usually the result of some form of injury or trauma to the blood vessels under the nail bed.
The recovery time for a black-and-blue fingernail depends on the severity of the injury. In most cases, a subungual hematoma is a minor injury, and the pain should improve within a few days. The discolouration will gradually grow out over several weeks or months. It typically takes anywhere from four to six months for a fingernail to grow out completely and return to its normal colour.
If the injury has caused additional damage, such as a broken bone or deep cut, the recovery time may be longer, and further medical treatment may be required. In some cases, the affected nail may fall off on its own after several weeks due to the pooled blood separating it from its bed. A new fingernail can regrow in as little as eight weeks, although there is a possibility that the new nail may not look normal.
It is important to seek medical care if there is intense pain or if the pain worsens over time, as a simple drainage procedure can be performed to relieve the pressure and support healing. Additionally, if there is a deep cut or bleeding that won't stop, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
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Frequently asked questions
A black and blue fingernail is a symptom of a subungual hematoma, which is the medical term for bleeding and bruising under the nail. This occurs when blood vessels under the nail bed break open, causing blood to collect and become trapped.
If you have a bruised nail but no other apparent damage, you can care for it at home. Wrap ice in a soft cloth and apply it to the area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help to reduce discomfort and swelling. If your symptoms are intense or persist beyond a few days, seek medical treatment.
Seek medical treatment if you have a deep cut, severe pain, or bleeding that won't stop. You should also see a doctor if you have signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail.
