Liam Carter
A black thumbnail with a painful thumb is usually caused by a build-up of blood under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. This is often the result of an impact or trauma to the finger, which can cause considerable pain. The pain from a black thumbnail is often described as throbbing, and the area may be tender.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Impact or trauma to the finger |
| Description | Build-up of blood under the fingernail |
| Symptoms | Pain, throbbing pain, pressure |
| Treatment | Ice, anti-inflammatory medication, draining blood from under the nail |
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What You'll Learn
Subungual hematoma
A black thumbnail with a painful thumb is most likely a subungual hematoma. This is caused by a build-up of blood under the nail, usually as a result of an impact or trauma to the finger. The pain is often described as throbbing.
In most cases, a subungual hematoma is not serious and can be treated with ice and anti-inflammatory medication. However, if it is particularly painful, a doctor may drain the blood from under the nail. If you have experienced a severe blow to your finger, it is important to get it checked by a healthcare provider, as you may have broken bones or damaged other tissues.
A black thumbnail can also be a sign of a nail infection, which will cause the nail to turn greenish-black. Without treatment, a nail infection will worsen.
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Traumatic injury
A black thumbnail with a painful thumb is usually the result of a traumatic injury to the finger. This could be from slamming your finger in a door, or any other severe blow to the finger. The pain is caused by a build-up of blood under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. This can cause throbbing pain, as the pressure under the nail increases with every heartbeat.
In most cases, a subungual hematoma is not serious, but it can be very painful. If the pain is severe, you should seek medical advice. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, to ease the pain and reduce inflammation. They may also drain blood from under the nail to relieve the pressure.
In the meantime, you can apply ice (wrapped in a cloth) or a cold therapy pack to the injured finger. Apply this for 10 minutes at a time, every hour, to reduce bleeding and swelling. Elevating the hand can also help to reduce bleeding and swelling, as it allows tissue fluids to flow away from the site of the injury.
It is important to note that any severe blow to a finger or toe should be checked by a healthcare provider. There may be broken bones (fractures) or damage to other tissues that require further treatment. If you are unable to see your healthcare provider right away, go to the nearest emergency department.
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Throbbing pain
A black thumbnail with throbbing pain is usually caused by a build-up of blood under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. This is often the result of an impact or trauma to the finger, which can cause considerable pain. The pain is often described as throbbing because blood pressure varies as the heart beats.
In most cases, a subungual hematoma is not serious and can be treated with ice and anti-inflammatory medication. However, if the pain is particularly severe, a doctor may need to drain the blood from under the nail. It is important to seek medical advice if you experience a severe blow to the finger, as there may be broken bones or damage to other tissues.
In some cases, a black thumbnail can also be a sign of a nail infection, known as paronychia. This occurs when bacteria cause an infection under the nail, turning it greenish-black. Without treatment, a nail infection can worsen, so it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
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Infection
A black thumbnail with a painful thumb is most likely caused by a build-up of blood under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. This is usually the result of an impact or trauma to the finger, which can cause considerable pain. In most cases, ice and anti-inflammatory medication are sufficient to treat it. However, if the pain is particularly severe, a doctor may need to drain the blood from under the nail.
A black thumbnail can also be a sign of a nail infection, known as paronychia, which is caused by bacteria. Without treatment, this type of infection tends to worsen, so it is important to see a doctor if you suspect you have this condition.
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Anti-inflammatory medication
A black thumbnail with a painful thumb is usually caused by a build-up of blood under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. This is the result of an impact or trauma to the finger. The pain is often described as throbbing, and the blood can increase the feeling of pressure under the nail.
There are many different types of anti-inflammatory medications available, both over-the-counter and prescription. Some common over-the-counter options include ibuprofen and naproxen. These medications work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that promote inflammation in the body. By blocking the production of prostaglandins, anti-inflammatory medications can help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
In the case of a subungual hematoma, your doctor may prescribe a specific type of anti-inflammatory medication to help treat the condition. This medication will work to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by the build-up of blood under the nail. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions when taking any medication, including anti-inflammatory medication. This includes taking the medication as directed, not skipping doses, and finishing the entire course of medication even if your symptoms improve.
In addition to anti-inflammatory medication, there are also other treatments that can help with a subungual hematoma. For example, applying ice wrapped in a cloth to the affected area for 10 minutes at a time, every hour can help to reduce bleeding and swelling. Elevating the hand can also help to reduce bleeding and swelling by aiding the tissue fluids to flow away from the site of injury. In some cases, your doctor may need to drain blood from under the nail to relieve the pressure and pain.
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Frequently asked questions
A black thumbnail with a painful thumb is usually the result of an impact or trauma to the finger, which causes a build-up of blood under the nail.
The medical term for a black thumbnail is a subungual hematoma.
In most cases, ice and anti-inflammatory medication are sufficient to treat a black thumbnail. However, if it is particularly painful, a doctor may need to drain the blood from under the nail.
Pain from a black thumbnail is often described as throbbing pain.
A black thumbnail will usually be accompanied by a blue discolouration.
