Liam Carter
A bruised fingernail, or subungual haematoma, occurs when blood vessels under the nail break open, causing blood to collect and become trapped under the nail. This can be caused by blunt force or trauma to the finger, such as slamming your finger in a door or jamming it in a window. The bruise may appear as a purple or black discolouration under the nail, and can be extremely painful due to the pressure generated by the pooled blood. While small subungual haematomas may not require medical treatment, it is important to seek medical attention if the bruise is large or if there are signs of infection, as untreated fingernail injuries can lead to permanent deformity and loss of function.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tissue under the nail | Bruised |
| Appearance | Purple or black colour |
| Pain | Severe, throbbing |
| Treatment | Trephination, a simple, painless procedure to relieve pressure |
| Healing time | 6-9 months |
| Infection signs | Pus, redness, swelling, pain, green colour |
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What You'll Learn
Bruised nails can be caused by a hard impact or injury
A bruised fingernail, or subungual hematoma, is caused by a hard impact or injury to the finger or toe. This results in blood or bruising under the nail, which can be extremely painful due to the pressure exerted on the nerves. The injury can be sustained through various activities, such as stubbing your toe or smashing your finger with a hammer.
The appearance of a bruised fingernail may vary, but it typically involves discolouration of the nail, with the presence of blood or bruising underneath. In some cases, the injury may also cause the nail to become loose or even fall off completely. It is important to note that the nail itself is not bruised but rather the tissue underneath it.
Bruised nails can be treated at home if the bleeding can be stopped quickly and the nail remains attached to the nail bed. Applying ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured finger for 20-minute intervals can help reduce inflammation and prevent a blood blister from forming. Keeping the area clean and using over-the-counter pain relievers can also aid in managing the symptoms.
However, if the bruise is large or the pain is intense, it is recommended to seek medical care within two days. A healthcare provider may perform a procedure called trephination or decompression, which involves creating a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and fluid, thereby relieving the pressure and pain. In more severe cases, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed repaired with stitches or special glue.
It is important to be cautious when dealing with bruised nails as they can indicate more serious injuries, such as bone fractures or nerve damage. X-rays may be required to assess the full extent of the damage. Therefore, it is always advisable to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Blood under the nail is known as a subungual hematoma
A subungual hematoma can cause intense pain and throbbing due to the pressure of blood collecting between the nail and the nail bed. If you experience severe pain, it is recommended to seek medical attention. Your doctor may perform a procedure called trephination or decompression, which involves draining the blood to relieve pressure and pain. This procedure is simple and painless and can help speed up the healing process.
Small subungual hematomas may not require medical treatment. Home remedies such as resting, icing, applying compression, and elevation can help manage minor cases. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be taken to reduce discomfort and swelling. However, it is important to monitor the condition and seek medical advice if the hematoma does not heal or if there are signs of infection.
In some cases, a subungual hematoma may indicate a more serious underlying issue. If there is severe damage to the nail bed or surrounding tissues, it is important to seek medical attention. Additionally, if you notice any signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. A subungual hematoma may also be an indication of subungual melanoma, which can cause changes in nail pigmentation. Therefore, it is always best to seek medical advice if you have any concerns about the appearance of blood under your nails.
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Bruised nails can indicate a broken bone
A bruised fingernail or toenail, also known as a subungual hematoma, is a common injury. It occurs when there is bleeding, bruising, or blood trapped under the nail, causing extreme pressure and pain on the nerves of the finger or toe. This pressure can cause throbbing pain and make it difficult to perform daily activities.
While a bruised nail is often a minor injury, it may sometimes indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as a broken bone. A small bone fracture in the finger or toe can be challenging to identify without medical tests, as Dr. Capin notes: "Many people don't realize their injury could result in a broken finger or toe as well. X-rays are, therefore, important." Thus, it is crucial to seek medical attention within two days of noticing a bruised nail to rule out any potential bone fractures or other injuries.
If you have a broken bone in addition to a bruised nail, the treatment and recovery process may be more complex and lengthy. In some cases, the nail plate may need to be removed to access and repair the underlying tissues properly. This procedure can help ensure the nail grows back correctly and reduce the risk of long-term pain or interference with the natural function of the finger or toe.
To diagnose a potential bone fracture, healthcare providers will typically examine the nail and the surrounding areas, including the nail plate and nail folds. They may also request imaging tests, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, to detect any fractures or other injuries that may not be visible on the surface. Early diagnosis and proper medical care are essential to ensure optimal recovery and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
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Treatment options include rest, ice, elevation, and pain relief
A bruised fingernail, or subungual hematoma, is usually the result of an accident such as stubbing your toe or finger, or a heavy object falling on your finger or toe. It can cause severe pain, throbbing, stiffness, bruising, and loss of sensation. It can also lead to nail discoloration, with the nail looking black-and-blue, black-and-purple, or dark brown.
Rest
It is important to rest the injured finger or toe and avoid using it as much as possible. This will help reduce inflammation and ease pain. However, it is also recommended to gently move the injured finger or toe as much as possible without increasing the pain. This can help improve recovery time by encouraging blood flow to the site.
Ice
Applying ice to the injured area can help reduce swelling and pain. Wrap the ice in a soft or light cloth before applying it to your skin to prevent cold injury. Keep the ice pack elevated above the level of your heart to slow the blood flow to the site, which will further help in reducing inflammation and pain.
Elevation
Keep the affected hand or foot elevated to reduce swelling. This can be done by placing the injured finger or toe on an elevated surface, such as a pillow, to ensure it is above the level of your heart.
Pain Relief
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin, can help reduce inflammation and associated pain. It is recommended to take these medications as soon as possible after the injury to help manage pain and swelling.
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It is important to seek medical attention for a bruised nail
A bruised fingernail occurs when there is a hard impact to the finger, resulting in blood or bruising under the nail, known as a subungual haematoma. While it might seem like a minor issue, seeking prompt medical attention for a bruised nail is crucial for several compelling reasons.
Firstly, a bruised nail can be incredibly painful due to the pressure exerted on the nerves of the affected finger or toe. This nerve pain can be excruciating and significantly impede your ability to work or perform daily activities. Without prompt medical intervention, this pain can persist for several weeks. Healthcare providers can effectively alleviate this pain through a simple, painless procedure called trephination, which involves draining the trapped blood to relieve pressure and pain.
Secondly, a bruised nail may indicate a more serious underlying injury, such as a broken bone or fracture in the finger or toe. X-rays are often necessary to detect these fractures, as they can be challenging to identify without medical tests. Untreated fractures can heal incorrectly, leading to long-term pain and interference with the natural function of the affected digit. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of any potential fractures.
Additionally, if you notice discoloration or a bruise under your nail without any apparent injury, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. While it may be harmless, nail discoloration can sometimes indicate a more serious health condition, such as skin cancer, that requires prompt medical attention.
Moreover, a bruised nail can lead to serious complications if left untreated. In some cases, the pooled blood under the nail can cause the nail to fall off, and the new nail may take longer to grow back and may not look normal. In the case of a severe injury, there may be damage to the nail bed or surrounding tissues, requiring stitches or other repairs. Therefore, seeking medical care within two days of the injury is essential to ensure the best possible outcome for your nail's health and appearance.
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Frequently asked questions
A bruised fingernail, or subungual hematoma, will look like a discolouration of red, maroon, blue-black, or another dark colour beneath the nail.
If the bruised nail is small and the pain is mild, it will usually heal without treatment. You can apply ice and elevate the area to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for minor pain. If the pain is severe or the hematoma covers more than 50% of the area of the nail, seek medical attention.
A new fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks, but the nail may take longer to grow back if there was an injury to the nail bed. A subungual hematoma may take months or years to heal on its own.
A bruised fingernail occurs when an injury breaks open blood vessels under the nail, causing blood to collect and become trapped in one spot. This can be caused by stubbing your toe, wearing tight shoes, or repetitive stress from movements such as running.
Yes, a bruised fingernail can be serious if there is severe damage to the nail bed, if the pain is unmanageable, or if there are signs of infection. A large bruise under the nail may also indicate a broken bone. In these cases, seek medical attention.
