Noah Sinclair
Smashing your fingernail is a painful experience, and it can be distressing. It's important to act quickly to minimise pain and the risk of infection. There are several steps you can take to treat a smashed fingernail, and it's crucial to know when to seek medical attention.
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What You'll Learn
Clean the wound with soap and water
If you smash your fingernail, it is important to clean the wound with soap and water to prevent infection. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Step 1: Wash your hands
Start by washing your hands with mild soap and warm water, then dry them with a clean towel. This is an important step to prevent the introduction of new bacteria to the wound.
Step 2: Disinfect the wound
Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball and gently clean the surface of the wound, including the nail and surrounding skin. Allow the area to dry.
Step 3: Soak the injured finger
Soak the injured finger in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes. Repeat this process 2-3 times per day for the first few days after the injury. This will help to ensure that the wound remains clean and free of infection as it begins to heal.
Step 4: Apply a bandage
After cleaning and soaking the wound, you may wish to apply a sterile bandage to keep the area protected and clean. Be sure to change the bandage at least twice daily, cleaning the wound with soap and water each time you change the dressing.
It is important to keep the wound clean to prevent infection and promote healing. In addition to cleaning the wound, you can also reduce swelling and pain by applying ice and keeping your hand elevated above your heart. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage pain and inflammation. If the injury is severe or does not start to improve with basic treatment, be sure to seek medical attention.
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Apply ice to reduce pain and swelling
Applying ice to a smashed finger is a great way to reduce pain and swelling. It is a common method for treating finger injuries, and can be very effective. It is important to act quickly, as icing is most effective immediately following an injury.
To apply ice, it is best to use an ice pack, or a bag of frozen peas or corn wrapped in a thin towel or clean cloth. This is to prevent frostbite, cold injury to the skin, and to protect your skin. You should apply ice for no longer than 10-20 minutes at a time, and you can repeat this process a few times an hour for the first few hours. It is important to take breaks between icing so your skin can warm back up. You can also perform an ice massage by moving the ice in a circular pattern to prevent frostbite and cold injury. Keep the injured finger elevated above the heart while icing, as this will help to further reduce swelling and throbbing pain.
Icing is a good way to treat a smashed finger, but if you are not noticing any improvement, be sure to reach out to a healthcare provider.
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Take an over-the-counter painkiller
If you smash your fingernail, you can take an over-the-counter painkiller to help manage the pain and reduce inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin are commonly used to reduce pain and swelling. Oral painkillers such as Tylenol and Motrin can also be used to relieve pain. These medications are widely available without a prescription and can be purchased online or at a pharmacy.
It is important to note that while these medications can help manage the pain and inflammation associated with a smashed fingernail, they do not address the underlying injury. Therefore, it is crucial to combine their use with other recommended treatments, such as icing the injured finger, elevating it above the level of the heart, and keeping the area clean.
If the pain is severe, or if there is significant bleeding or injury to the base of the nail, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor may be able to provide additional pain relief and address any underlying issues. Additionally, if there is blood buildup under the fingernail, they may recommend draining it to alleviate the pressure and pain.
In some cases, a smashed fingernail may require more specialized treatment, especially if there is a severe injury or fracture. It is always advisable to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare professional if you are unsure about the severity of the injury or if symptoms persist or worsen.
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Elevate the hand to slow blood flow
If you smash your fingernail, it is important to elevate your hand to slow blood flow and reduce throbbing pain. This is because when you keep your hand down by your side, blood will rush to the injury, increasing swelling and pain. By raising your hand above the level of your heart, you make it more difficult for blood to reach your finger, thereby reducing inflammation and pain.
To elevate your hand, simply lift your hand above the level of your heart. You can do this by resting your arm on a stack of pillows or propping it up on something at a comfortable height, like a shelf or the back of a couch. Keeping your hand elevated will help to reduce throbbing pain and slow down any bleeding.
In addition to elevating your hand, you can also apply a cold compress or ice pack to your injured finger to further reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the ice pack in a clean cloth or paper towel to prevent cold injury to the skin and apply it for 10- to 15-minute intervals with 20-minute breaks in between. This will help to minimize swelling, bleeding, and pain.
It is also important to keep your injured finger clean to prevent infection. Gently clean the area with mild soap and water, and apply a disinfectant like rubbing alcohol to the surface of the fingernail. Be sure to dry your hands with a clean towel afterward.
If the pain is severe or you notice any signs of a fracture or more serious injury, be sure to seek medical attention.
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Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen
If your symptoms worsen, it is important to seek medical attention. This is especially true if you are experiencing persistent bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection such as redness, pus, or swelling. If you are unable to move your finger, or if you suspect a broken finger, it is crucial to see a doctor. Deep wounds that may require stitches or injuries involving the joints or bones should also be examined by a medical professional.
In the case of a smashed fingernail, it is generally recommended to leave the nail alone and avoid draining the blood underneath it unless instructed to do so by a healthcare provider. However, if the pressure beneath the nail becomes severe and causes intense pain, your healthcare provider may advise you to drain the blood. They may suggest using a heated wire to burn a hole through the nail and release the built-up blood. This procedure should only be performed if there is pain and discomfort and not for cosmetic reasons.
If you are experiencing severe pain or swelling, applying ice wrapped in a clean cloth can help to manage the symptoms. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, can also provide relief. However, if these at-home treatments do not improve your symptoms, it is important to consult a medical professional for further guidance and care.
It is worth noting that the recovery time for a smashed finger largely depends on the severity and location of the injury. While minor injuries may heal within a few days, more severe cases can take several weeks or even months for complete re-growth of the fingernail. During the healing process, it is advisable to avoid activities that cause finger strain or increase pain.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to relieve the swelling and pain with an ice pack, elevation, and an over-the-counter pain medication if needed. Moving the finger can also help promote circulation.
If you have a darkened area under your nail and haven't injured it, see your doctor to rule out other possible causes. If you have injured your nail, you should seek medical attention if you experience persistent bleeding, severe pain, or if you think your finger is broken.
If there is blood under your fingernail, do not drain it yourself unless your healthcare provider recommends it. Your doctor may perform a procedure called trephination, which allows the underlying blood to drain, relieving pressure and pain in the area.
