Caleb Foster
If you have blood under your fingernail or toenail, you may have what's called a subungual hematoma. This is caused by trauma to the nail, such as crushing or slamming it, which damages the blood vessels underneath. The injury can cause severe throbbing pain due to the pressure of blood collecting between the nail and the nail bed. If the injury is minor, you can treat it at home by icing and elevating the area, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. However, if the injury is severe, you may need to see a doctor, who can perform a simple drainage procedure to relieve the pressure and pain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical term | Subungual hematoma |
| Cause | Injury that breaks open blood vessels under the nail |
| Symptoms | Darkened area under the nail, severe throbbing pain, deformed finger or toe |
| Treatment | Drainage, stitches, removal of the nail, X-rays, cautery, needle decompression, RICE method |
| Healing time | Fingernails: 8 weeks to 6-9 months; Toenails: 6 months to 1.5 years |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Drain blood from under the nail
If you have bleeding under a large area of the nail surface, the nail bed may be injured. In this case, a doctor may need to remove the nail and use stitches to repair the nail bed. If the area of bleeding is small, the nail will usually fall off on its own after several weeks, as the pooled blood will have separated it from its bed. A new fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks, but a new toenail may take up to 6 months. If there has been an injury to the nail bed or surrounding tissues, the new nail may take longer to grow and may not look normal.
If you have a darkened area under a nail and haven't had an injury, see your doctor to rule out other possible causes. If you have injured your finger, you may have broken bones or serious damage to the nail bed and/or surrounding tissues. Seek medical attention right away or go to an emergency room if the finger is deformed.
To relieve the pressure and pain caused by a subungual hematoma, your doctor may perform decompression (trephination), which allows the underlying blood to drain. Your doctor may numb the affected finger or toe with a nerve block and then use one of the following decompression methods: Cautery. The doctor uses a heated wire (electrocautery device) or carbon laser to burn a hole or holes.
If you are unable to see a doctor, you can try to reduce swelling and minor pain by icing and elevating the area. You can also take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like aspirin, Advil, or Motrin.
How Bruising Your Fingernail Can Affect Your Health
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Assess the severity of the injury
If you have blood under your nail, you may have what's called a subungual hematoma. This occurs when an injury breaks open blood vessels under the nail, causing blood to collect and become trapped. Subungual hematomas can affect both fingernails and toenails.
To assess the severity of a subungual hematoma, consider the following:
Size of the hematoma: If the area of bleeding is very small, the injury is likely minor and will usually resolve without treatment. A minor subungual hematoma will heal over time as the trapped blood is reabsorbed, and the dark mark will disappear. This can take a number of months or even years.
Pain level: If the pain is mild, the hematoma is likely not severe. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce discomfort and swelling. However, if the pain is intense and unmanageable, it may indicate severe damage to the nail bed or underlying tissue, and medical treatment should be sought.
Nail damage: If the nail is badly damaged, it may need to be removed by a doctor. In some cases, the nail may fall off on its own due to the pooled blood separating it from its bed. A new fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks, while a toenail may take up to 6 months or longer.
Bone fractures: A severe blow to the finger or toe may result in broken bones. X-rays can be taken to check for fractures or other injuries, such as damage to the nail bed or surrounding tissues.
Infection: If there are signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus, seek medical attention.
Melanoma: Although rare, melanoma, a type of skin cancer, can occur under a fingernail or toenail. It may appear as a dark mark under the nail and is not usually linked to an injury or associated with pain. If you have concerns about the appearance of blood under your nails or if the hematoma does not heal, contact your doctor.
How to Grow Your Nails: Product Recommendations
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Seek medical attention
If you have bleeding under a large area of the nail surface, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor will be able to assess the severity of the injury and recommend a suitable treatment plan. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may require an X-ray to check for fractures or other injuries.
In some cases, the nail bed may be injured, and your doctor may need to remove the entire nail to access and repair the damaged area. This procedure, known as trephination or nail decompression, involves creating a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and relieve the pressure and pain. The doctor may use a heated wire (electrocautery device), a carbon laser, or a needle to create the hole. The area will then be bandaged, and you will be advised to keep your finger or toe elevated and use cold compresses during the initial recovery period.
If there is severe damage to the nail bed or surrounding tissues, the recovery process may be more complex. The new nail may take longer to grow and may not appear normal even with proper repair. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for caring for the affected area to promote healing and prevent further complications.
Additionally, if you experience any unusual symptoms, such as a cut or laceration, signs of infection, or persistent pain and pressure, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. While subungual hematomas often heal without treatment, it is always better to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if the condition does not improve.
The Intriguing Index: Fingernail Lengths and Their Secrets
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Treat pain and swelling
If you injure your nail, you may experience pain and swelling. If the pain is particularly bad, you should seek emergency medical care.
To treat the pain and swelling at home, you can apply a cool, damp washcloth to the wound. Propping your arm or leg on pillows so that the nail is higher than your heart can also help to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen can help with pain and swelling. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or have had stomach ulcers or internal bleeding in the past, talk to your doctor before taking these medications.
If you lose your nail, it will take about seven to ten days for the nail bed to heal. A new fingernail will take about four to six months to grow back, and toenails take about twelve months. The new nail may be misshapen, with grooves or ridges, and this may be permanent.
If you have diabetes or another condition that affects your circulation, or are immunosuppressed, see your doctor as soon as you notice signs of infection. Nail infections can lead to more serious infections if left untreated.
The Secrets Your Fingernails Hold About Your Health
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Sparthos Kinesiology Tape [Electric Blue - Pack of 2] x Ice Packs for Injuries [Size Medium + Cover]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/7118V2aEU0L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Allow the nail to heal
If you have blood under your nail, it is most likely due to a subungual hematoma. This occurs when something causes the blood vessels under the nail to break open, allowing blood to collect and become trapped under the nail. Most cases of subungual hematomas will heal on their own within a few months. Here are some ways to allow the nail to heal:
Rest
It is important to rest the affected finger or toe and avoid using it as much as possible. This will help reduce any discomfort and swelling, and promote healing.
Ice
Applying ice packs can help reduce swelling and pain. This is a simple yet effective way to manage any pain and encourage the healing process.
Compression
Applying compression, such as a wrap, to the area can help reduce the amount of blood that can pool under the nail. This will also provide some support to the injured area.
Elevation
Keep the affected hand or foot elevated above the heart to reduce swelling and encourage the blood to flow away from the injury. This will help reduce any discomfort and promote healing.
Over-the-counter pain relievers
For minor pain and swelling, over-the-counter medications can be effective. These can help manage any discomfort while the injury heals.
It is important to note that for more serious injuries, medical treatment may be necessary. If you experience severe pain, bleeding that does not stop, signs of infection, or if the hematoma does not go away on its own, please seek medical attention.
Understanding Fingernail Scratches: Appearance and Implications
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A subungual hematoma is a pool of blood that collects under a nail after an injury.
If you have a small subungual hematoma and the pain is mild, it will usually heal without treatment. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce discomfort and swelling. You can also try the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. If the pain is severe or the damage to the nail bed is extensive, you should seek medical treatment.
The doctor will examine your nail and may order an X-ray to check for fractures or other injuries. They may also perform a procedure called trephination to drain the blood from under the nail and relieve the pain and pressure.
Trephination involves making a small hole in the nail with a laser, needle, or drill. The blood will drain out through this hole, and the nail will then be bandaged. Drainage may continue for 24 to 36 hours.
A subungual hematoma can take months or even years to heal completely. A new fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks, while a toenail may take up to 6 months or longer.
