Caleb Foster
Smashing your finger can be extremely painful, and one of the most common outcomes is a subungual haematoma, which is when blood pools beneath the fingernail. This can cause throbbing pain and the nail may turn purple, blue or black. While it is usually not serious, it can sometimes indicate a more serious injury, so it's important to know what to do and when to seek medical attention.
What to do for a smashed finger with blood under the nail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical term | Subungual hematoma |
| Cause | Direct trauma to the nail, such as crushing or slamming |
| Symptoms | Severe throbbing pain, nail discoloration (purple, blue, or black), nail lifting from the nail bed |
| Treatment | Ice application, elevation, OTC pain medication, drainage (performed by a healthcare professional) |
| Drainage procedure | Cautery, needle insertion, trephination (drilling a small hole) |
| Post-drainage care | Keep the area clean and dry, change bandages as instructed, expect discoloration for several weeks |
| Nail regrowth | Fingernails regrow in 8–12 weeks, toenails may take up to 6 months or longer |
| When to seek medical attention | Severe pain, swelling, signs of fracture, severe blow to the finger, deformed finger, broken bones, damage to nail bed or surrounding tissues |
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What You'll Learn
- Relieve pain and swelling with ice packs, elevation, and over-the-counter medication
- Seek medical attention if there are signs of a fracture or severe injury
- A doctor may perform a procedure called trephination to drain blood and ease pain
- Do not attempt to drain blood yourself unless advised by a healthcare professional?
- Keep the injured area clean and dry, and follow any aftercare instructions provided
Relieve pain and swelling with ice packs, elevation, and over-the-counter medication
If you smash your finger, the first step is to relieve the swelling and pain. This can be done using ice packs, elevation, and over-the-counter (OTC) medication.
To use ice to relieve pain and reduce swelling, apply an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth to your finger for 15 minutes at a time, a couple of times an hour for the first few hours. Do not apply ice to your finger for more than 15 minutes at a time to prevent cold injury to the skin.
You can also elevate your finger above the level of your heart to slow down blood flow and reduce throbbing. Keeping your hand in a dangling position will only increase the pain and swelling.
Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce pain and swelling. Acetaminophen is another OTC medication that can be used to relieve pain.
It is important to note that you should never attempt to drain the blood under your nail at home unless your healthcare provider recommends it. If the pain and swelling persist or there are signs of a fracture, seek medical treatment.
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Seek medical attention if there are signs of a fracture or severe injury
If you have smashed your finger and there is blood under your nail, it is important to assess the severity of the injury and take appropriate action. While most smashed fingers do not require medical treatment, it is crucial to seek medical attention if there are signs of a fracture or severe injury. Here are some detailed instructions on what to do in such cases:
Signs of a Fracture:
Firstly, let's discuss the signs that indicate a fractured finger. A fracture occurs when there is an injury to the bones in your finger. The bones in our fingers line up precisely, allowing us to perform various tasks such as grasping and typing. When you fracture a finger bone, you may experience dysfunction and pain in your entire hand. Common signs of a fractured finger include:
- Severe pain that persists or worsens.
- Swelling, stiffness, and tenderness in the affected area.
- Inability to move the finger or loss of sensation.
- Deformity or an irregular shape to the finger.
- The finger is bent or angled in an unnatural position.
- Bruising or discolouration, such as the nail turning purple, blue, or black.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
If you suspect any of the above signs of a fracture, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Here are some guidelines on when and why you should seek medical help:
- Persistent or severe pain: If the pain does not subside or becomes unbearable, it could indicate a fracture or severe soft tissue damage.
- Inability to use the finger: If you cannot move or bend your finger, or you experience loss of sensation, it is crucial to seek medical attention. This could be a sign of a fracture or tendon damage.
- Deformity or dislocation: If your finger appears deformed or is angled in an unnatural position, it may indicate a fracture or dislocation. Seek medical help immediately to ensure proper alignment and healing.
- Persistent swelling: Excessive or persistent swelling in one localized area could indicate a fracture or severe soft tissue injury.
- Bruising and discolouration: If your nail turns dark or you experience significant bruising, it could indicate internal bleeding or a severe injury.
First Aid and Treatment:
While waiting for medical assistance, there are some first aid measures you can take to manage the pain and reduce further injury:
- Ice application: Apply ice for 15 minutes at a time, wrapped in a clean cloth, to reduce pain and swelling.
- Elevation: Keep the injured finger elevated above the heart to slow down blood flow and reduce throbbing.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Immobilization: If possible, immobilize the finger in a stable position to prevent further injury.
- Control bleeding: If there is external bleeding, apply direct and continuous pressure to control it.
Remember, it is always better to seek professional medical advice if you are unsure about the severity of your injury. A doctor will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment for your smashed finger.
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A doctor may perform a procedure called trephination to drain blood and ease pain
A smashed finger can be extremely painful, especially when blood pools beneath the fingernail, resulting in what is called a subungual hematoma. While this type of injury usually heals on its own with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication, in some cases, the pain and pressure can become too intense. In such cases, a doctor may recommend a procedure called trephination to drain the blood and ease the pain.
Trephination is a quick, safe, and effective outpatient procedure that involves making a small hole in the hard part of the nail (nail plate) to drain the blood from underneath. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider in a variety of settings, including emergency rooms and urgent care clinics. It is important to note that only a healthcare provider should drain the nail, as attempting to do it yourself can lead to infection or further damage.
During the trephination procedure, the doctor will first numb the affected finger with a nerve block to ensure you don't feel any pain. They will then use one of the following methods to create a hole in the nail:
- Cautery: A heated wire (electrocautery device) or carbon laser is used to burn a hole in the nail. The heated tip of the wire cools down when it comes into contact with the hematoma, preventing injury to the nail bed.
- Needle: A large needle is used to make a hole in the nail.
After the procedure, your doctor will bandage your nail, and you will be instructed to keep your finger or toe bandaged, elevated, and dry for the first 12 hours. You may also be advised to use cold compresses during this time. It is normal to experience drainage through the hole in your nail for up to 36 hours after the procedure.
Trephination is an effective way to manage painful subungual hematomas, and it rarely leads to complications. However, as with any procedure, there are some rare risks to be aware of. For example, there is a small possibility of developing an infection, and in some cases, more than one trephination may be required to fully decompress the hematoma. Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions for changing bandages and properly caring for your finger or toe after the procedure.
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Do not attempt to drain blood yourself unless advised by a healthcare professional
If you have a smashed finger with blood under the nail, it's important not to attempt to drain the blood yourself unless a healthcare professional has advised you to do so. Here's why:
Draining blood from under a nail (known as a subungual hematoma) can be painful and may cause further damage if not done properly. The nail bed is a sensitive area with a rich blood supply and attempting to drain blood without the proper knowledge or tools could lead to infection, increased bleeding, or damage to the nail bed. In addition, if the proper sterilization techniques are not followed, there is a risk of introducing new bacteria or foreign objects into the wound, which could cause an infection.
There are also potential risks associated with draining blood from under the nail. If the procedure is not performed correctly, it could result in the formation of a blood clot under the nail, which can be extremely painful and require medical attention. Additionally, if the instruments used to drain the blood are not sterile, there is a risk of introducing bacteria that could lead to an infection.
Another concern is that attempting to drain the blood yourself may provide only temporary relief. If the underlying cause of the hematoma, such as a crushed nail fold or a laceration, is not addressed properly, the blood may continue to accumulate and cause pressure and pain. It is important to understand that draining the blood is not always necessary, and in many cases, the blood will reabsorb on its own over time without any intervention.
While it may be tempting to try to fix the issue yourself, especially if the pain or cosmetic appearance is bothersome, it is always best to seek professional advice first. A healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse, can assess the severity of your injury and provide guidance on the best course of action. They may advise you to leave the hematoma alone, or they may recommend a simple in-office procedure to drain the blood and relieve the pressure.
In summary, do not attempt to drain blood from under your nail unless advised by a healthcare professional. They can provide the proper You may want to see also If you have a smashed finger with blood under the nail, it is important to keep the injured area clean and dry to prevent infection and promote healing. Here are some detailed steps to help you do this: Cleaning the Injured Area Keeping the Area Dry Aftercare Instructions Remember, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or discharge. Your healthcare provider can provide you with specific aftercare instructions based on the severity of your injury. You may want to see also A subungual hematoma is a pool of blood that collects under a nail after an injury, causing swelling, nail discolouration, and pain. If you have a smashed finger with blood under the nail, you should seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider may recommend draining the blood to relieve the pain and pressure. No, you should not attempt to drain the blood under your nail at home as it can cause injury or infection. Only drain the blood yourself if your healthcare provider recommends it and gives you instructions on how to do so safely. You can apply ice to the injured finger, elevate your hand above your heart, take over-the-counter pain medication, and try to keep using the finger to promote circulation. A new fingernail can regrow in as little as eight weeks, but it may take longer if there was damage to the nail bed or surrounding tissues.The Chemistry of Nail Polish: Ingredients and Science
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Keep the injured area clean and dry, and follow any aftercare instructions provided
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