Ava Monroe
If your nails are bleeding when you cut them, it could be due to a subungual hematoma, which is the medical term for a bruised nail. This occurs when an injury breaks open the blood vessels under the nail, causing blood to collect and become trapped, resulting in severe throbbing pain. This can happen when your nail gets crushed or stubbed, or when you cut your nails too roughly. If you experience severe pain or bleeding that won't stop, it's important to seek medical attention to prevent any further complications and ensure proper healing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical Term | Subungual Hematoma |
| Cause | Direct trauma to the nail, such as crushing or slamming it, which damages the blood vessels under the nail plate |
| Symptoms | Severe throbbing pain, swelling, nail discoloration, intense pressure |
| Treatment | Minor cases may resolve without treatment; for more severe cases, a doctor may perform decompression (trephination) to drain blood and relieve pressure and pain |
| Prevention | Keep nails moisturized and oiled; avoid cutting or pushing back cuticles too aggressively |
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Subungual hematoma
The main symptom of a subungual hematoma is severe throbbing pain caused by the pressure of blood collecting between the nail and the nail bed. There may also be nail discoloration, with the colour changing over time as the injury heals.
Most subungual hematomas are minor injuries that can be treated at home with rest, ice, elevation, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. However, if there is severe damage to the nail bed or surrounding tissues, or if the pain is unmanageable, it is important to seek medical treatment. A doctor may perform a simple draining procedure called trephination to relieve the pressure and pain. This procedure involves making a small hole in the nail with a laser, needle, or heated wire to allow the blood to drain. Antibiotics are not currently recommended after the procedure, as there is no consensus on their benefit.
In rare cases, a subungual hematoma may be due to a malignant tumour, such as melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma. If there is no history of trauma and no sign of infection, a doctor may use dermoscopy or order an X-ray to assess for possible fractures and look for any signs of subungual melanoma.
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Nail injuries
One of the most common nail injuries is a subungual hematoma, which occurs when blood vessels under the nail break open, causing blood to collect and become trapped, resulting in a bruised fingernail or toenail. This can be extremely painful due to the pressure of the pooled blood, and it may lead to throbbing, swelling, and nail discolouration. Subungual hematomas are typically caused by direct trauma to the nail, such as crushing or slamming it, stubbing the toe, or even from wearing tight shoes. In rare cases, they may also be an indication of a more serious underlying condition, such as melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
If you experience a subungual hematoma, it's important to assess the severity of the injury. Minor cases with mild pain usually resolve without treatment, and you can manage the symptoms at home by resting the affected digit, using a cool pack, keeping the hand or foot elevated, applying compression, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if the pain is severe or the bleeding doesn't stop, it's crucial to seek medical advice.
For more severe cases, a doctor may recommend a simple draining procedure called nail trephination or decompression to relieve the pressure and reduce pain. This involves creating a small hole in the nail to drain the blood. In some cases, the entire nail may need to be removed, especially if there is significant damage to the nail bed or surrounding tissues. Broken bones or deep cuts associated with nail injuries may require stitches and splints to promote healing and protect the area.
To prevent nail injuries, it's important to take certain precautions, especially when engaging in activities that involve your hands and feet. When getting a manicure or pedicure, ensure that your technician is using appropriate safety equipment and being gentle with your cuticles. Keeping your hands and feet moisturized can also help reduce the risk of injuries, as dry and thin skin is more susceptible to cuts and nicks. Remember, if you experience any unusual symptoms or signs of infection, always consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Home treatments
Bleeding under the nails is called a subungual hematoma. It 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 or crush trauma, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something on your finger.
Rest
It is important to rest the affected finger or toe and avoid using it as much as possible. This will help the injury heal.
Ice
Applying ice wrapped in a soft cloth to the area can help reduce swelling and pain. Keep the hand or foot elevated above the heart to further reduce swelling.
Compression
Using a cool pack or cold compress can help manage pain and swelling.
Over-the-counter medications
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) (Aleve) can help reduce discomfort and swelling. Anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin, Advil, or Motrin can also be taken to reduce inflammation and pain.
It is important to note that if the pain gets worse or does not improve with home treatments, you should seek medical care. Additionally, if there is severe damage to the nail bed or surrounding tissues, or if there are signs of infection such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail, it is important to seek medical attention.
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Medical treatments
If your nails are bleeding when you cut them, you may have a subungual haematoma, which is a bruised fingernail or toenail. This occurs when blood vessels under the nail are broken open, causing blood to collect and become trapped under the nail. This can be caused by an injury, such as blunt or crush trauma, or by something falling on the nail, stubbing the toe, wearing tight shoes, or repetitive stress from movements such as running.
If you are experiencing a subungual haematoma, there are several medical treatments available. Here are some options to consider:
- Decompression or trephination: This procedure involves draining the blood from the haematoma to relieve pressure and pain. Your doctor may numb the affected area before using a heated wire, carbon laser, or other methods to create a small hole for drainage.
- Removal of the nail plate: In more severe cases, your doctor may need to remove the nail plate to access and repair damaged tissues underneath. This can support the proper healing of your nail and prevent complications.
- Stitches and wound care: If the nail bed is injured, your doctor may use stitches to repair the wound. They will also provide instructions for keeping the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
- X-rays and fracture assessment: Your doctor may order an X-ray to check for possible fractures or other injuries to the bone. This is important if there is a deep cut or concern about a broken bone.
- Antibiotics and pain management: If there is an open wound or infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage discomfort and reduce swelling.
- Splinting and elevation: In some cases, your doctor may recommend using a splint to immobilise and protect the affected finger or toe. Elevating the injured area can also help reduce swelling and promote healing.
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience intense pain, a deep cut, bleeding that won't stop, or signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. These could be indicators of a more serious condition that requires prompt medical intervention.
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Prevention
If you experience bleeding under your nails, it is likely that you have a subungual haematoma, which is the medical term for a bruised nail. This occurs when blood vessels under the nail are broken open, causing blood to collect and become trapped under the nail. This can be caused by blunt or crush trauma, such as stubbing your toe or wearing tight shoes.
To prevent this from happening, you should:
- Wear properly fitting shoes that do not pinch or put pressure on your toes.
- Wear gloves, shoes, and/or boots that are appropriate for the task when doing manual labour.
- Avoid situations where something may fall on your nail or crush it.
- Avoid repetitive stress with certain movements, such as running.
If you have artificial nails, be aware that you may not be able to see a subungual haematoma. If you feel intense pain and pressure, remove the artificial nail and examine the nail bed.
If you notice signs of infection, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail, or a red streak extending from the wound, seek medical attention.
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Frequently asked questions
Your nails may bleed when you cut them due to a subungual hematoma, which is a fancy way of saying a bruised nail. This happens when blood vessels under the nail break and blood collects underneath.
If the pain is mild, it will usually heal without treatment. You can use the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. If the pain is severe or the injury is at the base of the nail, see a doctor.
The doctor will examine the nail and may perform an X-ray to check for fractures. They may drain the excess blood to relieve the pressure. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed.
To prevent a subungual hematoma, avoid injuries to the nail. This includes wearing proper gloves and shoes for manual labor and ensuring your shoes fit well. If you get manicures, communicate any sensitivity to the technician and ensure they use safety bits to prevent cuts.
