Isla Bennett
Blood under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma, is a common injury that can result from blunt force trauma to the finger or toe. This causes blood to pool and become trapped underneath the nail, leading to pain and discolouration. Small hematomas may not require any treatment and can heal on their own within a few days. However, larger hematomas can cause severe pain and may require medical attention, such as drainage or removal of the nail. In most cases, a new nail will grow out within 6 to 18 months, but this can vary depending on the individual.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical Term | Subungual Hematoma |
| Cause | Bleeding under the nail due to broken blood vessels |
| Appearance | Darkened area under the nail, black spots, blue, purple, brown discolouration |
| Pain | Severe, throbbing pain |
| Treatment | Drainage within 48 hours, home remedies for pain, antibiotics for infection |
| Healing Time | 6-9 months, may vary |
| Prevention | Apply pressure, elevate affected area, use cold compress |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Subungual hematoma causes
Subungual hematoma, or bleeding under the nail, is a common injury that occurs when the blood vessels under the nail break open, causing blood to collect and become trapped under the nail. This can happen to both fingernails and toenails and is usually caused by a crush injury or impact to the nail. For example, getting a finger pinched in a doorway or stubbing a toe.
Other causes of subungual hematoma include wearing tight shoes, repetitive stress from movements such as running, and distal phalanx fractures. In rare cases, it can also be caused by non-traumatic factors such as tumors, including melanoma, or splinter hemorrhages.
If you have no visible injury but notice a darkened area under your nail, it is important to see a doctor to rule out other possible causes. Severe throbbing pain is a common symptom of subungual hematoma, caused by the pressure of blood collecting between the nail and the nail bed.
Most small subungual hematomas will heal on their own within a few months without treatment. Home remedies such as rest, icing, compression, and elevation can help encourage healing and manage pain. However, if there is severe damage to the nail bed, intense pain, or other injuries, it is important to seek medical treatment.
Medical treatment for subungual hematoma involves draining the blood from under the nail, a procedure called trephination or nail decompression. It is important to perform this procedure within 48 hours of the injury, before the blood starts to clot. During the procedure, the doctor will numb the area and create a small hole in the nail using a heated wire, laser, or needle. Afterward, the area may be bandaged and will continue to drain for a few days.
The Mystery of Hair and Nail Growth: Unraveling the Reasons for Cessation
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Treatment options
Home Treatment
If the subungual hematoma is small and the pain is mild, it will usually resolve without treatment. Some home treatments can help with pain and recovery, such as:
- Elevating the affected hand or foot to reduce swelling
- Applying a cold compress to alleviate pain and swelling
- Using compression to slow the bleeding under the nail
- Keeping the wound clean and dry
Medical Treatment
If home treatments do not provide relief, you should contact a doctor for further advice. Doctors may recommend draining the blood from under the nail (trephination) if the hematoma is causing pain or covers a significant portion of the nail. This procedure should be performed within 48 hours of the injury, as the blood will begin to clot after this time frame, making drainage difficult. During the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered, and a small hole is made in the nail to allow the blood to flow out. After the procedure, the wound should be kept clean and dry while it heals.
In some cases, the nail may need to be removed, especially if the injury is severe or there is extensive damage to the nail bed. The wound should heal within a few weeks, but it may take several months for a new nail to grow back.
How Meat Grows Under Nails: A Mystery Solved
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Healing timelines
Blood under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma, occurs when blood vessels under the nail break and leak, causing blood to collect and become trapped under the nail. This can be caused by a single major trauma, such as dropping something heavy on your toe, or multiple minor traumas, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes.
Subungual hematomas are usually very painful but are not often dangerous. The pain and throbbing from a subungual hematoma usually go away within a few days. If the pain is severe or lasts longer, you should see a doctor. They will check for an infection, fracture, or other injuries that may be causing the pain.
If you have a large hematoma, severe pain, or additional injuries, you should seek medical care for drainage and treatment. Drainage should be done within 48 hours of the injury, as after this, the blood will start to clot, making it hard to drain. Drainage is performed by making a small hole in the nail with a laser or needle, or a cautery device, which uses heat to burn a hole. The area is then bandaged and may continue to drain for up to 3 days. This procedure should not be attempted at home, as it can cause infections or further injury to the nail bed.
Minor subungual hematomas usually heal without treatment. The trapped blood will eventually be reabsorbed, and the discolouration will disappear. This can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, with toenails taking longer to heal than fingernails. In the meantime, home remedies such as rest, icing, compression, and elevation can encourage healing.
Summer's Secret to Stronger Nails
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Potential complications
Subungual haematomas, or bleeding under the nail, are usually not dangerous and will heal on their own within a few months. However, there are some potential complications that can arise if the injury is severe or left untreated.
One potential complication is severe damage to the nail bed, which can cause the nail to grow back malformed, cracked, or not at all. This is because the nail matrix, where the nail forms, may be affected by the injury. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed by a healthcare professional to prevent further complications.
Another potential complication is infection. If left untreated, subungual haematomas can become infected, leading to further health issues. Signs of infection include pus, redness, heat, and a red streak extending from the wound. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.
Additionally, subungual haematomas can be very painful and cause throbbing pain due to the pressure of blood collecting under the nail. If the pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days, it is recommended to seek medical care. Drainage of the blood can provide immediate relief and is typically performed within 48 hours of the injury, after which the blood will start to clot.
Finally, subungual haematomas can be difficult to detect in people with artificial nails. If you have artificial nails and experience intense pain and pressure, it is important to remove the artificial nail and examine the nail bed. Leaving a subungual haematoma untreated can lead to further complications.
Toe Nail Troubles: Ingrown Causes and Solutions
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Prevention methods
While it is challenging to prevent bruised toenails and fingernails, being cautious about your hand and foot placement when closing doors can help lower the risk of injury.
Rest
It is important to rest the affected finger or toe and avoid using it as much as possible. This allows the injured area to recover and prevents further damage.
Ice
Applying ice packs or cold compresses can help reduce swelling and pain associated with the injury.
Compression
Applying pressure with a wrap or bandage can help reduce blood pooling under the nail, alleviating pain and promoting healing.
Elevation
Keep the affected hand or foot elevated whenever possible to reduce swelling and promote blood flow away from the injured area.
Medical Attention
For more severe injuries, seek medical attention promptly. A doctor can assess the extent of the damage and provide appropriate treatment options, such as drainage or stitches for deep cuts. Early medical intervention can improve recovery outcomes and prevent potential complications.
Get Longer Nails: Simple Tips for Growth
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A subungual hematoma is a bruised fingernail or toenail resulting from blunt or crush trauma. Blood collects under your nail, causing pressure and pain.
A subungual hematoma can be treated by draining the blood within 48 hours of the injury. This can be done at home or by a medical professional. If the hematoma is small and the pain is mild, it can be left to heal on its own.
A nail can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months to grow back after a subungual hematoma. The time it takes for the nail to grow back can vary depending on the extent of the injury and the treatment received.
