Subungual Hematoma - Blood Under Fingernail
A subungual hematoma is a build-up of blood under a fingernail. This happens as a result of a direct trauma to the nail.
Symptoms of a Subungual Hematoma
- Pain on the nail after an impact.
- The pain is often described as a throbbing pain.
- Blood quickly gathers under the nail.
- A feeling of pressure under the nail.
Treatment of Blood Under the Fingernail
Most subungual hematomas can be treated at home.
If the total area of blood is no more than 25% of the nail, follow these guidelines:
- Apply ice (wrapped in a cloth) or cold therapy for 10 minutes at a time, every 2-3 hours to reduce bleeding and swelling.
- Elevate the hand to reduce bleeding and swelling.
- Anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen may be recommended to ease pain and inflammation.
- The pain and pressure will ease over a couple of days and the blood will drain on its own.
If the bleeding covers more than 25% of the nail:
- Seek medical attention.
- The blood under the nail may need draining.
- A local anaesthetic may be injected into the finger so it is numb.
- A hole can then be made in the nail so the blood can drain through.
- This may be done using a cautery (to burn a hole), a needle (to drill a hole) or a sterilised paper clip (a combination of both!)
- No follow-up treatment is usually necessary.
- Very occasionally, the whole nail is removed.
