Nail bruise (subungual hematoma)

Description

Bruise (hematoma) which occurs under the finger nail after an injury. Bruises occur when small blood vessels under the nail tear or burst. Blood leaks into the tissues below the nail giving black-bluish color. The blood remains captured under the nail and with the time causes increasing pain and pressure.

Symptoms

Bluish-violet change below the nail, pain that increases with the time, pulsating pain, swelling of the finger.

Overview

Anamnesis will be taken and medical examination will be done. X-rays image may be done to visualize possible fractures.

Tests

X-rays image

Specialists

Dermatology, General Practice, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Hand Surgery, Internal Medicine, Othopedics and Podiatry

Therapy

Bruise drainage through the hole on the nail punctured by drilling or burning is a standard treatment. Pain may be relieved with paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (brufen/ibuprofen, naproxen). A finger stall may be put to prevent further injuring during the healing process.