Has your nail become black due to bleeding? (Subungual Hematoma) Let's find out without fear!

Oops! Did you get your hand caught in a door? Or did you stub your toe while playing? Sometimes, a little blood collects under the nail, turns it blue or black, and sometimes just feels like it's exploding from the inside, right? That's what we're talking about. Many people call this a "bruised nail." This is medically known as a ``Subungual Hematoma''.

What is this so-called subungual hematoma?

Simply put, this is an injury to your fingernail or toenail. The hard part at the top of the nail is called the nail plate . This is where blood leaks from underneath. When that blood leaks, it swells, the nail changes color, and it starts to hurt a lot. This usually happens when something falls on the nail, hits it hard, or gets caught in a doorknob. This type of accident (direct trauma) damages the delicate blood vessels under the nail plate.

But, as painful as this may be, most of the time it's just a minor injury . The pain will subside in a few days. If necessary, a doctor can do something very simple, such as drain the blood and give you some relief. But, imagine if the accident not only bruised the nail, but also caused a bone fracture or a deeper injury, then it will take a little more treatment and longer to heal.

What are the symptoms of a broken nail?

Here are some things you can expect when you ingrown a nail on your hand or foot:

• Intense pain. Sometimes it can feel like something is exploding or throbbing inside.
• Nail discoloration. The nail turns blue-black or purple-black. It's like a bruised area of ​​skin turning blue.
• The nail is very sensitive. Even touching it, even a little bit of pressure, can cause unbearable pain.
• The nail plate can separate from the tissue underneath it and come up. `(Separation of nail plate from nail bed)` The pressure caused by the accumulated blood causes the hard part of the nail to separate from the underlying tissue and come up.

Why do nails get brittle like this? What are the causes?

The main cause of a `(Subungual hematoma)` is an accident . Think of it like hitting your finger while hammering a nail, getting your finger stuck in a door, or having something heavy (like a rock or a coconut) fall on your leg... those are the kinds of things. We call these 'blunt force trauma' or 'crush injuries' .

Not only that, but sometimes it can also happen from constant pressure. For example, if you run in tight shoes , it can cause the nail on one of your toes to keep getting pushed in. Over time, this can also cause blood to collect under the nail.

This injury, or the constant pressure, damages the blood vessels under your nail. `(injures the blood vessels in your nail bed)` Then blood starts leaking from those blood vessels and collecting under the nail plate. Normally, your nail plate and the tissue underneath it `(nail bed)` are attached together. There can't be a gap between the two. So, when blood collects under the nail plate, there's nowhere for that blood to go. So that blood collects there, putting pressure on the nail plate. That's what causes the pain and the discoloration.

Can this cause serious complications?

Most of the time, a subungual hematoma does not cause major complications . However, in rare cases, a bacterial infection can develop at the site of the injury. If the injury is severe, especially if there is damage to the underlying bone, complications are more likely.

How does a doctor know for sure if this is the case?

A doctor will diagnose this condition by carefully examining your finger or toe. He or she will look closely at the nail plate and the areas where the nail plate meets the skin (nail folds). You may be asked to bend and straighten your finger to see how much damage has been done.

Sometimes you may need to have imaging tests, such as X -rays or an ultrasound , to see if there are any broken bones or other damage that is not visible above the skin.

What kind of doctors treat this?

If you have a subungual hematoma, these types of doctors can examine and treat you:

• A doctor in the emergency room.
• A nurse practitioner in an urgent care clinic.
• Your usual family doctor (primary care provider).

However, if your doctor thinks that your symptoms are not due to a bruise, but something else, he or she will refer you to other specialists. For example, if your doctor suspects that you have a subungual melanoma (a rare type of skin cancer that develops under the nail), he or she will refer you to a dermatologist . However, if your symptoms appeared immediately after an accident, it is most likely a subungual hematoma.

How is it treated?

The treatment for a ``Subungual hematoma`` depends on the cause. If your nail is bruised but there is no visible damage, you can treat it at home. All you need to do is apply ice to the injured area. But remember, do not apply ice directly to the skin, wrap it in a soft cloth . Applying ice can help reduce swelling and pain.

However, if your pain continues to worsen over the next few hours, you should definitely seek medical advice. Your doctor may recommend a very simple procedure called trephination . This is done to drain the blood and relieve the pressure. It can be very relieving. It's like drilling a small hole in your fingernail and draining the blood.

Imagine you have a broken bone, a deep cut, or other damage. If that happens, your doctor may have to surgically remove your entire nail plate and repair the underlying tissue. This is done to help the nail grow back properly. Your doctor will explain what needs to be done for your situation and why.

What happens if you break your nail? How long does it take to heal?

Most of the time, a bruised nail heals without any complications. You probably won't have any lasting effects . The pain will subside on its own within a few days, or it will go away as soon as the blood drains.

Your doctor will tell you how to care for your finger or toe after treatment. In general, you should keep the area clean and dry . You may bleed a little after the blood is removed, but the bleeding should stop after that. If your doctor puts a bandage on the area, follow his or her instructions about how to change it.

"But remember, even with treatment, your nail may remain discolored for a few weeks. That's normal , so don't worry about it. The discolored area will gradually fade as your nail grows back."

The bruise you see will gradually come up with the nail over the course of a few weeks or months and will fall off. You will see the base of the nail (the cuticle) heal and a clean new nail will grow in between the discolored area. At first, the color may be red or purple, but it will eventually turn dark brown or black.

It can take about six to nine months for the nail to fully grow back and return to its original color. It's a time-consuming process.

If you have other injuries in addition to your broken nail, such as a broken finger or broken toe, it will take longer to heal. Your doctor will tell you about this. He or she will also tell you if you need to come back for follow-up appointments.

Can't we prevent nail biting like this?

It's actually a little difficult to prevent ingrown toenails. Because these accidents can happen so quickly and unexpectedly . They can happen while we're working, even during our daily activities. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk:

• Be mindful of where your hands and feet are when closing doors.
• When lifting heavy objects or moving around, don't just stand on your feet . Wear at least two pairs of sandals. If possible, closed-toe shoes are best.
• When using tools like hammers, do not be distracted as they can slip and hit your fingers.
• When doing heavy manual work, wear protective gear such as gloves, shoes, and boots that are appropriate for the job.
• Make sure the shoes you wear fit your feet properly . For example, the shoes you wear for exercise should not be too tight or pinch your toes.

When should you see a doctor?

A ``(Subungual hematoma)`` is usually not something to be too worried about. However, in cases like this, it is important that you seek medical advice immediately :

• If you have unbearable pain , or if the pain is getting worse.
• If you have a deep wound and can't stop the bleeding.
• You think you have a broken bone .

After removing the blood from under the nail, see a doctor again if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• If you see signs of infection . That is, if the skin around the nail becomes red/discolored, swollen, pus is coming out, and/or you develop a fever.
• If the pain starts to come back more often.

What are the important questions to ask the doctor?

If you have a subungual hematoma, it's a good idea to ask your doctor questions like these:

• Do I need treatment?
• If treatment is required, how is it done?
• How should I care for the wound at home until it heals?
• What advice can you give to prevent ingrown toenails like this in the future?

What does the word ``Subungual Hematoma`` mean?

``(Subungual hematoma)`` is the medical term for a bruised nail. Let's break down the words and see what they mean:

• 'Sub' means 'under' or 'below'.
• 'Ungual' means 'related to a nail'.
• 'Hematoma' means 'a collection of blood'.

So, when blood collects under your nail plate, it looks like a bruise on your skin that turns blue-black. This color may change over time as the wound heals.

So, what is the most important thing we need to remember from this story?

Your hands and feet are two very important parts of our body that we use to hold things and walk around in this world. That means there is a high chance of something going wrong. Sometimes, an accident can happen in a split second, when we least expect it.

"The good news is that most of the time, these subungual hematomas heal without any major problems. However, sometimes the accident that caused the bruise can cause further damage. That's why it's important to seek medical advice if you have even the slightest doubt about the severity of the injury. If necessary, a doctor can treat your bruise and any other problems you may have, helping you recover quickly. So, if you have any doubts, even the slightest, don't forget to see a doctor, okay? "

` Nail Bruising, Blackening of the Nail, Nail Pain, Subungual Hematoma, Nail Accidents, Nail Treatment, Nail Health