Drainage of a subungual hematoma is often accomplished with use of an electrocautery device or heated 18-gauge needle. However, this procedure can be very painful, requires local anesthetic and a heat source, and creates a small hole which can be easily clogged.
Does draining blood from nail hurt?
You may be able to relieve severe, throbbing pain by draining blood from under your nail. This procedure is not necessary and is not recommended if you are not having pain. This procedure is safe if done properly.
When will subungual hematoma stop hurting?
A minor subungual hematoma usually heals over time without treatment. The trapped blood will eventually be reabsorbed, and the dark mark will disappear. This can take 2–3 months for a fingernail, and up to 9 months for a toenail.
Does all subungual hematoma need to be drained?
Subungual hematoma drainage is not necessary if the hematoma is not painful. If blood is spontaneously draining from the hematoma, drainage is also unlikely to be of additional benefit. In the presence of acrylic nails, electrocautery is contraindicated until the acrylic nail is removed.
What happens if you don’t drain your subungual hematoma?
If blood is spontaneously draining from the hematoma, drainage of subungual hematoma is generally not required. You should not try draining your subungual hematoma at home as improper drainage may result in infections or permanent damage to the nail bed.
How do you release a subungual hematoma?
Most subungual hematomas can be relieved with simple trephination, a procedure which involves making a small hole in the nail. Unless the pressure is relieved, the patient may experience severe pain.
What is a subungual hematoma How long do you have to drain a subungual hematoma before it is too late?
The key is to ensure that the hematoma is not older than 48 hours. In most cases, the hematoma can be drained with a large needle without any complications. Follow up of patients is recommended to ensure that there is no infection and the hematoma has resolved.
When is it not necessary to drain a subungual hematoma?
Subungual hematoma drainage is not necessary if the hematoma is not painful. If blood is spontaneously draining from the hematoma, drainage is also unlikely to be of additional benefit.
How long does it take for a subungual hematoma to heal?
A subungual hematoma usually resolves on its own without any treatment. The discoloration disappears as the nail grows. Over several months, a new nail eventually grows to replace the damaged nail. After the subungual hematoma, the nail may even fall off followed by nail regrowth.
What does subungual hematoma mean in medical terms?
Subungual hematoma is the medical term for bleeding and bruising under the nail. This is usually the result of some kind of injury to the blood vessels under the nail bed.
Can a shoe cause a subungal hematoma?
Poorly fitting shoes can also cause subungal hematomas, especially if the person is very active. Shoes that are too tight or narrow can put pressure on the toenail, breaking blood vessels and leading to a pool of blood under the nail.
