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What is a Subungual Hematoma?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

A subungual hematoma is a pool of blood that builds up underneath a finger or toenail. It is a common result of a traumatic nail bed injury, which can occur if a digit is smashed in a door, stepped on, or otherwise crushed under pressure. Blood vessels underneath the nail break and leak blood into the nail bed, leading to a buildup of pressure and often intense pain. In most cases, a small subungual hematoma will go away on its own in about two weeks without special care. A very large or painful hematoma can be relieved at a doctor's office by draining the blood or removing the damaged nail.

Trauma to a nail that compresses it down into the nail bed causes delicate blood vessels to rupture. The leaking blood collects underneath the nail and forms a dark red or purple spot. Accumulating pressure can cause a finger or toe to throb and feel very tender to the touch. Depending on the severity of the injury, a person may experience constant pain, weakness, and swelling in addition to a subungual hematoma.

A subungual hematoma may occur after a toe is smashed in a door or stepped on.
A subungual hematoma may occur after a toe is smashed in a door or stepped on.

Home remedies are usually enough to relieve symptoms while a mild hematoma heals. A person can reduce throbbing and pain by keeping the digit elevated and applying an ice pack several times a day. It is important to rest the finger or toe as much as possible in the first few days to avoid further irritation. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen also may help to relieve pain. As the nail heals, the dark spot gradually becomes smaller and lighter in color until it is completely gone.

An ice pack, which can help with a subungual hematoma.
An ice pack, which can help with a subungual hematoma.

A person should visit a doctor if he or she experiences severe pain and the subungual hematoma takes up most of the space underneath the nail. The physician can carefully examine the digit to check for lacerations to the underlying nail bed. X-rays may be taken if a bone fracture is suspected because of the degree of swelling and pain.

An experienced doctor can drain a subungual hematoma by piercing the nail with the tip of a heated needle or paper clip. Once a small hole is created, pressure is instantly relieved as blood drains from the nail bed. The entire nail may need to be removed if the physician thinks the nail bed may be seriously damaged. The exposed bed is treated with antibiotics and wrapped in a protective bandage to prevent infection. The digit is usually tender for several days, but it eventually starts feeling better as swelling subsides and a new nail starts growing into place.

Discussion Comments

Buster29

I banged my thumb with a hammer while building a deck, and I could see the blood under the nail right away. I went to the closest walk-in clinic I could find, because I thought the entire thumb might be broken. The doctor told me it was a subungual hematoma, and that it looked worse than it really was. He said the usual subungual hematoma treatment involved draining the wound and wrapping it in antibiotic-filled gauze. Fortunately, I did not lose the nail, and my thumb wasn't broken.

Phaedrus

When I was a kid, I dropped a sledgehammer on my foot and smashed my big toenail. It was the most painful thing I can remember doing at that age. My toe turned as black as the photo next to this article. I remember it stopped hurting after my mom soaked it in an Epsom salt bath, but the nail still fell off. Losing a toe or fingernail like that is the oddest feeling in the world.

My mother wrapped a gauze bandage around the exposed toenail and told me to be careful until a new nail grew in. That took a little while, and the rest of my toe still hurt from the bruising. But I would tell parents to assure their children that it will get better and their nails will grow back.

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    • A subungual hematoma may occur after a toe is smashed in a door or stepped on.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      A subungual hematoma may occur after a toe is smashed in a door or stepped on.
    • An ice pack, which can help with a subungual hematoma.
      By: Marc Dietrich
      An ice pack, which can help with a subungual hematoma.
    • Injury to the toenail bed may lead to a subungual hematoma.
      By: johnnydao
      Injury to the toenail bed may lead to a subungual hematoma.
    • A large or painful hematoma can be treated by a doctor.
      By: Andrey Kiselev
      A large or painful hematoma can be treated by a doctor.