What is subungal hematoma?
Subungual hematoma is a pool of blood that is placed under the finger or leg. It is a common result of traumatic nail damage that can occur if the digit is broken in the door, entered or otherwise crushed under pressure. Blood vessels below the nail and blood leakage into the nail bed, leading to pressure accumulation and often intense pain. In most cases, a small subungal hematoma disappears alone in two weeks without special care. Very large or painful hematoma can be relieved in the office by exhausting blood or by removing the damaged nail.
The nail trauma, which compresses it down into the nail bed, causes the fine blood vessels to burst. The blood escape is collected under the nail and forms a dark red or purple stain. Pressure collection can cause a finger or a tip to pulsate and feel very tender to touch. Depending on the severity of the injury, one can also experience constant pain, weakness and swelling subungal hematoma.
Home resources are usually sufficient to alleviate symptoms, while a slight subungual hematoma will recover. A person can reduce the pulsating and pain by maintaining digit and applying ice pack several times a day. In the first few days it is important to rest as much as possible with a finger or tip to prevent further irritation. Over -the -counter anti -inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can also help relieve pain. When the nail recovers, the dark spots gradually shrink and lighter until it is completely gone.
The person should see a doctor if he experiences severe pain and subungual hematoma takes up most of the space under the nail. The doctor can carefully explore the digits and check the lacerations on the underlying nail bed. X -rays can be taken if the bone fracture is suspected due to the degree of swelling and pain.
An experienced physician can release a subungual hematoma with a penetrating nail with a tip heatedneedles or clips on paper. Once a small hole is formed, the pressure is immediately relieved when the blood turns out of the nail bed. The whole nail may need to be removed if the doctor thinks that the nail bed can be seriously damaged. The exposed bed is treated with antibiotics and packed in a protective bandage to prevent infection. The digit is usually tender for a few days, but eventually begins to feel better when the swelling retreats and the new nail begins to grow in place.