Nail Plate Injury

If a hematoma is formed when the nail plate is injured, it must be removed as soon as possible. Consult a traumatologist.

If a hematoma is formed when the nail plate is injured, it must be removed as soon as possible. Consult a traumatologist.

Almost each of us at least once in our life has encountered such a nuisance as a bruised nail. Such an injury can be received anywhere, for example, when a heavy object falls on the leg, or when a nail is pinched by a door, and even uncomfortable shoes can cause an injury to the nail plate. It is almost impossible to protect yourself from nail biting (just like from other types of injuries), so it would not hurt to know about all the measures that need to be taken in case of damage.

Symptoms

Perhaps, the most typical manifestation of a clogged nail is a hematoma (hemorrhage) under the nail plate. Externally, this condition is manifested by the characteristic bluishness of the damaged nail, and with more severe injuries, the nail may turn black. In too severe situations, the nail may fall out. This happens due to a violation of local blood circulation, as a result of which the nail plate is rejected.

Of course, as with any other blows, a bruised nail is accompanied by severe pain (the severity of the pain depends on the severity of the injury). It is pain that is most often the main reason why patients turn to a traumatologist. Other times, the slightest touch to the nail can cause excruciating pain.

In some cases, when nail strikes, large accumulations of blood are formed, which can frighten the patient and even cause unconsciousness. As a rule, swelling is noted on the injured finger, which increases as the hemorrhage grows.

Sometimes pronounced injuries of the nail plate can also be accompanied by a headache, which requires the doctor to prescribe additional therapeutic measures to eliminate this symptom.

The case is more difficult with injuries of the nail plate on the toe, as in this case it is difficult for the patient to wear shoes, and sometimes the very process of walking causes painful sensations.

First aid

So, what to do with an injury to the nail plate? First of all, when a nail is hit, it is necessary to stop the bleeding as much as possible. As you know, heat accelerates blood flow, and cold slows it down. Therefore, the first thing to do on an injured finger is to apply cold. It can be a stream of ice water, as well as ice previously placed in a clean cloth or polyethylene. As a rule, exposure to cold reduces the pain after 5 minutes, but if the pain does not go away, the cooling procedure should be repeated every 15 minutes for 1-2 hours until the pain stops.

The next stage of providing first aid for a nail plate injury is disinfection. For these purposes, the usual 5% tincture of iodine is also suitable, which should be used to treat the damaged area, including the surface of the nail plate. In some cases, it is appropriate to put an iodine net on the arm or leg, which allows to reduce swelling.

In the event that there is a danger of complete rejection of the nail plate, it is recommended to apply a pressure bandage, which must be fixed with an adhesive plaster. Perhaps this will save your nail from complete rejection, because there is a chance that the nail will grow to the skin.

How to treat?

In order to save the damaged nail, it is necessary to get rid of the subungual hematoma as soon as possible. If this is not done in time, the hematoma will increase in size, which will eventually lead to the rejection of the nail. Of course, the most reliable way would be to contact a traumatologist as soon as possible, who will make small holes in the damaged nail through which all the blood will flow out.

If it is not possible to consult a doctor, there is another way to get rid of excess blood under the nail. To do this, you need to take a paper clip, a sewing needle or a thin wire, heat them on the heat and carefully burn a hole on the nail plate. Before burning, the nail plate must be treated with a disinfectant solution. After making a hole, you need to press on the nail so that all the blood flows out of it, after which you need to apply a bandage or adhesive plaster. Remember that self-removal of a subungual hematoma should be resorted to only in extreme cases, because when making holes there is always a risk of introducing an infection, which can significantly complicate the injury. Try to contact a specialist. With severe injuries accompanied by a headache, it is also appropriate to take painkillers.

Usually, complete healing occurs a month after the adoption of all therapeutic measures.