A bruise under the nail is a problem that many people have. And she is very serious. Not everyone attaches importance to the dark hematoma that appears under the nail plate (usually the big toe). Do not neglect medical help in this situation - you must urgently go to a traumatologist and begin treatment. Otherwise, there may be serious complications. About them, as well as about the causes and principles of treatment, we will discuss further.
Causes of occurrence
A bruise under the nail cannot appear just like that. For a hematoma to form, it must be preceded by one of the events:
- Strong hit on the finger.
- Pinching.
- Squeezing.
- A game of football without special shoes designed for this purpose (boots).
- The development of certain specific diseases (diabetes mellitus, melanoma, increased fragility of blood vessels, heart ailments).
- Prolonged wearing tight or uncomfortable shoes.
- Taking medications that affect blood coagulation.
- Fungus, accompanied by itching and flaking of the plate.
- Wearing specific shoes. It is vital for skaters, skiers, etc.
Also, permanent trauma of the finger or the specifics of the anatomical structure of the limbs can lead to the appearance of a hematoma. Bruises under the toenails often appear in people whose second is longer than the first.
Symptoms
Of course, the bruise under the thumbnail is impossible not to notice . But, in addition to a visual change in the nail, this pathology can be accompanied by the following characteristic manifestations:
- Blackening plate.
- Sensation of throbbing pain under the nail.
- Severe swelling.
- Redness of the finger.
- Blueness of the subungual space.
- Numbness of the limb.
- Restriction of motor function of the finger.
It should be noted that if the hematoma appeared due to the long wearing of uncomfortable shoes, then there is no acute pain. Unpleasant sensations intensify when the load on the fingers increases.
Etiology
How is everything going? The formation of a bruise under the nail of the big toe (or any other) begins 1-2 hours after the injury. Before this person, only redness and swelling are worried. But the hematoma is formed after the allocation of blood from the bursting vessels and its accumulation under the plate.
Further, everything happens in stages:
- A small pink spot appears.
- The nail bed is painted in bright raspberry color.
- The nail turns blue. There is pain and numbness.
- A large purple spot forms. The pain ceases to be so intense.
- After a few days, the hematoma turns blue. Its edges become sharp, and the area decreases. There is no discomfort, pain is felt only with pressure.
- By the end of the first week, the bruise becomes black and small (3-5 mm in diameter).
Usually the hematoma goes away in 7 days. But if it is large, then more time will be required. It is also necessary to resort to medical care. A traumatologist is that specialist who will give competent recommendations. Following them, it will be possible to get rid of the bruise under the nail in the shortest time period.
Diagnostics and first aid
Why is it important to contact a traumatologist? Because the hematoma formed under the nail can indicate a fracture. And no need to explain what is fraught with improper bone fusion. Even if there is no fracture, an examination by a traumatologist is required. After him, the doctor will prescribe treatment. If the hematoma is small, then he will treat the damaged area with a special antiseptic and apply a bandage.
In case of convergence of the nail plate, the injured area is treated with tetracycline or synthomycin ointment. You may need daily use of wound healing agents, the best of which are Troxevasin and Venoruton.
If the hematoma has spread to most of the nail, then the doctor will do the drainage - puncture the plate. Then a sterile wet dressing will be applied to the finger. If the hematoma has spread throughout the subungual space, then it will not be possible to do without surgical intervention, involving the removal of the plate.
How to help yourself on your own?
Not always and not everyone has the opportunity to quickly turn to a qualified physician. In this case, you have to help yourself. The first step is to cool the bruised place - so it will be possible to reduce the pain. It is necessary to wrap a finger with gauze, and then substitute it under an ice stream of water. Or you can attach a bag with pieces of ice to the hurt place. Cool the injured area from 3 to 6 minutes. Then you need to take a 15-minute break and repeat the procedure.
When the bruise under the nail on the foot or arm appears, and it turns out that it is quite large, it will be necessary to make a puncture. How is this procedure carried out:
- The nail should be disinfected with iodine, peroxide or potassium permanganate.
- Heat the sharp needle until reddening, previously treated with an antibacterial agent.
- Pierce the central part of the hematoma through the nail. Blood should flow out of the hole.
- Fix a sterile patch on the wound.
After this, for some time, you should be extremely careful in moving, so as not to catch an injured place, or wear open shoes - otherwise the wound will suffer. If the injury was on the arm, then it must be protected from infection by wrapping the affected area with a bandage.
Drug therapy
How to treat a bruise under the nail? In order for the pain to quickly disappear and the wound to heal, the doctor may prescribe the following medications:
- "Routine." This tool perfectly strengthens blood vessels. It is better to take it in combination with vitamin C.
- Ibuprofen, Analgin, or Ketorolac. One of these remedies will help eliminate pain. Taking any drug, you can wear shoes without discomfort and pain.
- Heparin ointment. It is known for its antithrombotic effect. It is recommended to apply it three times a day. Use until the nail becomes pale pink.
- "Novocaine" and "Dimexidum". They need to be used as a compress. It is enough to moisten the gauze with agents mixed in a ratio of 3: 1, and attach to an injured place. Better fasten with a bandage. Wear 20-30 minutes.
If the bruise remains even after a puncture, removal of clots and a week's treatment, then you need to go to the doctor. Perhaps the cause of the hematoma was not trauma. And this is not a bruise, but the result of any serious problems in the body. Having diagnosed and examined, the doctor will identify them and prescribe competent treatment.
Folk remedies
And they should also be listed. Here are some popular folk remedies that help get rid of a bruise under the finger nail:
- Baths. You need to take 3 tablespoons of water, heated to 40 ° C, a tablespoon of sea salt and 10 drops of any essential oil. Add 100 ml of freshly squeezed aloe juice. Hold the feet (hands) in this bath for 15 minutes. Then dry and grease with a non-greasy cream.
- Mask from the body-boot. You need to take 10-20 grams of dry powder and dilute with warm water. You need to pour in a little, stirring the composition - you should get a thick consistency. It will take no more than 50 ml. Gruel should be put on a bruise and hold for 20 minutes. Then remove and wipe with a cotton pad soaked in chamomile broth. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day.
- Homemade ointment. It is necessary to take laundry soap (35 g), grate it, mix with ammonia (30 ml), camphor laurel oil (30 ml) and lampad (50 ml), add turpentine (250 ml). Boil for 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool. Treat the affected area every 4 hours.
- Lotions. You will need to mix apple cider vinegar (250 ml), dry wine (250 ml) and sea salt (10 g). It is necessary to moisten cotton pads or a napkin with this composition and apply it every 2 hours to an injured place.
And yet we must not forget about the effects on the body from the inside. The best way to relieve pain is considered to be St. John's wort. It is prepared easily - you need to take 3-4 tbsp. l dried herbs, pour a liter of water and cook for 15 minutes. Then strain and drink like tea.
Effects
A bruise under the nail is treated quickly and easily, but if the patient decides to ignore this problem, he will have to face complications. The fact is that due to the hematoma between the nail bed and the cornea, a void is formed. And any infection or bacterium can easily get there. It should also be noted that the dead part will remain on the finger until the plate is completely updated. However, the newly growing nail in its composition is quite fragile, which determines its inevitable deformation if the patient wears uncomfortable, squeezing shoes. Things like this should be avoided.
Not a bruise, but a mole
Sometimes a dark spot that appears under the nail is not a hematoma, but a nevus. Many are surprised at this, but something like this happens - a mole can appear anywhere. The nail bed is no exception.
That this is a nevus, the doctor will tell the person after the examination. And he will have to be especially careful in the future. After all, the same blow or bruise can provoke the degeneration of a mole into melanoma. By hitting a stool leg with your finger, you can start the process of cell malignancy, which is fraught with their uncontrolled division, the appearance of a tumor and the spread of the process throughout the body.
Fortunately, nevus can be eliminated with surgery. However, to begin with, the patient will be sent for dermatoscopy. In a word, if you find a bruise under your nail, you should definitely visit a doctor. After all, it may happen that this is not a hematoma at all.