The discolored nail will eventually grow out — or in some cases it may fall off or need to be removed — and be replaced by a new, healthy one. This could take anywhere from about eight weeks for a fingernail to six months for a toenail.
What happens if your fingernail turns black?
It is common for a nail to turn black after an injury. The black or purple-black color is caused by blood under the nail and will go away as the injury heals. Black, brown, or purple discoloration under a nail that has not been injured may be caused by melanoma.
How do you treat a black fingernail?
A doctor may perform a procedure called nail trephination to drain the blood from under the nail. This can help to relieve pain and pressure. The doctor will make a small hole in the nail with a laser or needle. Afterward, the area may be wrapped with a bandage and may continue to drain for up to 3 days.
How long does a black fingernail last?
The discolored nail will eventually grow out — or in some cases it may fall off or need to be removed — and be replaced by a new, healthy one. This could take anywhere from about eight weeks for a fingernail to six months for a toenail.
What happens if you leave blood under your nail?
In addition to discoloration, blood under the nail can result in pressure and pain, which can be relieved by a primary care physician or podiatrist (i.e., “foot doctor”). Delayed treatment can result in nail deformity or infection.
What happens if you don’t drain blood under nail?
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 blood from under your nail?
– Straighten a paper clip, and heat the tip in a flame until it is red-hot.
– Place the tip of the paper clip on the nail and let it melt through. …
– Do not push or apply pressure on the paper clip. …
– Go slowly, and reheat the clip as necessary. …
– As soon as the hole is complete, blood will escape and the pain will be relieved.
How do you get rid of blood under your nail?
– Straighten a paper clip, and heat the tip in a flame until it is red-hot.
– Place the tip of the paper clip on the nail and let it melt through. …
– Do not push or apply pressure on the paper clip. …
– Go slowly, and reheat the clip as necessary. …
– As soon as the hole is complete, blood will escape and the pain will be relieved.
What to do when you smash your fingernail and it turns black?
– Straighten a paper clip, and heat the tip in a flame until it is red-hot.
– Place the tip of the paper clip on the nail and let it melt through. …
– Do not push or apply pressure on the paper clip. …
– Go slowly, and reheat the clip as necessary. …
– As soon as the hole is complete, blood will escape and the pain will be relieved.
What happens when you smash your finger and it turns black?
After a day or two, blood will likely start to build up under your nail. You might see the nail turning color—usually dark blue or black—and feel a lot of pressure. This is what happens when a bruise is contained in the tiny space at the tip of a finger.
What causes fingernails to turn black?
Some types of bacteria, as well as fungal infection of the nail, can also produce melanin that discolours the nails. Nicotine stains from cigarettes, certain medicated lotions and dirt can also stain our nails. Injuries or ill-fitting shoes can cause bleeding under the nail, making it appear black.
How do you relieve pressure from a smashed finger?
– icing or applying ice to the area.
– resting.
– elevation.
– taking oral anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
– applying pain-relief creams.
– cleaning and covering the injury.
– moving the injured area gently.
How do you get rid of a black fingernail?
– Straighten a paper clip, and heat the tip in a flame until it is red-hot.
– Place the tip of the paper clip on the nail and let it melt through. …
– Do not push or apply pressure on the paper clip. …
– Go slowly, and reheat the clip as necessary.
Should I go to the doctor if I smashed my finger?
Speak with a doctor or nurse if your smashed finger causes extreme pain or involves more than just the fingertip. You should also seek medical help if: you can’t straighten your finger. the finger is noticeable bent or crooked.
Can a smashed finger cause a blood clot?
A blood clot can form after a trauma to the finger damages blood vessels or breaks a bone. Examples include: a heavy object falling on the fingers, like when you accidentally hit your finger with a hammer. a crush injury, such as when you get your finger caught in a car door.
What happens when u bleed under your nail?
Your doctor may call it a “subungual hematoma” if you have bleeding under a fingernail or toenail. It usually happens if the nail gets crushed in an injury. It can cause symptoms such as intense pain and throbbing as blood collects under the nail.
How do you treat a smashed fingernail?
If the nail or skin is broken, gently clean the area using soap and water, or an antibacterial rinse. Then, cover the wound with sterile gauze or bandages. OTC antibiotic ointments or creams can also be applied to the wounds after cleaning sessions to help prevent infection.
What do you do for a smashed fingernail?
If the nail or skin is broken, gently clean the area using soap and water, or an antibacterial rinse. Then, cover the wound with sterile gauze or bandages. OTC antibiotic ointments or creams can also be applied to the wounds after cleaning sessions to help prevent infection.
Will blood under fingernail disappear?
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.
What happens if you don’t drain 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 long does it take for a smashed fingernail to fall off?
Recovery. Unless the area of bleeding is very small, an affected nail will usually fall off on its own after several weeks because the pooled blood has separated it from its bed. A new fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks.