What To Do for a Bruised Nail – Cleveland Clinic

A bruised nail is usually the result of an accident you don’t want to repeat. Most people have experienced the agony of stubbing a toe or slamming a finger in a door. A bruised nail is painful and can take months before it looks normal again. In some cases, your nail may fall off — right away or weeks later.

Family medicine physician Allan Capin, MD, explains how to deal with a bruised nail or a nail that’s falling off.

What to do after bruising your nail

After a hard impact to your finger or toe, your nail may look bruised. But it’s the tissue under your nail that’s bruised — not your nail itself. Blood or bruising under your nail is known as a subungual hematoma.

If you see blood or a bruise under your nail after an injury, seek medical care soon — within two days. Although it might seem like no biggie, a nail bruise needs medical attention for several reasons.

Nail bruises can cause long-term pain

The pain you feel from a bruised nail isn’t just from the accident. “Blood trapped under your nail puts pressure on your finger or toe nerves,” explains Dr. Capin. “That pressure can be excruciating, making it difficult to work or perform daily activities.”

And the nerve pain from trapped blood can take weeks to get better — unless your healthcare provider takes care of it right away. “We can drain the blood with trephination, a simple, painless procedure that relieves the pressure and pain quickly,” says Dr. Capin. “But if we don’t drain that blood within the first 48 hours, it clots. Clotting causes a bulk under the nail that could potentially lead to weeks of unnecessary pain.”

After a trephination procedure, keep your nail clean and dry. “Don’t soak your injured nail in a bath or hot tub. Avoid swimming until your provider says it’s OK,” says Dr. Capin. “This can sometimes lead to breaks in skin and an invitation for infection.”

Your finger or toe could be broken

A small bone break in your finger or toe can be hard to spot without medical tests. “Many people don’t realize their injury could result in a broken finger or toe as well. X-rays are, therefore, important,” says Dr. Capin. “If you have a large bruise under your nail, there’s a good chance you have a broken bone, also.”

Untreated fractures could heal incorrectly. “A bone that heals in the wrong position can interfere with how your finger or toe works naturally,” explains Dr. Capin. “It can also cause long-term pain.”

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Your nerves could be damaged

The nerves in your fingers and toes are important for your daily function. Nerves in your toes help you walk and stand. Nerves in your fingers are necessary for everything from picking up objects to typing. If your nerves are damaged, you could have long-term symptoms like tingling, weakness or pain.

“For minor nerve damage, you may need to rest and splint the finger or toe,” says Dr. Capin. “More complicated cases could require physical therapy or surgery. Get your injury examined right away so your healthcare provider can recommend next steps for treatment. ”

Your nail could become permanently deformed

Your nail matrix is the area under the base of your nail where your nail grows in a linear fashion. Damage to your nail matrix can affect nail growth. You could end up with a nail that never looks quite right again.

“An injury to the nail matrix can cause permanent nail deformity, loss of natural contour and shape,” notes Dr. Capin. “Without treatment, you could end up with a nail that has an unusual shape or a depression that never goes away.”

My nail is falling off — now what?

Even a small injury to your nail bed can undo the “glue” that holds your nail to your finger or toe. So, yes, your nail could come off after an injury — even with the right medical treatment. Or, you might have the unpleasant experience of accidentally ripping off your nail.

If you’ve ripped off all or part of your nail and it’s bleeding:

1. Apply pressure with a clean cloth for several minutes to stop the bleeding.
2. Once the bleeding has stopped, apply an antibiotic ointment and a bandage.
3. Call your healthcare provider or go to an urgent care facility so they can evaluate the damage.

If you hurt your nail a while back and it’s coming off, don’t try to remove it yourself. “If the nail is bothering you, your healthcare provider can usually safely remove the nail,” advises Dr. Capin. “A new nail will grow in, but it will take several months.”

As your nail bed heals:

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• Allow your injured finger or toe to “breathe” as much as possible. Cover it with a bandage only when it needs extra protection or if you have significant pain.
• Keep the area clean and dry.

Signs of infection after nail injury

A nail injury can lead to infection if germs enter your body through a break in your nail or skin. And if your nail comes off, you likely have an opening on your finger or toe where an infection could start.

Some infections require antibiotics, but only your healthcare provider can tell you if you need them. Keep an eye out for signs of infection after a nail injury, including:

• Fever or feeling unwell.
• Redness or red streaks in your skin.
• Skin or nail that feels warm to the touch.
• Swelling or significant pain.

When you have a nail bruise without cause

What if you notice discoloration or a bruise under your nail, but you don’t remember hurting it? That’s a sign you should see your healthcare provider.

“If you notice discoloration under your nail without an injury, contact your provider,” advises Dr. Capin. “Sometimes, it’s just a harmless mole or birthmark. Other times, however, nail discoloration can signal a health condition that needs treatment, including skin cancer.”

Don’t ignore a nail bruise

If you’ve done a number on your nail, you might be tempted to cover it up and move on. But step away from the nail polish or bandages. Without immediate care, you could wind up with serious pain or damage to your finger or toe.

Instead of toughing it out, see your healthcare provider or visit an urgent care facility. The right care can give you much-needed pain relief and help prevent future problems with your nail.

Bruised nail – NailKnowledge

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What is a bruised nail and what causes it?

Bruised nail is also known as ‘subungual hematoma’ or ‘blood under a nail’.

The condition is caused by severe trauma or injury to the nail which has led to bleeding and the collection of blood under the injured nail.

Any part of the nail unit can be affected but the nail matrix area is where most severe cases happen as injury can cause changes to the nail shape. After the injury, blood vessels break, allowing blood to leak under the nail. Almost always, the hematoma disrupts the connection between the nail plate and the underlying soft tissues of the nail bed. Whilst the condition can be very painful due to sensitive nerve endings in the nail unit, the pain usually lessens after 2-3 days as the nail starts to grow out.

Who does it affect?

Anyone.

How can nail technicians help?

The condition can be successfully treated. Nail technicians should identify if the client has injured the nail as a bruise-like appearance, without explanation, may signal another condition in which case the client should seek medical advice.

If the bruised nail happens to you or a client in your salon, place the affected nail under cold water or apply an ice compress (found in your first aid kit) to soothe the nail. Over the counter pain relief can also help lessen the pain but your client can decide for themselves. It is not the nail technician’s job to provide medical advice.

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Created OnAugust 14, 2020

Last Updated OnFebruary 24, 2023

byKevin Nicholls

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Table of Contents

Inflammation of the cuticle after trimming manicure – causes, treatment with drugs and folk remedies, prevention

The cuticle is a part of the skin located at the base of the nail, which fits snugly against the nail plate. Its main purpose is to protect the nail bed from pathogens and injury. Despite the apparent strength, the cuticle is very vulnerable to external and internal damage.

Cuticle problems can occur not only due to mechanical damage. There are a number of factors that potentially lead to dryness and cracking of the nail’s protective barrier:

Problems with metabolism

Lack of vitamins, microelements and nutrients in the body

Constant stress

Chronic pathologies of internal organs

It is important to properly care for the cuticle. It is necessary to cut off the uneven edge of the keratinized soft tissue, but it is also impossible to remove the cuticle too much – this is what leads to infections under the skin and, accordingly, inflammation.

Existing cuticle removal methods

There are several basic cuticle removal methods:

Mechanical. The cuticle is removed using cutting manicure tools. Previously, the skin in this area must be softened using a bath with warm water or a special agent – this significantly reduces the trauma and pain of the procedure. Excess tissue is preliminarily shifted to the base of the nail bed with an orange stick, after which it is removed with nail clippers or scissors. This process is called edging manicure, and it is he who is the most traumatic. One wrong move of the master and the client – and the risk of causing deep damage increases significantly.

Hardware. It involves the removal of excess skin using a special rotating cutter. This is the safest, most reliable and modern way to remove the cuticle – if the master has the proper skills and uses a professional tool, then the cut will be absolutely even. It is believed that when performing a hardware manicure, the risk of inflammation of the cuticle is minimal.

Chemical. The technique is also called “European manicure” and involves the removal of the cuticle with little or no physical impact. A special substance based on fruit acids is applied to the cuticle – a remover. The inanimate part of the skin softens, after which it is easy to remove it with an orange stick.

Manicure can also be done in combination. Each master has his own “chips” and secrets with which he manages to achieve the perfect result. It is important to provide an individual approach to clients, because the cuticle of different people differs in density, growth line and other indicators.

Why can the cuticle hurt after a manicure?

Cuticle inflammation is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Bursting pain syndrome

Reddening of the skin, swelling in the damaged area

Burning sensation, local temperature increase

The main causes of cuticle problems after manicure are:

• Traumatic damage to the living area of ​​the cuticle
• Incorrect removal of the inanimate layer of the cuticle, as a result of which adjacent tissues were affected
• Excessive removal depth
• Individual intolerance to products used during manicure

In the vast majority of cases, inflammation of the cuticle means that the skin around the nail has been damaged and harmful microorganisms have entered there.

Risk factors

There are a number of indirect risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of inflammation of the cuticle in case of the slightest damage:

• Lack of proper antiseptic treatment of the nail.
• Use of a non-sterile instrument.
• Insufficient cuticle softening before removal.
• Ignoring the recommendations of the master by the client – after the procedure, there was contact with chemicals, hand washing, washing dishes without gloves and other actions that can damage the already delicate skin around the nail.
• Using a poorly sharpened tool.
• Ignoring the individual characteristics of the client’s cuticle – excessive dryness, tendency to crack, etc.
• Overgrowth of cuticles, inadequate nail care.

It is important to understand that a lot of pathogens and bacteria live in the area around the nail. The slightest injury to the cuticle, and foreign agents enter the wound, where they begin to multiply rapidly.

What is fraught with inflammation of the cuticle

The problem threatens with a number of complications. The most common is purulent paronychia. In this case, the intervention of a surgeon is required so that the focus of inflammation does not spread to other areas of the skin.

If you experience any of the following symptoms after a manicure, seek immediate medical attention:

• Suppuration.
• Increased pain to the point where it affects your quality of life.
• Increased edema, spreading redness.
• Pain felt in several fingers at once.
• Visual changes in the nail plate: ribbing, unnatural coloration.
• All the medical measures taken have not yielded results, and you see that the situation is rapidly deteriorating.

Cuticle inflammation should be treated as soon as it occurs. Do not ignore unpleasant symptoms so that the situation does not lead to surgical intervention!

What not to do in case of a problem

Almost everyone has experienced the problem of cuticle inflammation, and many do not consider it serious. It is extremely rare in such a situation that a person turns to a doctor, preferring to be treated independently with folk remedies. However, there are a number of actions that are categorically contraindicated in case of inflammation of the cuticle:

Seal the damaged area with adhesive tape

This prevents oxygen from entering the wound, and also creates a real “greenhouse” there, which is a favorable condition for the further development of microorganisms.

Pierce an abscess if there is one

Even if you sterilize the needle you will be using beforehand, do not open the formation yourself – only a doctor can perform the manipulation!

Use iodine or alcohol

This is fraught not only with intense pain, but also with a chemical burn, which will greatly aggravate the situation.

If cuticle inflammation is due to an allergic reaction, antihistamines should be taken. For their correct selection, contact a doctor who will select an individual therapy.

Treatments for inflamed cuticles

There are a number of proven ways to help manage the problem. Consider the most common and effective of them.

Salt bath

Take a shallow container, half fill it with warm water (up to 40 degrees), dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt in it. Dip the inflamed finger there and hold for 10 minutes. At the end of the procedure, rinse it with running water. Repeat the manipulation in the morning and evening for 3-4 days.

Antiseptic treatment

Treat the affected area several times a day with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine or miramistin. This will help the body cope with disease-causing bacteria and speed up the healing process.

Herbal baths

Brew oak bark, chamomile, plantain, St. John’s wort, horse sorrel or other medicinal herb. Wait until the broth has cooled to 35-40 degrees, then pour some liquid into a deep container, put the damaged finger there and hold for 10 minutes.

Medications

Methyluracil ointment, Levomekol, Gentamicin ointment, Bactroban, Cyclopirox, ointments with bacitracin have proven effectiveness in combating inflammation of the cuticle, especially when signs of suppuration appear.

Skin lesions can occur not only due to the entry of bacteria into the wound. There may be fungi on the surfaces of manicure tools. And the principles of treatment of diseases caused by different pathogens also differ. If you do not see positive dynamics within 1-2 days, it is better not to postpone a visit to the doctor.

Ways to prevent inflammation of the cuticles

When performing a manicure, there is always a risk of damage to the cuticles, no matter how meticulously the master does not work. However, it can be minimized by following a few basic rules:

• Comprehensive hand skin care. It should not be limited to periodic visits to the manicurist. You should use creams suitable for your skin type and special cuticle care products. They contain all the necessary substances and trace elements that will help maintain proper skin condition.
• Regular cuticle trimming. The rate of its growth is individual for each person, however, the optimal frequency of removal of the stratum corneum is 1 time in 3-4 weeks.
• Do not get a manicure if there is already inflammation in the cuticle area – this can only aggravate the situation.
• Do household chores that involve prolonged contact with water and chemicals only when wearing protective gloves.
• Use of professional manicure equipment. Experienced nail masters recommend using accessories from one manufacturer – this way the procedure will be as safe and productive as possible. One of the best manicure equipment on the market is the MAX company. The manufacturer produces manicure vacuum cleaners, arm rollers and other accessories that are indispensable in the work of a first-class master.
• In case of injury to the cuticle during the manicure, be sure to perform an antiseptic treatment of the damaged area.

It is not recommended to remove the cuticle on your own – the risk of damage in this case increases significantly. It is worth contacting only experienced and proven masters who have been trained and have the proper skills to perform a manicure.

Inflammation of the cuticle, after a manicure including: what to do

The cuticle is a protective barrier that prevents bacteria from entering the skin. Under mechanical stress, it can break. Damage will not only cause significant discomfort and worsen the aesthetic appearance of the nail, but the occurrence of inflammatory processes is not excluded. Most often, inflammation of the cuticle occurs after a manicure. There is redness, itching, pain, swelling near the nail plate, sometimes pus. Urgent treatment required.

Causes of inflammation of the cuticle

If a trimmed manicure was done and hygiene rules were not observed, infection and fungus cannot be ruled out. There is a high risk of contracting fungus and bacteria in public places. Such unpleasant consequences usually occur in people who do not care enough for their nails. The cuticle grows and is easily damaged.

Poor hygiene can cause cuticle inflammation

Other common causes:

• allergic reaction to household chemicals;
• gloves were not used for a number of tasks, for example, when working with earth in a garden plot;
• the habit of biting nails and teeth biting off burrs, which increases the risk of wounds;
• the cuticle on the finger or toe can be damaged as a result of bruises, injuries, wearing shoes that are too tight.

Bad habit of biting nails and picking off burrs leads to inflammation

Treatment

When an abscess appears, steam the nail in a bath with potassium permanganate solution. The water should be a pale pink color. The optimum temperature is 35-40 degrees.

Medicines

Next, special ointments should be used.

Vishnevsky’s ointment

It is necessary to apply the product on a cotton pad, apply it to the damaged area and fix it with a plaster or bandage. The procedure is done at night so that the drug is well absorbed, relieves redness, pain, and draws out pus.

Ichthyol ointment

This is a proven remedy. It should be applied in the same way as Vishnevsky’s ointment.

Treatment with ointment should be carried out regularly until the inflammation stops

When the abscess breaks through, it is necessary to treat the wound with an antiseptic (chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide is suitable) and apply Levomekol or Miramistin ointment, fix it. Antiseptic treatment and application of ointment must be done every day in the morning and evening until all signs of inflammation disappear.

If the abscess is large, severe twitching pain is felt, the finger is swollen, you need to contact a surgeon who will perform an autopsy and prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory ointments. You can not tighten it, as there is a risk of being left without a nail.

Folk methods

Folk remedies are effective in the first stages of inflammation.

Sea salt baths

Thanks to their high iodine content, sea salt baths will help. 10 g of salt should be dissolved in 1 liter of warm water and hold hands for 15 minutes. You can simply lubricate the cuticle with iodine. But keep in mind that the product gives the nail a yellow color. However, it is very effective, including against the fungus, so you should not neglect it.

Not only pleasant, but also useful procedure

Aloe

If aloe grows at home, you need to fix the leaf cut lengthwise on your finger and hold for several hours. Aloe oil in special cuticle pencils also has healing and regenerating properties.

An aloe leaf is suitable for the treatment of inflammation

A decoction of calendula or chamomile

40 g of calendula, chamomile or oak bark should be poured into 400 ml of boiling water and boiled for 5 minutes. Insist for half an hour, then hold your hands in the broth for 10 minutes. Do the procedure 1-2 times a day.

In case of inflammation of the cuticle, the procedure is recommended to be carried out 1-2 times a day. Attach to the wound, fix and hold for 12-14 hours.

Sorrel and plantain

Fresh sorrel and plantain leaves can be ground into a paste. Fix for 4-6 hours.

Essential oil

Essential oils help a lot. Suitable oil of lavender, tea tree, wheat germ. It is necessary to lubricate the affected areas 3-4 times a day.

Oil nourishes cuticles

Prevention

Do not forget about hygiene rules. Burrs cannot be torn off or bitten off, you need to cut them with nail scissors.