Is it okay to leave a bruise on my fingernail after hitting my finger?

When you hit your hand or foot hard against something, you can easily see a dark red bruise under the fingernail or toenail. It is common to think that the bruise will naturally fade as the nail grows out over time, but neglecting the bruise can lead to more serious problems, so caution is necessary. Let's find out why it is not advisable to ignore bruises on the nails and what the proper treatment methods are.

 

Leaving a bruise under the nail untreated can cause pain and infection.

 

Bruising in the fingernails and toenails, 'onycholysis hemorrhage'... may cause pain and infection

Nails and toenails, which are made solidly of a protein called keratin. They cover and protect sensitive fingertips and toes, and they play an important role in enhancing the strength of the hands and feet, helping to lift or move objects. When nails or toenails become broken, thin, or unhealthy, it can cause not only aesthetic concerns but also inconvenience in daily life.

 

However, if a bruise occurs after hitting the fingernail or toenail, blood can pool beneath the injured area, pressing on the skin and causing pain. This is called 'subungual hematoma,' and due to the characteristic of nails being much harder than skin, the blood does not naturally absorb and tends to remain for a long time. As the nail grows, the position of the bruise also moves upward, but the problem is that while the hematoma remains, continuous pressure can cause persistent pain.

 

Additionally, the bruised area may crack or peel away from the skin, and at this time, bacteria can enter through the gaps, potentially causing infection. Furthermore, if the root of the fingernail or toenail, that is, the growth plate area, is damaged when the finger or toe is injured, the new nail may grow in a distorted, uneven shape or may not grow back at all, so caution is necessary.

 

Go to the hospital to have the deceased's blood drawn... What if it's not just a simple bruise?

If the size of the bruise is small, the pain is not severe, and it appears that the toenails or fingernails are falling out as they grow, there is generally no need to worry. However, if the pain becomes severe after the bruise appears, or if the bruise is large, or if the nails are severely damaged to the point of lifting, it is advisable to visit a hospital for appropriate treatment.

 

At this stage, you can confirm whether there is a fracture in the finger or toe through X-ray or other examinations, then make a small hole in the damaged area to drain the accumulated blood below, providing pain relief. If you forcibly touch the damaged area at home with nail clippers, the risk of secondary infection increases, and there is also a possibility of nail deformation, so it is best to seek medical assistance from healthcare professionals at a hospital.

 

Even after treating bruises on the fingernails and toenails, it is important not to overuse the hands and feet during the recovery period. If you have injured your toenail, wear comfortable sneakers that do not put pressure on your toes as much as possible. If you have injured your fingernail, avoid actions that put pressure on your hand, such as lifting heavy objects. If unavoidable, ensure safety by wearing gloves or taking other measures to reduce impact on the hands.

 

Meanwhile, if enough time has passed for the fingernails or toenails to grow out but the bruise does not fade, it is advisable to check whether it is caused by another underlying condition. In cases of vasculitis, red or purple bleeding traces can be seen under the nails, and even as the nails grow, the bruise does not move or change color. If numerous black vertical lines appear or if the nails look completely black, it could be a type of skin cancer called melanoma. Early detection of melanoma generally leads to a better prognosis, and since the five-year survival rate exceeds 90% when the root is less than 1mm, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

 

An Se-jin, HiDoc Health and Medical Reporter, hidoceditor@mcircle.biz

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I have a somewhat clumsy personality, so I sometimes bump into corners and often get bruises on my nails.

I used to think that time would heal everything if I waited patiently, but now I realize I shouldn't neglect it.

I also learn about the unfamiliar disease name, called onychorrhexis.