A nail bed injury is any damage to the tissue and bone located under the fingernail. This can include bleeding, tearing, and breaking of the nail. Such injuries often cause extreme pain and discomfort and can lead to infection or other complications.

Boston Hand to Shoulder treats patients in Boston suffering from nail bed injuries with a variety of treatments, depending on the severity of the injury. If you have sustained a nail bed injury, make an appointment with one of our hand specialists today.

Symptoms

There are various types of nail bed injuries, making for a wide spectrum of symptoms. Common symptoms include:

  • Swelling in the nail and surrounding area.
  • Bleeding around the nail.
  • Throbbing pain in the nail area, limiting finger use.
  • Blood pooling under the nail.
  • Grooves across the nail.
  • The nail pulling away from the nail bed.

Upon notice of any of the above, you should make an appointment with a hands specialist. Without prompt treatment, nail bed injuries may worsen over time, leading to complications.

Nail Bed Injury Classification

Nail bed injuries vary and are therefore classified into three categories. These are:

  • Subungual Hematoma: This is when blood becomes trapped under the nail. This can cause throbbing pain and for the nail to turn black and blue.
  • Nail Bed Laceration: This is a cut that penetrates the skin around or under the nail.
  • Nail Bed Avulsion: This is when the nail is fully or partially torn away from the nail bed.

Recommended treatment will depend on which of these categories your nail bed injury is classified as.

Nail Bed Injury Treatment

Nail bed injury treatment will vary based on the nature of the injury. A hand specialist will be able to determine which treatment is right for you.

Cleaning, Bandaging, and Rest

Some minor lacerations to the nail bed may only require for the injury to be properly cleaned and bandaged by a hand specialist. Rest after the procedure will promote healing.

Trephination

In cases of subungual hematoma, where blood is trapped under the nail, the blood must be drained from under the nail. This is done through a procedure called trephination, where a small hole is drilled in the nail by a hand specialist.

Nail Removal

In cases of severe nail avulsion, where the nail has been pulled away from the nail bed, the best treatment is often the full removal of the nail by a hand specialist. This allows a new nail to grow correctly.

Nail Bed Injury Healing Time

Nail bed injury healing time varies greatly, depending on the nature of the injury. Small lacerations may only take a few weeks. If a nail must be fully removed, it can take up to 6 months for it to fully regrow. A hand specialist will be able to give you an accurate estimate of healing time for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a nail take to regrow?

If only a part of the nail is missing, regrowth may be complete in as little as 1-2 months. If the nail is fully removed, regrowth can take up to 6 months.

How do I know if my nail is infected?

Symptoms of an infected nail include discoloration, the presence of puss, pain and reddening and swelling around the nail. If you suspect infection, medical help should be sought immediately.

Can a nail bed injury cause permanent damage?

While a nail bed injury can cause permanent damage, particularly if the injury is severe and affects the germinal matrix (the growth center of the nail), this is unlikely. A hand specialist can usually prevent any permanent damage.

When should I seek treatment for a nail bed injury?

Treatment should be sought immediately if an injury does not resolve within 1-3 days or if there is severe pain, limiting your ability to use your finger.