Injury to a nail

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Injury to a nail

Fingernails and toenails are often injured when the fingers or toes are smashed, bashed, or crushed. These injuries usually aren't serious but may be very painful.

You can relieve the throbbing and pain caused by bleeding under the nail by draining the blood from under the nail. If you do not feel confident or comfortable doing this at home, a health professional can do it for you.

You may have a more serious injury to your finger or toe if draining blood from under the nail does not give you immediate pain relief. You may require medical care.

Diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and an immune system problem can cause reduced blood flow and loss of feeling in the feet. An untreated nail injury can lead to infection, foot ulcers, and other serious problems.

Credits

Author	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Editor	Alison Allen
Editor	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated	January 12, 2007

Last updated:	January 12, 2007
Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer

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