Finger Subungual Hematoma: Understanding Purple Blood Blisters on Fingers

A subungual hematoma is a blood blister that forms beneath a fingernail or toenail. It is characterized by a purple or black discoloration of the nail. Subungual hematomas can be painful, especially if they are large or located under the nail matrix, the area where the nail grows.

Causes

Subungual hematomas are most commonly caused by trauma to the finger or toe. This can occur from a variety of activities, such as:

• Stubbing your toe
• Dropping something heavy on your finger
• Hitting your finger or toe with a hammer or other object
• Running or jumping in shoes that are too tight
• Participating in sports that involve repetitive finger or toe movements, such as basketball, soccer, or running

Symptoms

The primary symptom of a subungual hematoma is a purple or black discoloration of the nail. The blood blister may be small or large, and it may cover the entire nail or just a portion of it. Other symptoms may include:

• Pain, which can be mild to severe
• Swelling around the nail
• Bruising around the nail
• Difficulty moving the finger or toe

Diagnosis

A subungual hematoma is typically diagnosed based on a physical examination of the finger or toe. Your doctor may also order an X-ray to rule out any other underlying injuries, such as a fracture.

Treatment

The treatment for a subungual hematoma depends on the severity of the injury. For small hematomas, treatment may consist of simply protecting the nail from further injury. This can be done by wearing a fingerstall or toe guard.

For larger hematomas, your doctor may need to drain the blood blister. This is done by making a small incision in the nail and allowing the blood to drain. In some cases, your doctor may need to remove the nail to drain the hematoma.

Prognosis

Most subungual hematomas resolve within a few weeks. However, it may take several months for the nail to grow out completely and for the discoloration to disappear. In some cases, the nail may become permanently discolored or deformed.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to prevent subungual hematomas:

• Wear shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support.
• Use caution when handling heavy objects.
• Be careful when participating in activities that could put your fingers or toes at risk of injury.

Conclusion

Subungual hematomas are common injuries that can be painful and unsightly. However, they are typically not serious and will resolve within a few weeks. If you have a subungual hematoma, there are a few things you can do to relieve pain and promote healing.

FAQs

FAQs

1. What causes subungual hematomas?
   Subungual hematomas are most commonly caused by trauma to the finger or toe.

2. What are the symptoms of a subungual hematoma?
   The primary symptom is a purple or black discoloration of the nail. Other symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the finger or toe.

3. How is a subungual hematoma diagnosed?
   A subungual hematoma is typically diagnosed based on a physical examination of the finger or toe.

   

4. What is the treatment for a subungual hematoma?
   Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. For small hematomas, treatment may consist of simply protecting the nail from further injury. For larger hematomas, your doctor may need to drain the blood blister or remove the nail.

   

5. What is the prognosis for a subungual hematoma?
   Most subungual hematomas resolve within a few weeks. However, it may take several months for the nail to grow out completely and for the discoloration to disappear.

6. How can I prevent subungual hematomas?
   There are a few things you can do to prevent subungual hematomas: Wear shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support. Use caution when handling heavy objects. Be careful when participating in activities that could put your fingers or toes at risk of injury.

7. Can subungual hematomas be serious?
   In most cases, subungual hematomas are not serious. However, they can be painful and unsightly. In some cases, the nail may become permanently discolored or deformed.

8. How can I relieve the pain of a subungual hematoma?
   There are a few things you can do to relieve the pain of a subungual hematoma: Apply ice to the area. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Rest the injured finger or toe.