Bleeding Under Nail

1. When to See a Health Care Provider

Go to an emergency room or call a health care provider immediately if:

• The finger or toe is deformed. It may be broken.
• A nearby joint was also injured.
• More than a quarter of the nail is discolored or there is continuing, intense pain.
• Signs of infection develop, such as pus, redness, or heat around the nail, or a red streak extends from the wound.

2. Reduce Swelling and Pain

• If less than a quarter of the nail is discolored and pain is manageable, home treatment may be enough.
• For swelling, ice and elevate the area.
• For pain, give over-the-counter pain medication.

3. Follow Up

• If you seek medical help, the doctor may make a small hole in the nail to drain blood and reduce pressure. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed to treat injury.

SOURCES:

University of Pennsylvania Health System Orthopaedic Journal: "Emergency Room Treatment of the Hand."

Children's Hospital, Denver: "Finger Injury."

University of Michigan: "Nail Problems and Injuries."