How long does it take for a bruise nail to heal?
The discolored nail will eventually grow out — or in some cases, it may fall off or need to be removed — and be replaced by a new, healthy one. It could take anywhere from 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow out or 12 to 18 months for a toenail, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Can you bruise a nail bed?
A subungual hematoma is when blood gets trapped under your nail bed. It’s usually caused by your nail getting crushed or hit by a heavy object. Symptoms include throbbing pain and your nail turning black and blue. This usually looks like a bruise under your nail.
Does a bruised nail fall off?
Treating a bruised fingernail When a bruise develops under the fingernail, pressure can build up and cause pain. If this pressure becomes severe, the fingernail may fall off. In most cases, though, your fingernail will remain in place, but you may notice discoloration around the site of the injury.
How do you treat nail trauma?
Treatment for a subungual hematoma is aimed at relieving pressure by draining the blood trapped under the nail. For a small hematoma, you can heat a needle or the end of a paper clip until it is red-hot. Using gentle pressure, the hot tip can penetrate the nail, creating a small hole through which blood can drain.
Can a damaged nail bed be fixed?
More serious injuries may be treated with surgery and/or need splinting. Some nail bed injuries can be fully repaired, and your nail could return to normal. However, some severe injuries may result in a deformed nail.
How do you heal a nail bed?
Keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail bed is firm or the nail has grown back. Apply a new adhesive bandage whenever the bandage gets wet. Watch for signs of infection such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus.
Will damaged nail bed grow back?
After a nail separates from the nail bed for whatever reason, it will not reattach. A new nail will have to grow back in its place. Nails grow back slowly. It takes about 6 months for a fingernail and up to 18 months for a toenail to grow back.
How do you treat a swollen bruised finger?
Management and Treatment
- Rest: Let your finger rest, if possible.
- Ice: Ice the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, especially within the first 24 hours.
- Compression: Wrap an elastic compression bandage around the injured joint to support it and reduce swelling.
How do you treat an exposed nail bed?
Protect any exposed part of the nail bed for 7 to 10 days until this skin hardens and isn’t sensitive anymore. Coat the area with antibiotic ointment and top with a nonstick bandage. Change the bandage every day and whenever it gets wet. (If any part gets stuck, soak it under warm running water until it slips off.)
Will a damaged nail bed grow back?
Fingernails can regrow entirely in three to six months. Fingers or toes that have sustained injuries that affect the nail bed and the matrix grow more slowly than unaffected nails for about three months.
Will a damaged nail bed heal?
Medical treatments Minor nail bed injuries, including subungual hematomas, often heal on their own, especially when no other injuries are present. Receiving professional treatment can help ensure that the nail bed heals appropriately, forming a smooth surface on which the new nail can grow.