Fingernails and toenails often
get crunched, bashed, or smashed. These injuries usually aren't too
serious, but if there is bleeding under the nail, the pressure can be very
painful. The only way to relieve the throbbing and pain is by making a hole
in the nail to drain the blood.
Draining is helpful only if you
have severe, throbbing pain (you can feel the pulse beating under the nail)
that is bad enough to keep you from sleeping. If you aren't having a lot
of pain, draining the nail is not recommended.
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| Use a red-hot paper clip to relieve
the pain caused by blood under a fingernail or toenail. |
Apply ice and elevate the injured area as soon as possible
to minimize swelling and relieve pain. Acetaminophen will also ease
discomfort.
If you have severe, throbbing pain, make a hole in
the nail to relieve the pressure. (Do not do this unless you are confident
you can do it without burning yourself. Do not do this if you have
diabetes or circulation problems.) Follow these steps:
Straighten a paper clip and
heat the tip in a flame until it
is red-hot.
Place the tip of the paper clip on the nail and
let it melt through. You do not need to push. This will not be
painful, because the nail has no nerves. Go slowly and reheat
the clip as necessary. A thick nail may take several tries.
As soon as the hole is complete, blood will escape
and the pain will be relieved. If your pain is not relieved by
this procedure, you may have a more serious injury, such as a
broken finger or toe or a deep cut. In this case, you should see
your doctor.
Soak the finger 3 times a day in a half-and-half
mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water.
If the pressure builds up again in
a few days, repeat the procedure, using the same hole.
If blood under a nail is causing severe pain and you
are not willing to drain the blood from the nail yourself.
If you drained the blood from under the nail, but your
fingertip or the tip of your toe still hurts a lot.
If you smashed your toenail and you have a condition
such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, which decreases blood
flow to the feet.
If signs of infection develop:
Increased pain, swelling, redness, or tenderness.
Heat or red streaks extending from the injured
area.
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Fever of 37.8°C (100°F) or higher with
no other cause.
If your nail has torn or separated from the nail bed
and you need help removing it.
