If you smash your finger and it turns black, it may indicate that the damaged tissue is going through a process called necrosis. Necrosis is a type of tissue death caused by injury or disease which is associated with a darkening of the affected tissue.
This darkening occurs when dead cells begin to accumulate. The area of your finger which has experienced this tissue death can then become swollen, painful, cold and stiff. In addition, the area may also become discolored and eventually start to form a blister or scab.
It is important to seek prompt medical attention if your finger is black and/or you experience any increased swelling or pain as this may indicate a more serious injury. Your doctor can then determine the best course of action in order to help you heal.
In some cases, the doctor may recommend antibiotics to help prevent an infection, or surgery to remove damaged tissue. Additionally, there are several things you can do to help reduce swelling and pain, including applying a cold pack, elevating the finger, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
How do you know if a smashed finger is serious?
In general, if you have a smashed finger, you should seek medical attention to properly assess the injury. In some cases, a smashed finger may require medical treatment or a cast in order for the finger to heal correctly.
If the smashed finger causes you to feel a lot of pain when moved or touched, it may be a sign of a more serious injury such as a dislocation or fracture. If you are feeling numbness or tingling, or if the finger appears crooked or is unable to move, it is important to see a doctor for an evaluation.
Signs of a serious injury could include bruising or discoloration in the area of the finger, swelling or bleeding from the finger, signs of infection such as warmth or redness, or an open wound. If you have any of these signs or have extreme pain, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Why is my finger nail turning black after injury?
It is possible that your finger nail turning black after injury may be a sign of a nail bed injury or subungual hematoma. This occurs when blood has pooled beneath the nail due to an impact on the finger or injury to the nail bed.
The pressure of the pooled blood causes the nail to turn black or blue-black. Subungual hematomas may also be caused by a disease process. In some cases, an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, psoriasis, or circulation problems can cause the nail to turn black.
In addition, bacterial, fungal, or viral infections can cause the nail to darken or become discolored, resulting in blackening of the nail. Treatment for a subungual hematoma depends on the severity of the injury.
If the nail bed is still intact and there is no significant pain or discomfort, the injury may heal on its own over time. If the pain persists or the hematoma is large and affecting your daily life, your doctor may recommend drainage of the hematoma.
If the nail bed is damaged, the entire nail may need to be removed. In this case, a new nail will eventually grow back.
What happens if you have a black finger?
If you have a black finger, it may indicate that you have an injury or bruise. When a finger bruises or is injured, the area may become swollen and discolored. It’s a sign that a blood vessel has been damaged, and the area is filled with blood.
Depending on the extent of the injury, the finger may be hot to the touch and cause pain. A blackening of the skin could indicate a more serious injury that may be associated with broken bones, tissue damage, or infection.
It is important to seek medical attention if the finger remains black or swollen for more than a few days or becomes extremely painful. A doctor can assess the situation to determine the exact cause of the injury and make a plan for treatment.
Will a black fingernail always fall off?
No, a black fingernail will not always fall off. Depending on the cause of the black discoloration, the treatment can vary and the nail may not need to be removed. Causes of black fingernails are typically due to Melanonychia (excessive pigmentation) and Subungual Hematoma (bruised nail).
Melanonychia is benign, meaning it is not dangerous, and typically resolves over time, so no treatment is necessary. Subungual Hematoma occurs when trauma to the nail causes bleeding under the nail, which can then make the nail appear black.
Treatment would involve draining the blood from beneath the nail and potential removal of the nail, depending on the severity of the trauma.
Will my black nail go back to normal?
Yes, it is possible for your black nail to go back to normal. If the cause of the discoloration is a minor nail injury, a fungus, or a reaction to a medication, the nail will grow out and be replaced by a healthy nail.
However, if the discoloration is caused by an infection or another underlying medical condition, your doctor may need to prescribe a topical medication or oral antifungal medication to help treat and resolve the issue.
If a fungal infection is the underlying cause of the black nail, treatment may include antifungal medication, topical medication, or debridement (removal of the discolored nail). Additionally, proper nail care can help prevent the spread of infection and further discoloration.
This includes avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces, washing hands regularly, and keeping nails clean and dry at all times. Furthermore, making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, increasing exercise, and managing stress can also contribute to the overall improvement of your nail health.
How do I get rid of black blood under my nail?
There are several possible methods for getting rid of black blood under a fingernail.
The first and most straightforward solution is to simply trim off the affected area of the nail. If the black blood is near the edge of the nail or nail bed, this should be done using sterile nail clippers, as this will help to avoid further contamination.
If the black blood is deeper beneath the nail, a solution such as hydrogen peroxide or Epsom salts can be used to soften the nail before attempting to trim the affected area. To do this, prepare a solution of hydrogen peroxide or Epsom salts in a bowl and carefully submerge the affected areas for about 20 minutes.
This should soften the nail and make the affected area easier to clip away.
Once the area has been trimmed, an antibiotic ointment can be applied to the affected area to help prevent infection. After the area has been cleaned, make sure to cover the area with a clean bandage and avoid scratching at the affected area until it has fully healed.
If the area does not heal or if there are signs of infection, consult with a doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible.
How long does a smashed finger take to heal?
It really depends on the severity of the injury. If the finger is just bruised or slightly cut, it may only take a few days to a week to recover. If the finger is more seriously injured, such as broken or fractured, it may take several weeks to several months.
During this time, it is important to keep the injury clean, elevate the finger (when possible), take anti-inflammatory medication and wear a splint or wrap to support the injury. It is also important to keep the finger immobilized to prevent further injury, and to make sure the bone has enough time to heal.
If the injury does not start to improve after a couple of weeks, or if the joint is completely immobile and/or there is a visible deformity, it is recommended to seek medical attention.
Is it OK to leave blood under nail?
No, it is not OK to leave blood under your nail. If you have a wound that is close to the nail or under the nail and it bleeds, it is best to keep the wound clean and dry. This is important to avoid any infection.
It is also important to remember that nails should never be cut too close to the skin, as this can cause more damage and increase the risk of infection. Additionally, if you’re noticing persistent and abnormal bleeding under your nails, it’s important to talk to your doctor, as this could be a sign of some underlying health issue.
When should I be concerned about a smashed fingernail?
If you have smashed your fingernail, you should be concerned if the nail is particularly painful, swollen, or if the underlying nail bed appears to be injured. If the nail is extremely painful, tender, or discolored, it could be a sign of infection in the nail, which is especially likely if the nail is bruised or has been completely removed.
In these cases, it is best to seek medical attention. Additionally, if the pain does not subside within a few days, or if the nail is discolored or has other visible signs of injury, medical attention should be sought.
In rare cases, further treatment may be necessary after an examination, such as antibiotics or a minor procedure to remove an infected nail.
What happens if you don’t drain blood under nail?
If you don’t drain blood from beneath a nail, it can cause further complications. The blood that accumulates around the nail will cause it to become more swollen and tender, and increase the chances of infection.
The pressure and lack of air circulation can also cause the nail bed to become damaged, leading to changes in the color and shape of the nail. In extreme cases, a hematoma may develop, which is a collection of blood beneath the skin that can be very painful and difficult to treat.
If a hematoma develops, it can cause permanent disfigurement and disability. Additionally, failing to drain the blood can also impact the healing process, leading to a more drawn-out recovery as well as more potential for further damage.
For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention in order to have the area treated, particularly if the swelling or discoloration persists.
What will a doctor do for a smashed fingernail?
If you have a smashed fingernail, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the injury your doctor may take a variety of approaches.
First, they may clean and bandage your finger to prevent infection and reduce pain. While doing this, they will assess the degree of damage to the nail and the underlying tissue. They may examine the bone and ligaments under the nail and may decide to take an x-ray.
If the injury is severe, your doctor may choose to remove the fingernail. This is a relatively simple procedure that can be done with a local anesthetic. Your doctor may also suggest draining any pus that has accumulated around the nail or prescribe antibiotics.
If the nail cannot be removed, your doctor may suggest techniques to help it reattach or accelerate the healing process. They may also prescribe medication to minimize pain and inflammation.
It is important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions and go to scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure your finger is healing properly. If your finger does not start improving, your doctor may suggest further treatments.
Should I go to the doctor for a bruised nail?
It depends on the severity of the bruise and your comfort level with the injury. Generally, a simple bruise on your nail is not serious and can usually be treated at home with simple home remedies. You should soak the affected finger in warm water with Epsom salt for 10-15 minutes, several times a day and elevate the hand to reduce the swelling.
Also making sure to keep the nail completely dry and clean will help treat the bruise. Applying an antibiotic ointment over the bruise and wearing a loose bandage over it will also help.
However, if the bruise appears to be worsening and the nail is changing color or becoming separated from the nail bed, or if the nail is severely cracked or splitting, then you should visit your doctor or urgent care facility for further examination and treatment.
Why is the blood under my nail black?
It is common for the skin and nails of the fingers or toes to appear black when blood becomes trapped underneath them. This is known as subungual hematoma. It is typically caused by an injury that causes trauma to the bone or nail bed such as by dropping something on your toe, stubbing your toe, or banging your finger.
The damage causes bleeding underneath the nail that cannot normally escape and thus creates an area of discolored, hardened blood. It is most commonly seen in the thumb, index, and middle fingers and sometimes in the big toe.
The black discoloration of the nail can take anywhere from one to three weeks to fully go away and can be very painful. In order to reduce pain, drain the hematoma, and help speed healing, a physician or podiatrist may need to create a small hole in the nail to release the trapped blood.
In some cases, medication to reduce inflammation or promote healing may also be prescribed. It is important to seek treatment from a medical professional if the pain persists and to avoid any activities that could put further strain on the affected area.
How serious is a smashed finger?
A smashed finger can be a potentially serious injury depending on how and how severely it is damaged. If a finger is hit hard or crushed as a result of an accident or injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to evaluate the potential for broken bones and other internal damage.
Severely smashed fingers may require surgical repair in order to repair and reattach tissue, tendons, nerves and other components of the digit and to ensure correct alignment and healing. If left untreated, a smashed finger can lead to long term complications, loss of hand strength and nerve damage.
In less serious cases, a smashed finger may be treated with a splint or strap to reduce movement and avoid further injury, then, after a period of time, checked for any potential complications before healing can be properly monitored.
