A bruised fingernail

Probably, everyone has had such an unpleasant experience as a bruised nail at least once in their life. Wild, throbbing pain, a blue nail plate that slides off over time and does not grow back for a long time - it is not a pleasant sight. It is almost impossible to predict, let alone prevent, all situations: someone stepped on your foot or dropped something heavy, you yourself hit or pinched your finger on your foot or hand.

A nail bruise causes hematomas to form under the nail plate, which is visually displayed by the blue-black color of the injured area. What's worse, the impact can disrupt blood circulation and the nail will begin to fall off. The pain and bruise can be so severe that the person faints.

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Bruised toenail

A bruised toenail requires the most serious attitude. First, it is necessary to exclude damage to bones, tendons, serious complications of soft tissues. Second, pay attention to the nail plate, cut off the hanging edge of the nail, if necessary, fix the nail with a plaster. Such careful handling will reduce pain, make it easier to put on socks and shoes, and can help save the nail. Do not forget to change the plaster.

A bruised toenail restricts movement and requires adherence to the following rules:

• Apply ice immediately after the injury;
• exclude heat, do not warm up;
• try not to move for a day or two after the incident;
• hold the bruised finger up to prevent additional blood flow;
• no need to bandage your finger;
• When sleeping, cover yourself lightly to avoid putting additional pressure on the bruised fingernail;
• choose open-toed shoes or fairly spacious closed-toe shoes;
• shoes should have a hard, tire-like sole;
• Step carefully, without bending your finger.

Bruised fingernail

Injury to the fingernail is characterized by maximum pain, since the nail root area has many nerve endings. The sequence of first aid:

• apply ice or place in cold water;
• disinfect with hydrogen peroxide, iodine;
• fix the nail plate with a plaster when it comes off.

A severe nail bruise can be caused by doing housework. Disinfection in this case will not hurt either. Be especially attentive to the appearance of a bruise under the nail plate and the formation of a hematoma. A fingernail bruise is an unpleasant situation, especially for the female half. Hands are considered a calling card, and a black nail is unlikely to give a woman's hand a unique charm. To prevent the nail from slipping and not to live in anticipation of a new one, which can grow back quite deformed, you must act immediately. Remove the hematoma yourself or with the help of a specialist by releasing blood from it.

A woman can mask a small bruise on a fingernail with a change in its color with dark varnish, apply a gel polish that lasts up to 5 days. But a severe bruise on a nail can cause the accumulation of pus under it, which will require a visit to a doctor.

What to do if you bruise your nail?

No one is immune from bruises, so everyone should know how to provide first aid to themselves and their loved ones. For the most painless and quick recovery, it is necessary:

• direct a stream of ice water onto the bruised nail, which will help dissolve the hemorrhage;
• Place the nail in an ice bath for a few minutes, after wrapping it with a bandage. If necessary, repeat the pain-relieving procedure after 15 minutes;
• to prevent infection, treat the nail with iodine;
• to prevent swelling - make a mesh of iodine on your hand;
• if you notice signs of the nail plate peeling off from the tissue, secure it with a bandage or plaster (the adhesive part should not be adjacent to the nail itself) in case of possible fusion;
• a paper clip heated over a fire should be used to make a hole in the nail (in the place where the greatest accumulation of blood occurs) in order to reduce the hematoma, reduce pain, and also save the bruised nail from being rejected;
• provide the finger with complete rest.

Treatment of a bruised nail

The biggest problem with a bruise is hemorrhage, which lifts the nail plate, rejecting it. Therefore, if you cannot perform bloodletting on your own, you need to go to the hospital. This must be done quickly, before the blood under the nail has time to clot. A bruised toenail will cause discomfort when moving and will require long-term treatment, since it is not always possible to provide complete rest for the injured toenail. In rare situations, medication is prescribed with analgesics that reduce pain. Aspirin is used to relieve pain. It is possible to use compresses with dimexide, which must be diluted in half with water.

Heparin ointment for a bruised nail helps reduce inflammation, prevents blood clotting, and relieves pain. The ointment is applied several times a day in a thin layer, gently rubbing into the affected area.

Arnica - homeopathic ointment for a bruised nail has an anti-inflammatory effect, alleviates conditions with hematomas, improves blood supply. It should be used several times a day, can be in the form of a bandage. The duration of the course depends on the speed of recovery.

How to treat a bruised nail using folk methods?

A bruised nail is treated as follows:

• dry powder of the sponge is mixed with water until an elastic dough is formed and applied to the sore spot. Prevents the appearance of edema, hematoma. When the sponge dries, it will crumble by itself;
• plantain and yarrow leaves (you can use juice) are crushed in equal parts, a compress is made from the gruel wrapped in gauze;
• apply a bandage soaked in a solution of a glass of vinegar, a glass of wine and a teaspoon of salt to the bruised nail;
• Ointment for a bruised nail from healers - grind 30 g of black laundry soap, mix in equal parts with ammonia and camphor tree oil. Pour 50 ml of church lamp oil and a glass of turpentine into the composition;
• A severe bruise of the nail with the formation of pus is recommended to be dipped in a warm solution of a tablespoon of salt and soda, then treated with hydrogen peroxide.

How to treat a bruised nail if the condition worsens?

A severe nail contusion often causes fever, swelling and redness of the finger. If after three weeks the pain increases, or liquid discharge oozes from the finger, then you should immediately seek medical help. A fingernail contusion can lead to serious complications, including the loss of the finger itself. Therefore, it is recommended to take an X-ray to detect cracks and fractures.

After treatment, the nail grows back slowly, up to several months. A new nail begins to appear in place of the removed one after about a year. During this period, it is necessary to provide the necessary conditions for the growth of a new nail. Wear spacious shoes, avoid walking without shoes if we are talking about the foot. Work in the garden with gloves, avoid getting chemicals on your finger - if you lose a fingernail on your hand.

A nail bruise may remind of itself years later with a regrown, modified nail plate, greater sensitivity of the previously damaged finger, and a thinned nail surface. In cases of damage to the aesthetic appearance of the nail, you should contact a specialist at a nail salon.