Subungual hematoma
A subungual hematoma is a bruise ( hematoma ) under the nail ( unguis in Latin ) of a finger or a toe .
Emergence
A subungual hematoma can occur as a result of brief, blunt force applied to the nail, such as a hammer blow or a fingernail being trapped in the door. Subungual hematomas on the toes can also be caused by repeated shocks and prolonged bruises, such as those that occur when hiking or running in tight footwear.
Consequences and treatment
The visible bleeding under the nail is often associated with a rise in the nail plate. It often leads to complaints in the form of a pulse-dependent throbbing sensation and often causes considerable pain because of the very sensitive nail bed.
A smaller subungual hematoma usually heals on its own without further treatment, provided the nail is not further stressed. But it can also happen that the nail comes off partially or completely. In this case, it makes sense to fix it and keep it as a cover for the epithelial layer ( hyponychium ) below it , in order to prevent it from becoming keratinized . If the thin, regrowing nail has to grow in a wave-like manner against a horny layer instead of on a sliding layer, this can lead to permanent nail deformities.
In the case of increasing pain, it may be necessary to relieve the nail, for example by piercing it with a sterile needle ( trephination ). The perforation should be outside of the nail lunula.
Synonyms
Blue tit is an Austrian dialect term for a subungual hematoma.
Web links
Individual evidence
- Jump up ↑ Blue toenail from hiking: causes and treatment. In: Bergzeit Magazin. March 21, 2019, accessed January 14, 2020 .
- ↑ Bruising under the nail. Retrieved January 14, 2020 .
- ^ DocCheck Medical Services GmbH: Subungual hematoma. Retrieved January 14, 2020 .
- ↑ Our dialects are the most popular! - Gailtal Journal OnlineGailtal Journal Online - Carinthia. Retrieved January 14, 2020 (German).