What is Subungual Hematoma

Subungual hematoma means there is blood that gathers under a fingernail or toenail. A blue or dark blue color is seen under the nail. You may have pain or throbbing in the finger or toe.

Follow these instructions at home:

• If directed, put ice on the area.
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Raise (elevate) the injured finger or toe above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down. Doing this will help with pain and swelling.
• If part of your nail falls off, gently trim the rest of the nail.
• Follow instructions from your doctor about how to take care of your injury. Make sure you:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before you change your bandage (dressing). If you cannot use soap and water, use hand sanitizer.
  • Change your bandage as told by your doctor.
  • Leave stitches (sutures) in place. You may have these if your doctor fixed a cut under the nail. The stitches may need to stay in place for 2 weeks or longer.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• Your medicine does not help with your pain.
• There is redness, swelling, or pain around your nail.

Get help right away if:

• You have fluid, blood, or pus coming from your nail.
• You have a fever.