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May 25, 2013
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Subungual Hematoma (Bleeding Under Nail) (cont.)

Medical Author:
Scott D Fell, DO, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP
Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP
Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Subungual Hematoma Prognosis

  • After the subungual hematoma is drained, the pressure beneath the nail is relieved, and the pain decreases significantly.
  • The hole formed in the nail will obviously remain and grow out at the rate that the nail normally grows.
  • One possible risk and long-term complication of a subungual hematoma is a nail bed laceration (cut).
    • If trauma is severe (for example, an open wound of the surrounding soft tissue including the nail and nail bed), the nail bed laceration can be stitched closed after the nail is partially or completely removed.
    • If the skin beneath the nail is lacerated, similar to any other skin cut, it may not heal properly.
    • This complication can result in deformity of the nail and the nail growth.
    • The deformity may be temporary and go away after the nail grows out, or it may be permanent, and you may have an obviously deformed nail forever.
    • If you do not seek medical attention at all for a subungual hematoma (not recommended), and sometimes even if you do, and a significant injury occurs under the nail, the nail may completely fall off as it grows out as part of the natural healing process.
    • Despite best efforts by doctors and yourself at home, nail deformity and permanent abnormalities can result from such injuries.

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Subungual Hematoma (Bleeding Under Nail) - Causes

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What was the cause of your subungual hematoma?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Hand, Subungual Hematoma Drainage »

Subungual hematomas are common nail bed injuries caused by blunt or sharp trauma to the fingers or toes.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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