Symptoms
Bleeding under the fingernail or toenail manifests as a bruise, a dark red, purple to black discoloration, and is often accompanied by severe pulsating pain. The nail plate may become detached from the nail bed.
Causes
The cause is hemorrhage in the nail bed, often caused by mechanical trauma, such as bruising. This can also result in a fracture of the finger bone.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made in medical treatment based on the patient’s history, physical examination, imaging techniques (X-ray due to a possible fracture), and clinical presentation.
Treatment
Under medical treatment, the blood can be removed through a hole in the nail plate (trephination). The nail may need to be removed and the tissue restored. Pain may be treated with cold or pain medications.
