Nail Trauma
We see nail trauma every day. From stubs, to your pet stepping on your toe, all trauma can have lasting impacts on your nail health.
Toenail trauma ranges from minor bruising (subungual hematoma) to complete nail loss.
For immediate first aid, wash the area with soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a bandage. Elevate your foot and use ice to reduce throbbing and swelling. Do not pull off a loose nail.
After any trauma, we want to see you as soon as possible. If you've injured your toe, call us to schedule or visit our walk in clinic.
When you come in with trauma, we begin with x-rays to assess the damage and potential breaks. Then, our skilled providers will examine the toe to determine what level of treatment is needed.
Types of Trauma
Subungual Hematoma: Blood pools beneath the nail plate, turning it black, blue, or purple. If the pooled blood covers more than half the nail, it can cause severe, throbbing pain.
Nail Avulsion: The nail partially or completely separates from the nail bed.
Laceration / Splitting: The nail cracks, shatters, or deeply cuts the surrounding skin
Signs for Concern
Of course we want to see you ASAP, but if you've put treatment off - these are symptoms that you should keep an eye out for:
Severe, throbbing pain: This may indicate a large subungual hematoma that needs to be drained to relieve pressure.
Signs of infection: Redness, swelling, warmth, or pus draining from the nail bed.
Underlying conditions: You have diabetes, poor circulation, or an impaired immune system.
Deformities: The new nail is growing back misshapen or exceptionally thick (often confused with fungus).
Common Causes
Direct Impact: Stubbing your toe, dropping a heavy object on it, or getting stepped on.
Repetitive Pressure: Running, hiking, or wearing ill-fitting shoes that cause your toes to continuously hit the front of the toe box.
Friction: Constant rubbing against the shoe often results in a "black toenail"