After the bleeding finally stopped, I was left with a cracked and bruised fingernail.
My first inclination was to cover up the ugly wound with agel manicure.
(Yes, thats my vanity showing.)
Thais Ramos Varela/Adobe Stock
But it turns out, that is the worst thing to do.
Heres what you should probably know.
What causes nail bruising?
National Library of Medicine.
So when were discussing a nail bruise, were really talking about a nailplatebruise.
The official name for this is a subungual hematoma, according to theAmerican Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
That pretty much just means a blood blister under the nail.
What should I do if I bruise my fingernail?
When the injury first happens, you’re free to take care of any immediate first aid needs.
Speaking of…
When should I see a doctor?
As for a cracked nail, youll have to wait for the damage to grow out.
What are the signs of a fingernail infection?
If its green, thats another sign that there is bacteria in there.
There might also be persistent pain that just doesn’t wane.
These symptoms are all signs it’s crucial that you see a doctor.
These are signs that the infection has spread to the bloodstream, which can lead to sepsis.
What should I do if my fingernail starts falling off (or falls off completely)?
Yes, your fingernail falling off is a thing that can happen, so its good to be prepared.
After an acute trauma, your nail may turn black and seem like it’s barely hanging on.
kindly, kindly, dont pull it off.
you’re able to cut it down, but let the injury grow out on its own.
Leave it alone, because there is new nail growing underneath, says Dr. Lain.
The new nail will push up the old nail, and it will come off when its ready.
(Kind of sounds like something out of ahorror movie, right?)
Can I get a manicure with a bruised fingernail?
The answer is yeswith a few precautions.
That said, you should put a pause on your gel manicure habit.
Above all, both derms say to avoid the nail salon.
Its best to stick toDIY manicuresuntil the nail has grown out.
Luckily, were avoiding nail salons right now anyway, right?
