Blood blister under the nail
This is also known as a subungual haematoma. If you notice dark discolouration under your nail, it may be a blood blister. The nail may lift away from the nail bed, but there is often a new nail growing underneath.
It is particularly painful when pressure is applied to the nail, for example by a shoe.
The treatment involves piercing the nail to relieve the pressure beneath it. Other therapies used include felt therapies. Advice on wound care may also be provided. If the nail becomes detached as a result of this problem, the podiatrist will monitor the nail’s regrowth.
The expected outcome is good. The haematoma usually disappears after a few months.
What is it?
This is also known as a subungual haematoma. If you notice a dark discolouration under your nail, it may be a blood blister. The nail may become detached from the nail bed, but there is often a new nail growing underneath. It is particularly painful when pressure is applied to the nail, for example from a shoe.
A treatment
The treatment involves piercing the nail to relieve the pressure beneath it. Other therapies used include felt therapies. Advice on wound care may also be provided. If the nail becomes detached as a result of this problem, the podiatrist will monitor the nail’s regrowth.
The result
The expected outcome is good. The haematoma usually disappears after a few months.
