Your caregiver may ask when you first saw the change in your nail. He may also ask about your activities and any medicines you are taking. Your caregiver will look at your nail to see how much blood has collected under it. He may take very small pieces of your nail to test for blood. He may check the sensations (how well you feel things) of your fingertips or toes. He may also check the blood flow to your nail bed by pinching it so it turns white. He will then let go to see how fast it gets pink again. You may also need any of the following:
- Biopsy: The whole nail or a part of it may be removed and sent to a lab for tests. This may help your caregiver learn the cause of your hematoma.
- Dermoscopy: This procedure uses a special hand-held microscope called a dermoscope. It will help your caregiver see any injury to your nail much better.
- X-ray: You may need x-rays of your hand or foot. This allows your caregiver to see if any of your bones were broken during the injury.