If you have a small subungual hematoma, it may get better on its own. Keep your hand or foot raised above the level of your heart to help decrease swelling and pain. Place ice wrapped in a towel on your finger or toe for 20 minutes every hour. You may also need any of the following:
- Medicine:
- Digit block: A digit block is a shot of pain medicine that makes you lose feeling. You may need this if your pain continues or is getting worse. A digit block may also be used to make you lose feeling in an area before a procedure is done.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
- Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.
- Tetanus shot: This is medicine to keep you from getting tetanus. It is given as a shot. You should have a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the past 5 to 10 years. Your arm can get red, swollen, and sore after getting this shot.
- Digit block: A digit block is a shot of pain medicine that makes you lose feeling. You may need this if your pain continues or is getting worse. A digit block may also be used to make you lose feeling in an area before a procedure is done.
- Splint: Your caregiver may put a splint on your finger or toe. A splint will prevent movement and protect your injury so it can heal.
- Surgery: If your hematoma is under more than half your nail, you may need to have your nail removed. Your nail bed may also need to be repaired. If you have a fracture, you may need to have the bone put back into place.
- Trephination: Your caregiver may make very small holes in your nail to drain the blood and decrease your pain. He may use a hot paper clip, small drill, needle, laser, or surgical blade to make the holes. After draining the blood, he may put a dry, tight bandage over your finger or toe. The bandage may help pull out any more blood from under the nail and protect you from infection.