Damage to the sensitive tissue underneath the fingernail, which is responsible for nail growth and anchoring the nail to the finger. These injuries are very common and may occur with or without a fracture of the fingertip bone (distal phalanx).
If left untreated, they can lead to permanent nail deformities, including nail splitting, lifting or abnormal growth, and pressure sensitivity affecting long-term finger function.
Is this an emergency?
Nail bed injuries can range from minor injuries that can be managed conservatively to more significant injuries requiring prompt assessment and treatment.
Urgent assessment may be needed if there is a suspected fracture or deformity, the nail has been partially or completely removed, or there is a large haematoma (blood trapped beneath the nail).
Please contact 1300HANDOC for advice and further instructions.
- Pain and tenderness
- Subungual haematoma (bleeding underneath the nail)
- Visible cuts, cracks or laceration to the fingernail
- Swelling and bruising
- Deformity of the finger
- Crushing mechanisms
- Cutting or slicing mechanisms
- Penetration of a foreign body
- Hitting objects
- Animal bites
- History and mechanism of injury
- Clinical examination
- X-ray
Treatment recommendations depend on the extent of the nail bed injury and whether there is an associated open wound or fracture.
- Conservative treatment may be recommended for minor injuries where there is minimal damage to the nail bed or surrounding structures.
- Surgery may be required for nail bed lacerations, significant subungual haematomas, or associated fractures to repair the nail bed and prevent long-term nail deformity.
If you have sustained a nail bed injury, please call 1300HANDOC. We can discuss the treatment recommendations based on the injury.
1300 426 362