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Does The Subungual Hematoma Need Drainage?

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Posted on Mon, 15 Dec 2014
Question: Does this need drained? My son is not complaining of it hurting only when you touch it.
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Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Increasing pain to touch might need drainage by doctor.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Sorry to hear about your little one hurting himself. As mentioned, I hope he in not having much pain and discomfort.

From what can be seen in the picture, your son is most likely having a Subungual hematoma, which is a collection of blood under the nail plate. In the absence of pain, nothing is usually done. However, since the boy is having pain on touch, it might be due to the resultant pressure creating significant pain.

For such an injury, if the pain is increasing, this might be due to the collection of blood under the nail with build up of pressure causing the pain. In such cases, under aseptic precautions and after applying anesthesia, a small hole is made on the nail surface by the doctor to drain the blood. This gives relief and the area must be checked the next few days for any signs of infection. The doctor will usually prescribe a pain reliever and antibiotic course for some days.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

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Does The Subungual Hematoma Need Drainage?

Brief Answer: Increasing pain to touch might need drainage by doctor. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for writing in to us. I have read through your query in detail. Sorry to hear about your little one hurting himself. As mentioned, I hope he in not having much pain and discomfort. From what can be seen in the picture, your son is most likely having a Subungual hematoma, which is a collection of blood under the nail plate. In the absence of pain, nothing is usually done. However, since the boy is having pain on touch, it might be due to the resultant pressure creating significant pain. For such an injury, if the pain is increasing, this might be due to the collection of blood under the nail with build up of pressure causing the pain. In such cases, under aseptic precautions and after applying anesthesia, a small hole is made on the nail surface by the doctor to drain the blood. This gives relief and the area must be checked the next few days for any signs of infection. The doctor will usually prescribe a pain reliever and antibiotic course for some days. Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek