Will My Nail Fall Off?
Yesterday, I (a 24-year-old male) accidentally caught my finger in a wooden sliding door. Tonight, I woke up feeling a significant amount of pain localized under my nail. The injury seems to only affect the tip, and I don’t think it’s broken, but I did notice a blotch of blood forming beneath the nail. Am I at risk of losing the nail? Currently, I’m traveling in Asia, and the local physician I consulted was hesitant to drill into my nail due to a lack of appropriate tools. So far, I've only managed to take some paracetamol for the pain. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :( (check the comments for updates)
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 10:30:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with quite a painful situation after injuring your finger. Given the formation of blood beneath your nail (a condition called subungual hematoma), there's a chance your nail may become loose or fall off, especially if the pressure from the blood remains. However, many people do keep their nails after similar injuries, depending on the severity.
Explanation:
When you injure your finger, particularly at the tip, it can cause bleeding under the nail. This can lead to significant pain due to pressure buildup. Your case seems to involve a localized injury to the nail bed, which, if left untreated, might put your nail at risk if the pressure isn't relieved.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If the pain worsens or if you notice swelling, it could be a sign of infection or that the injury is more severe.
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Pain Management: In addition to paracetamol, consider using an ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) on the area for 15-20 minutes every hour to help reduce pain and swelling.
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Avoid Pressure: Try to keep the finger elevated and protected from further injury. Avoid using that hand for heavy activities until the pain subsides.
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Seek Appropriate Care: If the pain persists or you notice increasing blood under the nail, seek out a healthcare provider who can potentially relieve the pressure (drilling the nail) or assess the injury further. A medical professional in an area where you're traveling may have better tools than the one you saw.
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Follow-Up After Travel: Once you return home, consider having the injury evaluated again if your symptoms do not improve or if the nail falls off. Keep the area clean and watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or pus.
I know this is uncomfortable, especially while traveling. Taking these steps should help you manage the situation as best as possible. If you have more updates or questions, feel free to share!
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