Your Care Instructions

A subungual hematoma is blood under a fingernail or toenail. It is caused by hitting the nail with an object such as a hammer or pinching it in a door or drawer. The hematoma can cause throbbing pain in the injured finger or toe.

The doctor may have relieved the pain by making a small hole in your child's nail. This lets the blood drain out. Your child may have had a shot to prevent a tetanus infection.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Raise the arm or leg with the sore nail. Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your child's doctor if you can give an over-the-counter medicine.
• Do not give a child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• If the nail falls off, soak your child's finger or toe in soapy water daily. After soaking, dry your child's finger or toe. Cover it with a bandage.