Bruising in the Nail Bed: What to Know

A nail-bed bruise, also called a subungual haematoma, forms when blood collects between the nail plate and the tissue beneath it. It may appear soon after a crush, blow, tight footwear, or repeated pressure. The colour can spread as the blood settles, while tenderness may be strongest near the injury. A dark nail is not automatically a bruise, so unexplained or persistent colour change can be reviewed as [Discoloured Nails](/symptoms/nail-discoloration/).

Rest the affected finger or toe, keep it clean, and use roomy footwear if a toe is involved. A cloth-wrapped cool pack may reduce early swelling. Do not pierce the nail at home, cut away attached nail, or apply harsh chemicals. Cover a small split with a clean dressing without trapping moisture. Record what happened and whether the bruise is moving outward with nail growth; this helps a clinician judge the injury.

Get prompt care for intense pressure-like pain, a large or expanding collection of blood, an open wound, a nail that is partly detached, deformity, numbness, or inability to bend the finger or toe. Seek advice if redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever develops. A clinician can check for a nail-bed wound or bone injury and discuss drainage or [Nail Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/nail-surgery/) when appropriate.

Is the nail bed intact? Does the nail need drainage or repair? Could there be a fracture or foreign material? How should I dress the area, and what changes should prompt a return visit?