Bleeding under the nails: causes, treatment, and diagnosis
About the Symptom
Bleeding under the nails, also known as subungual hematomas, is a common symptom that can occur for various reasons. The primary cause of such bleeding is nail trauma, most often the result of a blow or pressure on the nail plate. When capillaries located under the nail are damaged, blood begins to accumulate and causes painful inflammation, which can lead to discomfort and painful sensations. The appearance of such bruises can vary from subtle redness to significant blue or black areas covering the entire surface of the nail.
In addition to mechanical injuries, bleeding under the nails may be associated with various diseases, such as infectious processes or systemic pathologies, including vascular disorders. People with weakened blood clotting systems are also prone to developing subungual hematomas. It should be noted that in some cases, hematomas may be alleviated or resolved on their own; however, in other cases, medical intervention may be required, especially if the bleeding is accompanied by increased pain or signs of infection. Therefore, when this symptom appears, it is important to consult a specialist to receive qualified assistance and rule out more serious medical conditions.
Diseases
Bleeding under the nails can be a signal of various diseases, ranging from minor to more serious medical conditions. One of the most common causes of bruising under the nails is trauma, which can occur as a result of impacts, falls, or excessive pressure on the fingers. However, there are also more complex conditions that can lead to this symptom.
Some diseases that can cause bleeding or bruising under the nails include:
- Hemophilia — a hereditary disease characterized by a deficiency of blood clotting factors, leading to easy bruising and bleeding.
- Thrombocytopenia — a decrease in the level of platelets in the blood, which can cause spontaneous bleeding.
- Varicose veins — can lead to impaired circulation and the formation of clots, contributing to the appearance of bruises.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus — an autoimmune disease that can affect circulation in the capillaries and lead to the formation of rashes and bruises.
- Coagulation disorders — can be either hereditary or acquired diseases that require careful examination.
Diagnosis
When bleeding under the nails occurs, it is crucial to conduct timely diagnostics to determine the cause of the symptom. A dermatologist or therapist will begin with an examination of the affected area, which will help ascertain whether there are any obvious external injuries or signs of infection. It is also important to collect the patient’s medical history, including information about injuries, diseases, and other symptoms that may accompany the bleeding. Based on the initial assessment, the doctor may recommend additional studies for a more accurate diagnosis.
Modern diagnostic methods allow doctors to identify not only mechanical injuries but also systemic diseases that may cause bleeding under the nails. These studies may include blood tests to check for infections, blood clotting, and to assess the patient’s overall health. In some cases, ultrasound or X-rays may be required to detect possible damage to the bones or joints located beneath the nail.
- Complete blood count
- Infectious disease testing
- Vitamin and mineral level testing
- Ultrasound diagnostics
- X-ray
- Conization (if necessary)
Which doctor to consult
When experiencing symptoms of bleeding under the nails, it is important not to delay a visit to a specialist. This may be a sign of various diseases or serious injuries. Depending on the cause of the bleeding, you may need to consult several specialists. It is initially recommended to visit a general practitioner or a therapist who will perform a primary diagnosis and refer you to a specialized doctor if necessary.
If the cause of the bleeding is trauma or damage to the nail plate, you may need the help of a surgeon or dermatologist. Additionally, if there is a suspicion of systemic disorders or blood diseases, you should schedule a consultation with a hematologist. In cases where bleeding is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or swelling, you should also consider consulting a rheumatologist. It is important to remember that only a qualified doctor can correctly diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment.
- Therapist
- Dermatologist
- Surgeon
- Hematologist
- Rheumatologist
Types of Bleeding Under the Nails
Bleeding under the nails can be caused by various factors, and its classification depends on the origin and mechanism of occurrence. The main types of bleeding under the nails are capillary and venous. Capillary bleeding occurs as a result of damage to small blood vessels, for example, during impacts or injuries. It manifests as small red or purple spots under the nail and typically does not require serious treatment unless it causes intense pain.
Venous bleeding, on the other hand, is more dangerous as it is associated with damage to veins, which can lead to a larger volume of blood under the nail. This appears as larger and darker spots, often requiring medical intervention. Additionally, there are rare cases of arterial bleeding, which is usually accompanied by severe pain and may indicate more serious injuries.
- Capillary bleeding
- Venous bleeding
- Arterial bleeding
- Traumatic bleeding
- Bleeding due to blood disorders
Causes of bleeding under the nails
Bleeding under the nails can occur for various reasons, including injuries, diseases, and infections. Most often, this phenomenon is observed after a mechanical injury to the finger when the nail is subjected to impact or squeeze, leading to damage to the blood vessels. In such cases, the hemorrhage may manifest as a dark streak or spot under the nail and requires careful observation.
However, bleeding under the nails can also be a symptom of various diseases, such as dermatitis, fungal infections, and even more serious medical conditions, for example, vascular or blood diseases. It should be noted that if the bleeding occurs repeatedly and is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, swelling, or changes in nail color, this may indicate the need for medical attention.
- Mechanical trauma
- Fungal infections
- Dermatitis and skin diseases
- Vascular diseases
- Hemophilia and other blood clotting disorders
Common Related Pathologies
Bleeding under the nails can be a symptom of various diseases and pathological conditions. They can occur as a result of both local injuries and systemic disorders in the body. It is important to know that such hemorrhages are not an independent disease but often serve as an indicator of more serious internal problems. For example, careless handling of sharp objects or injuries sustained from falls can lead to the appearance of hematomas under the nails.
In addition to mechanical injuries, there are also internal causes that can lead to bleeding. One of the common pathologies is blood diseases, such as thrombocytopenia or hemophilia – conditions where blood clotting is impaired. It is also necessary to consider the possibility of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus erythematosus, which can manifest through various skin symptoms, including bleeding under the nails.
- Injuries and contusions
- Blood diseases (thrombocytopenia, hemophilia)
- Autoimmune diseases (for example, lupus)
- Infectious diseases (for example, fungal infections)
- Dermatological diseases (psoriasis, eczema)
Expert Opinion
Bleeding under the nails is a fairly common symptom that can indicate a variety of different diseases and conditions. According to medical specialists, such manifestations often arise as a result of trauma. However, this symptom should not be ignored, as in some cases it may indicate more serious health issues, such as bleeding disorders or even systemic diseases.
Experts emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis and seeking medical attention if bleeding under the nails occurs for no apparent reason or persists for a long time. Specialists recommend not to wait until the situation worsens, but to consult a doctor who can conduct the necessary examinations and identify the underlying problem. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the easier it will be to choose the correct treatment and prevent possible complications.
Treatment of bleeding under the nails
The treatment of bleeding under the nails depends on the cause of its occurrence and the severity of the condition. It is important to first correctly diagnose the source of the bleeding. In cases of injuries or bruises, simple observation, the use of ice compresses, and pain relief with regular analgesics are often sufficient. However, if the bleeding is caused by more serious reasons, such as infection, blood vessel diseases, or other pathologies, more comprehensive treatment is necessary.
Medication therapy may include the use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, or drugs affecting blood coagulation. It is also important to maintain proper hygiene of the nail plate to prevent the development of secondary infections. In extreme cases, surgical intervention may be recommended to drain accumulated blood or remove the affected nail plate if necessary.
- Conservative treatment (analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents)
- Antibiotic therapy (in case of infection)
- Surgical intervention (in infections, injuries, or significant damage)
- Improvement of hygiene practices
- Regular monitoring by a specialist
Complications
Bleeding under the nails can cause not only physical discomfort but also lead to serious complications if timely measures are not taken. One of the main consequences is the risk of developing infections, as the damaged area becomes more vulnerable to the entry of bacteria and fungi. An infection can lead to inflammation, pus formation, and, in some cases, to nail loss.
Furthermore, there is a risk of hematoma formation, which can provoke severe pain and interfere with the normal functioning of the finger. If the hematoma is not removed, it may cause chronic pain sensations and lead to nail deformation in the future. It is important to note that bleeding under the nails can be a sign of more serious diseases, so this symptom should not be ignored.
- Infections: early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent complications.
- Hematomas: need for medical assistance for removal or drainage.
- Chronic pain syndromes: can develop due to prolonged soft tissue damage.
- Nail deformation: injuries can disrupt the natural nail growth.
FAQ
What to do if bleeding under the nail doesn’t stop?
If the bleeding under the nail does not stop, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Before visiting the doctor, you can try to stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the affected area with a clean cloth or bandage. If that does not help, it is advisable to avoid wrapping it too tightly to avoid disrupting blood circulation. In some cases, medical intervention may be required to assess the condition and address the causes of the bleeding, especially if it is related to trauma or serious injury.
What are the main causes of bleeding under the nails?
Bleeding under the nails can occur for various reasons, including injuries such as blows or pinching, as well as due to diseases like thrombocytopenia or vascular disorders. Injuries are the most common cause, especially in people engaged in physical work or sports. Additionally, infectious processes and systemic diseases, such as diabetes or blood coagulation disorders, can also contribute to the appearance of bruising under the nails. It is important to pay attention to accompanying symptoms and, if necessary, consult a doctor to determine the exact cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.
How to recognize serious diseases by bleeding under the nails?
Bleeding under the nails can be a sign of various diseases, and to recognize serious disorders, it is necessary to pay attention to accompanying symptoms. If you notice that the bleeding recurs, is accompanied by pain, swelling, or changes in nail color, this may indicate a more serious condition, such as infections, injuries, or even systemic disorders like thrombocytopenia. It is important to conduct a diagnosis and consult a doctor to determine the cause of the bleeding, especially if the symptoms do not go away or worsen. Regular monitoring of nail conditions and attentiveness to changes can play a key role in the early detection of possible diseases.
What medical examination is necessary for frequent bleeding under the nails?
In case of frequent bleeding under the nails, it is recommended to undergo a comprehensive medical examination to identify possible causes. It is important to consult a doctor who can prescribe general blood tests, biochemistry, as well as a coagulogram to assess blood clotting. It may be necessary to conduct an ultrasound examination of the blood vessels and consult specialists such as a dermatologist, gynecologist, or hematologist to rule out systemic diseases. The examination will help establish the underlying cause of the symptom and develop a plan for further treatment.