About Subungual Hematoma
Key Highlights
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Provides immediate relief from pressure and pain.Minimally invasive, in-office procedure with no stitches required.Helps prevent permanent nail deformity or loss.Quick procedure, often completed in just a few minutes.Low risk of complications when performed by a specialist.
Who is this surgery for?
- Significant pain and throbbing under the nail due to blood accumulation.
- A visible, dark red or black discoloration covering more than 25-50% of the nail.
- Recent trauma to the finger or toe (e.g., crush injury, heavy object drop).
- Suspicion of an underlying nail bed laceration that may require further evaluation.
- Prevention of secondary infection or permanent nail dystrophy.
How to prepare
- The dermatologist will visually examine the nail and may use a light to transilluminate it.
- The affected finger or toe will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution like iodine or alcohol.
- Local anesthesia (a numbing injection) is often not required but may be offered for sensitive patients.
- No special fasting or medication adjustments are typically needed for this minor procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Minor pain or discomfort during the procedure.
- Small risk of infection at the trephination site.
- Potential for temporary or permanent nail plate deformity as it grows out.
- Rare recurrence if bleeding continues.
- Incomplete drainage if the hematoma is old and clotted.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Pain relief is usually immediate after drainage.
- Keep the area clean and dry; a bandage may be applied for a day.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can manage any residual soreness.
- Monitor for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, pus, fever).
- The nail will grow out over several months, and the discolored portion will gradually move forward and be trimmed away.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 days for pain resolution; 6-9 months for complete nail regrowth
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering subungual hematoma in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for subungual hematoma in India include Manipal Hospital Jaipur, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform subungual hematoma. MediFyr helps you compare dermatologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for subungual hematoma compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 800 – 3 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient procedure) | ~ 1-2 days for pain resolution; 6-9 months for complete nail regrowth | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 2.8 Thousand – 10.5 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient procedure) | ~ 1-2 days for pain resolution; 6-9 months for complete nail regrowth | Know More |
Top hospitals for Subungual Hematoma in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated dermatology teams and experience managing patients undergoing subungual hematoma.
Ananya Kumar, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Ananya Kumar, a 28-year-old software engineer and avid hiker, dropped a heavy dumbbell on her right big toe during a home workout two days ago. The immediate, intense pain was followed by rapid discoloration. Now, her toenail is a deep, purplish-black, and the throbbing is constant, making it impossible to wear her closed-toe work shoes. She's worried it's broken and anxious about an upcoming hiking trip. The dermatologist, Dr. Lee, explains it's a classic subungual hematoma, a traumatic blood blister under the nail. Given the size (covering >50% of the nail) and significant pain, she recommends immediate trephination (drainage) to relieve the pressure. Ananya is nervous but agrees. After a quick topical anesthetic, Dr. Lee uses a sterile heated needle to painlessly create a small hole in the nail. Dark blood immediately wells up, and the pressure relief is instantaneous. Ananya is amazed at how quickly the severe pain vanishes. She keeps the area clean and covered for a few days. The discoloration fades over weeks as the nail grows out. Emotionally, she shifted from anxiety about a serious injury and ruined plans to immense relief and gratitude for such a simple, fast solution. She felt heard and was back in her hiking boots in no time.
Dermatologists for Subungual Hematoma
Explore experienced dermatologists who regularly perform subungual hematoma and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 32 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 21 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 6 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 3 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 5 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 40 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 26 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata