What Are Nailbed Injuries?
A nailbed injury occurs when the tissue beneath the fingernail — known as the nailbed — is damaged. This delicate area helps guide nail growth and protect the fingertip. Nailbed injuries can range from simple bruises to severe lacerations, crush injuries, or nail avulsions (where the nail is torn off).
Without proper treatment, nailbed trauma can lead to infection, deformity, or permanent nail changes. At Paramus Hand Surgery, Dr. Steven Ugras provides expert care for nailbed injuries to restore both function and appearance.
What Causes Nailbed Injuries?
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Crushing injuries (e.g., slamming a finger in a door)
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Lacerations from knives, glass, or machinery
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Sports injuries from balls, sticks, or falls
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Heavy object trauma (workplace accidents or dropped tools)
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Bite injuries or infections
Children and workers in manual labor jobs are especially prone to nailbed injuries.
Types of Nailbed Injuries
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Subungual hematoma: Blood trapped under the nail, causing pain and discoloration
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Laceration: Cut or tear in the nailbed tissue
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Avulsion: Partial or complete detachment of the nail from the nailbed
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Fracture: Often involves the underlying fingertip bone (distal phalanx)
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Nail matrix injury: Damage to the root of the nail that can affect long-term growth
Symptoms of Nailbed Injuries
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Severe pain and tenderness
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Swelling and bruising around the fingertip
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Bleeding under or around the nail
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Misshapen, split, or lifted nail
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Limited movement due to fingertip pain
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Visible laceration or deformity
If a nailbed injury is accompanied by a fracture or deep cut, professional evaluation is essential.
How Are Nailbed Injuries Diagnosed?
Dr. Ugras will examine the injured finger and may order:
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X-rays to check for fractures in the fingertip bone
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Visual inspection after removing the nail (if necessary) to fully assess damage
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Assessment for foreign bodies or infection risk
Prompt diagnosis helps reduce scarring and maximizes cosmetic recovery.
Treatment Options for Nailbed Injuries
Non-Surgical Treatments:
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Drainage of a subungual hematoma (trephination) to relieve pressure
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Splinting or buddy taping for minor fractures or injuries
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Topical antibiotics and dressing for small wounds
Surgical Treatments:
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Nailbed repair: In cases of deep cuts or tears, precise suturing of the nailbed tissue may be needed
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Fingertip fracture fixation: If the bone is broken, Dr. Ugras may use wires or splints to stabilize it
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Temporary nail replacement: The original or artificial nail is often replaced over the nailbed to protect healing tissue
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Debridement and cleaning: For contaminated or infected wounds
All repairs are done with meticulous attention to reduce scarring and maintain nail growth.
How Common Are Nailbed Injuries?
Nailbed injuries are one of the most common fingertip traumas, especially in children and individuals who use their hands frequently at work or during sports. When treated early, most people recover well with minimal long-term effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will my nail look normal after a nailbed injury?
A: If the nailbed is repaired promptly and correctly, most people recover with minimal or no visible deformity. Severe injuries may result in some nail irregularity.
Q: How long does it take to grow a new nail?
A: Fingernails typically grow at a rate of 1–2 mm per month. A completely new nail can take 4 to 6 months to grow back.
Q: Does a nailbed injury require surgery?
A: Not always. Minor injuries may heal with conservative care. However, deep lacerations, avulsions, or fractures often require surgical repair for optimal results.
Nailbed Injury Treatment in Bergen County, NJ
If you’ve suffered a nail or fingertip injury, don’t ignore it — especially if there is swelling, bleeding, or persistent pain. Early care leads to the best functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Paramus Hand Surgery provides comprehensive treatment for nailbed injuries to patients in Paramus, Ridgewood, Hackensack, and across Bergen County, NJ.
Schedule your evaluation today with Dr. Steven Ugras, a fellowship-trained hand surgeon committed to restoring fingertip function and appearance.