Subungual Hematoma Management

Diagnosis and Presentation

• The condition presents as a visible blood collection under the nail, which appears as a dark red, purple, or black discoloration 1
• It's essential to differentiate subungual hematoma from other nail conditions such as melanonychia, which is characterized by dark pigmentation of the nail, as stated by the British Journal of Dermatology 2
• Subungual melanoma, which may present with similar discoloration but different history, requires distinction from subungual hematoma, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 3, 4
• Onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection, should also be considered in the differential diagnosis, as noted by the British Journal of Dermatology 2, 5

Prognosis and Follow-up

• The damaged nail will typically grow out and be replaced by normal nail over time, approximately 6 months for fingernails and 12 months for toenails, as reported by the British Journal of Dermatology 5