Common injuries of the fingernail and nail bed

The most common injury to the dorsal distal finger is a subungual hematoma. Relief of pain is promptly achieved by draining the hematoma. If a heated paper clip is used, however, the underlying fluid may be seared and the hole plugged. Local anesthetic block followed by puncture with an 18-guage needle is advocated. When nail avulsion occurs, the free-floating proximal portion should be removed so that it will not serve as an irritant or hide any underlying pathology.