Subungual Hematoma

  • The cautery method is preferred of the drilling method due to the risk of trauma if the needle penetrates the nailed.
  • Drainage of a subungual hematoma is not required if pain is not present.
  • Drainage does to speed up healing or prevent infection.
  • Anesthesia is not typically required for this procedure.
  • Multiple holes may be required to adequately drain the hematoma.

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Advanced Procedural Skills Copyright © 2018 by Brittany Stephenson NP, BScN, MN is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.