Managing Toenail Trauma

Abstract

In brief Acute subungual hematoma or seroma of an active patient's toenail results from direct trauma or repetitive shear force to the nail apparatus. Though painful, the condition is usually benign. Accurate diagnosis of underlying nail bed injury or distal phalanx abnormality is needed for appropriate treatment and to prevent nail plate deformity. Evacuating the fluid quickly alleviates pain, allowing athletes to resume their activities.