title: Common injuries of the fingernail and nail bed.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: D004322:Drainage; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005547:Foreign Bodies; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009262:Nails / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D010304:Paronychia / Q000628:therapy