What should I do if I smashed my fingernail?

Answer by  Brit (19)

Usually ice works for the swelling, but if it turns black you have to relieve the pressure caused by the blood underneath the nail. To releive this you can burn a hole in your nail by heating up a paperclip and pressing it against the darkest spot on your nail until you feel the blood being released.

Answer by  xazurianx (330)

Any injury should be examined by a licensed medical professional. To help relieve some of the pain clean the area with an antibiotic cream or mild soap, and cover loosely with a bandage. This will help combat any infection in the wound. Follow this up with a warm compress to help dull away any further pain.

Answer by  Marsha (2337)

If the blood is pooling at the fingernail and it is all black, you may need to go to a doctor. They will be able to burn a hole in the fingernail to release the blood. This is really a painless process and it will make you feel a lot better and get the fingernail on the road to recovery.

Answer by  Dontbugme (697)

The first thing you should do is put an icepack on it to minimize swelling. This will not guarantee that you will keep your fingernail because the pressure from the blood under the nail will likely damage the nail bed. A smashed fingernail with an open wound, would require cleaning, then applying an antibiotic ointment and then the icepack.