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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Health
Musculoskeletal System Health
Arm and Hand Health
Finger Health
Nail Health
How to Treat a Smashed Fingernail Download ArticleExplore this Article Sections 1 Relieving the Pain Immediately After Injury 2 What Not to Do 3 When to See a Doctor Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by David Nazarian, MD and Aly Rusciano
Last Updated: June 14, 2025 Fact Checked
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This article was co-authored by David Nazarian, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Dr. David Nazarian is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician and the Owner of My Concierge MD, a medical practice in Beverly Hills California, specializing in concierge medicine, executive health and integrative medicine. Dr. Nazarian specializes in comprehensive physical examinations, IV Vitamin therapies, hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, platelet rich plasma therapies. He has over 16 years of medical training and facilitation and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his B.S. in Psychology and Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, his M.D. from the Sackler School of Medicine, and a residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Southern California. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 184,704 times.
Whether you crush your finger with a hammer or a slammed car door, a smashed fingernail can be a very painful experience. Fortunately, if not too severe, there are some steps you can take to relieve the pain without having to rush to the emergency room. Immediately after the injury, you’ll want to take some precautions to reduce swelling and redness.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Relieving the Pain Immediately After Injury
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1 Ice your finger. Wrap an ice pack or cold compress in a paper towel and place it on the injured finger. Apply ice for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the day of the injury, and then 3 to 4 times a day following.[1]X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Ice helps to minimize swelling, bleeding, and pain.
Be careful not to apply too much weight or pressure with the ice. Place your finger just on top of the wrapped ice pack or compress.
Similarly, you can also place the injured finger in cold water.[2]XResearch source
Do not put ice directly on skin or keep the ice on for longer than 15-minute intervals. This may cause further inflammation or skin damage.[3]XResearch source
If you’re wearing jewelry, remove it upon injury.[4]X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
2 Elevate your hand above your heart. Hold your injured finger up in an elevated position above the level of your heart. Diplomate for the American Board of Internal Medicine, David Nazarian, MD, states that “elevating the hand can help” after smashing a fingernail. “What happens is blood flows to the injured area,” so it’s best to elevate the hand and “keep it more upright.”[5]X Expert Source David Nazarian, MDDiplomate, American Board of Internal MedicineExpert Interview
If you keep your hand down at your side, blood rushes to the injury, increasing the swelling and uncomfortable throbbing pain.[6]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source So, keep it elevated and upright whenever possible.
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3 Take an over-the-counter painkiller if the pain is severe. To further relieve pain and reduce inflammation, take an oral anti-inflammatory or pain killer such as ibuprofen (Advil), Tylenol, Motrin, or Aspirin.[7]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
If you’re unsure how much medication to take, talk to your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
4 Clean the wound with mild soap and water. If the injury resulted in an open wound, clean it as soon as possible. Clean the wound by rinsing with running tap water and washing around it with a gentle, fragrance-free soap.[8]XResearch source
If there is any dirt or debris in the wound, remove it with sterilized tweezers.[9]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Tao Le, Physician and Medical Author
When dealing with a smashed fingernail, respond quickly to minimize pain and infection risk. Start by gently cleaning with mild soap and water. Elevate the hand and use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. If the nail is severely damaged, seek medical care.
5 Apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound. Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic ointment, such as Polysporin, to the open cut. This helps keep the surface of the cut moist and prevents scarring and infection.[10]X Trustworthy Source Seattle Children's HospitalHealth information provided by Seattle Children's hospital. Go to source
Petroleum jelly can also be used on the wound.[11]XResearch source
6 Press a clean cloth to any bleeding areas. If your crushed fingernail is bleeding, gently wrap or apply a clean cloth, paper towel, or gauze to the affected area.[12]XResearch source Use a gentle hand and avoid applying too much pressure to the wound.
Avoid wrapping the area too tightly, as this can cause further swelling and discomfort.
7 Keep your finger moving to prevent stiffness. If you’re able to do so, gently move your finger as much as possible without causing further pain. This can help reduce inflammation and prevent stiffness.[13]XResearch source
Stop moving your finger if you feel any pain.
If you can’t move your finger or feel it after a few minutes have passed, contact your doctor immediately.[14]XResearch source
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What Not to Do
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1 Do not splint the finger. Unless told otherwise by your doctor, avoid putting a splint on the injured finger. This can cause the finger to stiffen or heal incorrectly.[15]XResearch source
Similarly, avoid wrapping the smashed fingernail tightly with cloth or gauze, as this can increase swelling.
2 Do not drain the blood from the fingernail. Using DIY at-home methods to drain the blood from the injured fingernail (such as using a sterilized paperclip) can cause further injury and should be avoided. Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, avoid draining the blood at home and seek medical care.[16]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Blood can pool under the fingernail after sudden trauma, such as being smashed in a car door.
Nail trephination is a common and safe way that doctors drain trapped blood from under the fingernail. A doctor makes a small hole in the nail and allows gravity to pull the blood out from the nail.
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When to See a Doctor
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Contact a doctor if your symptoms worsen. Smashed fingernails happen and can usually be taken care of at home; however, if the pain or the fingernail gets worse, it’s best to contact a doctor. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately for further care:[17]X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Redness, pain, or swelling increases
Yellow or white fluid drains from the wound
Bleeding doesn’t stop
Wound has a bad smell[18]XResearch source
Fever
Skin is cut or bone is exposed[19]XResearch source
Inability to move or feel your finger
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Warnings
Seek medical help if you can't straighten your finger, it feels numb, it is noticeably bent or crooked, symptoms get worse after 48 hours of home care, or the injury stays swollen for more than 48 hours.[20]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about health treatment in the working place, check out our in-depth interview with David Nazarian.
Co-authored by: David Nazarian, MD Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician This article was co-authored by David Nazarian, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Dr. David Nazarian is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician and the Owner of My Concierge MD, a medical practice in Beverly Hills California, specializing in concierge medicine, executive health and integrative medicine. Dr. Nazarian specializes in comprehensive physical examinations, IV Vitamin therapies, hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, platelet rich plasma therapies. He has over 16 years of medical training and facilitation and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his B.S. in Psychology and Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, his M.D. from the Sackler School of Medicine, and a residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Southern California. This article has been viewed 184,704 times. 5 votes - 80% Co-authors: 7Updated: June 14, 2025 Views: 184,704 Categories: Nail Health
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: David Nazarian, MD Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician Co-authors: 7Updated: June 14, 2025 Views: 184,70480% of readers found this article helpful. 5 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote
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Download Article Explore this Article Sections 1 Relieving the Pain Immediately After Injury 2 What Not to Do 3 When to See a Doctor Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by David Nazarian, MD and Aly Rusciano 
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Co-authored by: David Nazarian, MD Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician This article was co-authored by David Nazarian, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Dr. David Nazarian is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician and the Owner of My Concierge MD, a medical practice in Beverly Hills California, specializing in concierge medicine, executive health and integrative medicine. Dr. Nazarian specializes in comprehensive physical examinations, IV Vitamin therapies, hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, platelet rich plasma therapies. He has over 16 years of medical training and facilitation and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his B.S. in Psychology and Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, his M.D. from the Sackler School of Medicine, and a residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Southern California. This article has been viewed 184,704 times. 5 votes - 80% Co-authors: 7 Updated: June 14, 2025 Views: 184,704 Categories: Nail Health 
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1 Ice your finger. Wrap an ice pack or cold compress in a paper towel and place it on the injured finger. Apply ice for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the day of the injury, and then 3 to 4 times a day following.[1] Ice helps to minimize swelling, bleeding, and pain. 
2 Elevate your hand above your heart. Hold your injured finger up in an elevated position above the level of your heart. Diplomate for the American Board of Internal Medicine, David Nazarian, MD, states that “elevating the hand can help” after smashing a fingernail. “What happens is blood flows to the injured area,” so it’s best to elevate the hand and “keep it more upright.”[5] 
3 Take an over-the-counter painkiller if the pain is severe. To further relieve pain and reduce inflammation, take an oral anti-inflammatory or pain killer such as ibuprofen (Advil), Tylenol, Motrin, or Aspirin.[7] 
4 Clean the wound with mild soap and water. If the injury resulted in an open wound, clean it as soon as possible. Clean the wound by rinsing with running tap water and washing around it with a gentle, fragrance-free soap.[8] 
Tao Le, Physician and Medical Author 
5 Apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound. Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic ointment, such as Polysporin, to the open cut. This helps keep the surface of the cut moist and prevents scarring and infection.[10] 
6 Press a clean cloth to any bleeding areas. If your crushed fingernail is bleeding, gently wrap or apply a clean cloth, paper towel, or gauze to the affected area.[12] Use a gentle hand and avoid applying too much pressure to the wound. 
7 Keep your finger moving to prevent stiffness. If you’re able to do so, gently move your finger as much as possible without causing further pain. This can help reduce inflammation and prevent stiffness.[13] 
1 Do not splint the finger. Unless told otherwise by your doctor, avoid putting a splint on the injured finger. This can cause the finger to stiffen or heal incorrectly.[15] 
2 Do not drain the blood from the fingernail. Using DIY at-home methods to drain the blood from the injured fingernail (such as using a sterilized paperclip) can cause further injury and should be avoided. Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, avoid draining the blood at home and seek medical care.[16] 
Contact a doctor if your symptoms worsen. Smashed fingernails happen and can usually be taken care of at home; however, if the pain or the fingernail gets worse, it’s best to contact a doctor. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately for further care:[17] 
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