Purple Blister under my toe!!!!

I hit my toe on a rock and the skin under my nail has formed a huge purple blister, and raised my nail.  Should I pop the blister to release the blood?

[namnam46]

Hi,

I want to welcome you to the Pain Management Forum and let yo know that we're happy that you have found this Forum. I need for  you to understand that there are NO Doctors on this Forum, We are ALL CP (Chronic Pain) Patients that help each other thru our own experiences and expertise that we have gotten thru our own pain conditions!!

I'm VERY sorry that you had this happen to you.  I've done something similar MANY years ago and I KNOW how painful that is.  The pressure that the blood blister puts on the toenail is EXTREMELY painful!!

If I were you, I would go to the Dr.'s and let them pop the blister so that there won't be ANY chance of an infection. IF you get an infection from it you could have a LOT of problems!!!

I hope that you are able to get it taken care of and I HOPE that you will keep us updated as to how you are doing.  :).........Sherry

[Tuckamore]

Hello SDC,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. Ouch! Blisters are always painful.

I am sorry to hear that you have a blister but relieved that you did not injure your toe when you struck it.

The rule is easy. Never pop a blister. Once you break the skin you risk the chance of introducing bacteria into the area. The area beneath your nail is a great breeding ground for some nasty bacteria. Unfortunately there are many nasty ones out there, including MRSA that would case you much more grief than a blister.

I know it is tempting but please don't pop the blister. Your body has great healing ability and will absorb the fluid in due time. It's also not a good idea to cover it, unless you need to protect it for short periods.

If this is painful or very bothersome make an appt to se your PCP. If that has time restraints than an Urgent Care Clinic could also treat it. They may do nothing but observe it but they may also decide on treatment.

Best of luck to you. Please let us know how the blister is coming...or what treatment you receive from your PCP. We all learn from one another.

Take Care and Be Cautious,
~Tuck

[Londres70]

Please do NOT "pop" it.  

How long have you had it?  If it has been a while, please have your physician assess it.

Usually, these types of injuries resolve on their own.  

[caregiver222]

You will lose the toenail, which will grow back.

When a fingernail or toenail is hit by a rock or receives a blow there is often bleeding underneath the nail. The drill is to make a hole in the top of the nail immediately after the injury. With the toenail this is hard to do yourself. The best way is to heat a needle with a flame and let it go through the top of the nail. Some people use a small drill, but a needle works best. This will release red blood. It is painless. You don't push in too deep.

If you wait more than thirty minutes, the blood will congeal. It will form a scab.

The next day it will be completely clotted and blood cannot be taken out by a hole.