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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Dog Bit On Fingernail, Cracked Nail, Purple Bruise, Hurts To Touch. Warning Signs?

recently a dog bit through my fingernail on my left hand index finger. the nail has a crack in it that runs halfway down the nail. the meat underneath the crack is mostly normal looking except for directly underneath the nail which has a slightly purplish tint similar to a bruise. i still have feeling in my finger and it only hurts if i push on it. my question is what should NORMALLY happen as the injury progresses through its healing process and how long should it take to heal. what warning signs should i look for.
Thu, 25 Apr 2013
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hello,
Welcome to health care Magic
Your nail plate is split due to dog bite. Your nail matrix from which new nail is formed is near your nail fold. According to your description that area is alright. Normal nail will grow out and it usually takes 3-6 months.
I hope the dog is immunized for rabies, otherwise you need to take anti rabies vaccine. If you have not taken tetanus shot in last 5 years i will recommend a TT injection as well. The bruise you are having what we call subungual hematoma will disappear in 1-2 weeks time.
Hope this helped
Take care
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Dog Bit On Fingernail, Cracked Nail, Purple Bruise, Hurts To Touch. Warning Signs?

Hello, Welcome to health care Magic Your nail plate is split due to dog bite. Your nail matrix from which new nail is formed is near your nail fold. According to your description that area is alright. Normal nail will grow out and it usually takes 3-6 months. I hope the dog is immunized for rabies, otherwise you need to take anti rabies vaccine. If you have not taken tetanus shot in last 5 years i will recommend a TT injection as well. The bruise you are having what we call subungual hematoma will disappear in 1-2 weeks time. Hope this helped Take care