Hematoma Thumb

Paroxysmal hand hematoma also known as paroxysmal finger hematoma or Achenbach’s syndrome, refers to a condition in which a patient exhibits episodic pain and swelling in one or more fingers along with the subsequent appearance of a hematoma on the palmar side of the proximal phalanges 1).

Usually the treatment is minimal and consists of rest, ice, elevation, and compression of the finger or toe. Over the counter pain medication can be given if needed. Elevation and the use of ice help to reduce the swelling and further pain.

Achenbach syndrome is a benign condition of unknown cause in which prodromal symptoms, such as pain, tingling, and itching, may occur from minutes to hours before the color change appears 2). The subdermal bleeding usually stops spontaneously or after local pressure is applied.

Paroxysmal hand hematoma or Achenbach’s syndrome was named after German doctor Achenbach as it was first diagnosed by him 17). Paroxysmal hand hematoma or Achenbach’s syndrome is a rare clinical entity consisting of spontaneous sudden bruising on the palmar side of fingers or hand associated with burning pain and swelling of the digits 18).

Patients report a spontaneous sudden onset of burning or itching sensations in the finger, followed within minutes by the appearance of bruising, usually on the palmar aspect of the fingers 5). The finger then becomes swollen, pale and cold.

However, the recurrent visible hemorrhages and the temporal association of the capillaroscopic abnormalities with recent symptoms in the right middle finger in this patient indicate that capillary microhemorrhages can occur in Achenbach’s syndrome. 1 Achenbach W. Paroxysmal hematoma of the hand.

There are no known risk factors such as trauma, drug use, bleeding disorder, or rheumatologic disease associated with the etiology of the syndrome. Paroxysmal hand hematoma or Achenbach’s syndrome was named after German doctor Achenbach as it was first diagnosed by him 17).

Over the counter pain medication can be given if needed. Elevation and the use of ice help to reduce the swelling and further pain. Placing ice directly on the affected nail could cause further injury, so wrapping ice in a cloth towel and applying it to the affected area works best.

After the subungual hematoma is drained, the pressure beneath the nail is relieved, and the pain decreases significantly. The hole formed in the nail will remain and grow out at the rate that the nail normally grows. One possible risk and long-term complication of a subungual hematoma is a nail bed laceration (cut).

Wrap ice in a towel and do not apply ice directly to skin. A bag of frozen vegetables (corn or peas) wrapped in a towel works well. If the hematoma involves more than 50% of the area of the nail, seek medical attention.

Apply ice on your finger or toe for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel.

They say that Achenbach syndrome (Paroxysmal finger hematoma) is a rare, benign and self-limiting condition, which causes bruising, swelling and burning pain in the hand or fingers. Achenbach’s Syndrome appearing spontaneously or after a hidden minor trauma and heals completely within days.

Paroxysmal hand hematoma Achenbach syndrome; it appears often on the internal surface of the finger and rather under the middle finger or forefinger at the joints of the first or second phalanx. Specialty.

Paroxysmal hand hematoma Achenbach syndrome; it appears often on the internal surface of the finger and rather under the middle finger or forefinger at the joints of the first or second phalanx. Achenbach’s is of unknown etiology, however, it is also not a cause for concern.

PFH is a benign phenomenon, frequently found in middle-aged women, to be classified among the vascular acrosyndromes. Patients seeking medical evaluation for this disorder should be reassured.