Why is it black and blue under my big toenail?

Subungual hematoma is bruising under the nail bed, which can have a bluish-purple color. When you experience trauma to your toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it, small blood vessels can bleed underneath the nail. This can result in discoloration.

How do you get rid of black and blue under toenails?

Over-the-counter ointments, creams, and polishes are usually effective. Severe cases may require a prescription antifungal treatment. If a black toenail is caused by an injury, the resulting spot from broken blood vessels will disappear once your nail grows out.

What causes bruising under big toenail?

A subungual hematoma is a transient condition where blood and fluid collect underneath the fingernail or toenail. This is usually caused by a traumatic injury as in hitting your thumb with a hammer or stubbing a toe.

Will a black and blue toenail fall off?

When injured, the toenail will often appear black or purple as blood collects under the nail, which is called subungual hematoma. The blood puts pressure on the nail, which may fall off after several weeks.

How long does a black and blue toenail last?

The discolored nail will eventually grow out — or in some cases it may fall off or need to be removed — and be replaced by a new, healthy one. This could take anywhere from about eight weeks for a fingernail to six months for a toenail.

How do I get rid of a bruised blood under my toenail?

A doctor may perform a procedure called nail trephination to drain the blood from under the nail. This can help to relieve pain and pressure. The doctor will make a small hole in the nail with a laser or needle. Afterward, the area may be wrapped with a bandage and may continue to drain for up to 3 days.

Why is it black under my toenail?

If your toenail turns black, it’s most likely a bruise under the nail, technically called a subungual hematoma. You can get it from stubbing a toe or from footwear that cram your feet into the front of the shoe.

What causes a toenail to turn purple?

When you injured your toe, it began to bleed under the nail. As the blood dried, it darkened and turned purple. Poorly Fitting Shoes: Whether your shoes are too tight or rub against your toes, you can develop purple toenails. The problem is particularly common in runners.

Can toenail fungus black?

Fungal infections Fungal infections are another common problem that can cause black toenails to form. Typically, a fungal infection causes a white or yellowish discoloration. However, debris can build up near the infection, causing the nail to appear black.

Is it bad to leave blood under your nail?

If blood is spontaneously draining from the hematoma, drainage of subungual hematoma is generally not required. You should not try draining your subungual hematoma at home as improper drainage may result in infections or permanent damage to the nail bed.

What causes nail to turn blue or black?

Medically speaking, blue fingernails are caused by hypoxaemia, an abnormally low level of oxygen in the blood. This low level of oxygen in the blood results in the skin or the membrane beneath the skin turning a bluish colour (or sometimes even purple).

What causes toenails to grow out and turn black?

A black toenail may be caused by: An underlying medical condition: This may include anemia, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease. Fungal infections: While these often look white or yellow, fungal infections can sometimes cause black toenails from debris buildup. Melanoma: This is the most serious type of skin cancer, which often appears as a dark brown misshapen spot.

What caused a toe to turn black?

Nails change colors for multiple reasons. The most common culprit for a black toenail is blood under the hard tissue . Damage to the end of the toe causes blood to leak through the nail bed and stain the keratin a dark color. This is also known as a subungual hematoma, or a bruise under the nail.

What you should know about black toenails?

Here’s what you need to know. If your toenail turns black, it’s most likely a bruise under the nail , technically called a subungual hematoma. You can get it from stubbing a toe or from footwear that cram your feet into the front of the shoe.