What does it mean when your toenail is black and blue?
What does it mean when your toenail is black and blue?
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.
What do I do if my toenail is black and blue?
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.
Should I be worried if my toenail is blue?
When your nails turn blue or light purple in color, it may be a sign that your toes are not getting proper circulation. This frequently indicates the presence of a health condition called Raynaud’s disease, which causes narrowing of the smaller arteries which supply blood to the extremities.
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. It could take anywhere from 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow out or 12 to 18 months for a toenail, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
When should I go to the doctor for a bruised toenail?
If the subungual hematoma extends to a little over a quarter or half of your toenail, then you must seek treatment at a doctor’s office. If you experience throbbing or severe pain near the hematoma, your doctor will determine if the hematoma needs to be drained to relieve the pressure.
Are blue toes serious?
Blue toe syndrome (BTS) is often described as painful digits with blue or purple discoloration without direct trauma1. Also it can lead to the amputation of toes and feet and be life threatening.
Will a blue toenail fall off?
Progression and consequences of blue toenails Toenails grow at the rate of only 1 mm per month, meaning it can take as long as 12 months for the discoloration to fully disappear. If the affected surface is large, the toenail may become loose and partially or completely fall off.
What would cause a toenail to turn blue?
In some cases, fingernails turn blue or purplish because of cyanosis, which can also affect the lips and skin. Cyanosis can occur if the blood is not carrying enough oxygen to the fingertips or the person has poor circulation.
Will my toenail fall off if it’s blue?
Do bruised toenails always fall off?
Unless the area of bleeding is very small, an affected nail will usually fall off on its own after several weeks because the pooled blood has separated it from its bed.
Why has my toe gone purple?
Not getting enough blood damages cells and the tissues they make up. This can cause the tissue to change color — usually blue or purple. When this happens to the toes, doctors call it blue toe syndrome. Some people with this condition have just one discolored toe on one foot.
How do you treat blue toenails?
Your podiatrist will be able to recommend the most appropriate course of treatment for your condition:
- The podiatrist will need to pierce the nail and cleanse the nail bed to ensure the new nail grows back properly.
- If the problem is severe, the podiatrist may need to completely remove the nail under local anesthetic.
Will my toenail fall off if it’s purple?
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 do you help a bruised toenail heal faster?
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), you can alleviate the pain of a bruised toenail with “rest, ice, elevation, and compression of the toe”. The ice will contribute to the reduction of the swelling.
Can darkened toes be a symptom of COVID-19?
In skin of color, COVID toes can cause a purplish discoloration, as the toe circled in red shows. You may also see swelling and round brownish purple spots (B). What you may see with COVID toes: The condition may develop on your toes, fingers, or both.
What should I do if my toenail is purple?
It’s particularly important to visit your podiatrist if your nail has turned purple or black, and you don’t remember injuring it. In many cases, you may simply need an anti-fungal medication to treat a fungal infection, but it’s always a good idea to rule out more serious disease and conditions, such as cancer.
Do all bruised toenails fall off?
What Happens During Subungual Hematoma Recovery? Unless the area of bleeding is very small, an affected nail will usually fall off on its own after several weeks because the pooled blood has separated it from its bed. A new fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks.
Will black toenail grow out?
Black Toenail: Common Causes The bruise usually starts out red, then becomes purple, dark brown, and finally black when blood beneath the nail pools and clots. Expect your black toenail to grow out in about 6 to 9 months or longer.
Why do I have a black toenail?
Diabetes
What you should know about black toenails?
What You Should Know about Black Toenails. Appointment Request. Black toenails are a condition known as subungual hematoma. They are usually caused by injury to the feet or from infection. While seeing a dramatic change in nail color can be startling, usually there is no cause for serious concern.
How to clear up dark toenails?
– Oral: Oral medications have been proven effective, but they take time to work. – Topical: Topical treatments (like amorolfine and ciclopirox) can help with minor toenail fungus. – Natural/Homeopathic: Natural preventative measures can be effective, but once fungus sets in, your best bet is a research-backed and FDA approved oral antifungal.
Are black toenails really a big deal for a runner?
You should always confer with a doctor who knows about running injuries when you have a medical problem. Almost everyone who runs gets a black toenail. Getting your first one is a sign that you’ve moved your training into a higher level. While most runners blame a shoe that is too small, this is often not the primary cause.
