Caleb Foster
Bruises under the nail, also known as subungual hematomas, are caused by blood pooling under the nail plate. This can be the result of a hard impact to the finger or toe, or from dropping a heavy object on your toe. Bruises under the nail can be a cause for concern, as they may indicate a more serious health condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical term | Subungual hematoma |
| Cause | Hard impact to finger or toe |
| Appearance | Black-and-blue |
| Treatment | Seek medical care within two days |
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What You'll Learn
Subungual hematoma
A bruise under the nail is known as a subungual hematoma. This occurs when blood pools under the nail plate, causing discolouration. The blood collects under the nail due to ruptured blood vessels, which can be caused by trauma such as dropping a heavy object on your toe or finger. The colour of the bruise may change over time as the injury heals.
If you notice discolouration under your nail without an injury, it is still important to contact your healthcare provider. Although it may be a harmless mole or birthmark, nail discolouration can sometimes signal a more serious health condition that requires treatment, such as skin cancer.
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Bruised toenail
A bruised toenail, or subungual hematoma, is when the nail becomes injured from trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on your toe, causing blood to collect under the nail. The bleeding from the ruptured blood vessels causes a bruise, which appears as skin discoloration. A bruised toenail is a common injury, especially among athletes and people who work in manual labour.
Healthy nails are usually smooth and uniform in colour. When trauma causes injury to the nail, there are a few signs that indicate you may have a bruised toenail. If you notice discoloration under your nail without an injury, contact your healthcare provider. Sometimes, it’s just a harmless mole or birthmark. Other times, however, nail discoloration can signal a health condition that needs treatment, including skin cancer.
If you see blood or a bruise under your nail after an injury, seek medical care soon — within two days. Although it might seem like no big deal, a nail bruise needs medical attention for several reasons. The pain you feel from a bruised nail isn’t just from the accident. Blood trapped under your nail puts pressure on your toe nerves. The good news is that subungual hematomas usually go away without causing major problems. You can typically treat a bruised toenail through self-care practices at home, but more severe cases may require medical care.
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Bruised fingernail
A bruised fingernail, or subungual hematoma, is when the nail becomes injured from trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on your finger, causing blood to collect under the nail. The bleeding from the ruptured blood vessels causes a bruise, which appears as skin discoloration. A bruised fingernail is a common injury, especially among athletes and people who work in manual labour.
Healthy nails are usually smooth and uniform in colour. When trauma causes injury to the nail, there are a few signs that indicate you may have a bruised fingernail. After a hard impact to your finger, your nail may look bruised. But it's the tissue under your nail that's bruised — not your nail itself. Blood or bruising under your nail is known as a subungual hematoma.
If you see blood or a bruise under your nail after an injury, seek medical care soon — within two days. Although it might seem like no big deal, a nail bruise needs medical attention for several reasons. The pain you feel from a bruised nail isn’t just from the accident. "Blood trapped under your nail puts pressure on your finger or toe nerves," explains Dr Capin.
If you notice discoloration under your nail without an injury, contact your healthcare provider. "Sometimes, it’s just a harmless mole or birthmark," Dr Capin says. "Other times, however, nail discoloration can signal a health condition that needs treatment, including skin cancer."
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Blood pooling under the nail
While subungual hematomas usually go away without causing major problems, it is important to seek medical care within two days of noticing a bruise under your nail. This is because, although rare, nail discoloration can sometimes signal a more serious health condition that requires treatment, such as skin cancer.
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Skin cancer
A bruise under the nail is called a subungual hematoma, which is caused by blood pooling under the nail plate. This can be caused by trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on your toe. Subungual hematomas are usually harmless and go away without causing major problems. However, they can sometimes be a sign of skin cancer.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, as it can spread quickly to other parts of the body. It is often caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more common but less dangerous forms of skin cancer. They are usually caused by long-term exposure to the sun and typically occur on parts of the body that are frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, and hands.
The signs and symptoms of skin cancer can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. However, some common signs include changes in the skin, such as a new growth, a sore that doesn't heal, or a change in an existing mole. Other symptoms may include itching, bleeding, or crusting of the skin. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
The treatment for skin cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so it is important to be aware of any changes in your skin and to see a doctor if you have any concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
A bruise under the nail is known as a subungual hematoma. It is caused by blood pooling under the nail plate, which can be the result of a hard impact to your finger or toe.
A subungual hematoma can look black-and-blue like a bruise on the skin. The colour may change over time as the injury heals.
You should seek medical attention within two days of noticing a subungual hematoma. Although it might not seem serious, a subungual hematoma can put pressure on your finger or toe nerves, causing pain.
Yes, nail discolouration can sometimes signal a health condition that requires treatment, such as skin cancer.
