Why is my toenail black after stubbing it?
A subungual hematoma is usually caused by trauma from a heavy object or from frequent rubbing or friction against a shoe. It occurs when the blood vessels break open under the nail, causing blood to pool. Your toenail may look like a black, blue or purple bruise.
How long does a bruised toenail stay black?
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.
How do you get rid of a black bruised toenail?
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.
Will a black bruised toenail 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.
Do I need to see a doctor for a black toenail?
A person should see a doctor if they experience a sudden, unexplainable black toenail, or if it does not heal with time and at-home treatments. In cases of trauma or injury, the discolored part of the nail will disappear as the nail grows out.
What happens if you don’t drain blood under nail?
What happens if subungual hematoma goes untreated? A subungual hematoma usually resolves on its own without any treatment. The discoloration disappears as the nail grows. Over several months, a new nail eventually grows to replace the damaged nail.
What happens if you leave blood under your nail?
The trapped blood will eventually be reabsorbed, and the dark mark will disappear. This can take 2–3 months for a fingernail, and up to 9 months for a toenail. If there is severe damage to the nail bed, the nail may be malformed or cracked when it grows back. Or, it may fail to regrow.
When should I worry about a bruised toenail?
It is especially important to see a doctor for the following: You had blunt trauma to the toenail, such as a heavy object dropped on the toe, which may also include a broken toe bone that needs treatment or a cut that needs stitches. There is severe swelling, pain, or redness of the toe.
How long does it take blood under toenail to go away?
A minor subungual hematoma usually heals over time without treatment. The trapped blood will eventually be reabsorbed, and the dark mark will disappear. This can take 2–3 months for a fingernail, and up to 9 months for a toenail.
Should I drain the blood under my toenail?
You may be able to relieve severe, throbbing pain by draining blood from under your nail. This procedure is not necessary and is not recommended if you are not having pain. This procedure is safe if done properly.