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What does it mean when your toenails are black and blue?

What does it mean when your toenails are 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 causes blackness in toenails?

Black Toenail: Common Causes 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.

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.

Why are my toenails purple?

If your toenails are purple, this may be due to a subungual hematoma, or bruising under the nail bed. “Small blood vessels bleed underneath the nail, staining it darker,” says Miguel Cunha, DPM, founder of the NYC-based Gotham Footcare.

What disease causes blue toes?

Although a common cause of blue toe syndrome is the embolisation of cholesterol crystals derived from atherosclerotic plaques, it may present as a symptom of several underlying diseases such as hypercoagulability disorders, vasculitis and autoimmune disorders.

What do blue nails indicate?

Blue fingernails are caused by a low level or lack of oxygen circulating in your red blood cells. This condition is known as cyanosis. It occurs when there isn’t enough oxygen in your blood, making the skin or membrane below the skin turn a purplish-blue color.

What causes blue toes?

Restricted blood supply to the feet can cause blue toe syndrome. This might occur when too much plaque sticks to the inside of arteries, or when a plaque fragment or a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the foot. An angiogram, vascular surgery, certain drugs, and renal failure can all cause blue toe syndrome.

What do blue toenails mean?

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 do you treat black and blue 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 does COVID-19 toes look like?

COVID toes: One or more toes may swell and turn pink, red, or a purplish color. Others may see a small amount of pus under their skin. Sometimes, people who have COVID toes have other symptoms of COVID-19. Treatment for COVID toes: To reduce pain or itching, apply a hydrocortisone cream to the affected area.

Does COVID-19 affect toes?

Symptoms of COVID toes COVID toes can range from affecting one toe to all of them. For the most part, COVID toes are painless, and the only reason they can be noticeable is the discoloration. However, for other people, COVID toes can also cause blistering, itch, and pain.