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Pediatric Foot Care

Subungual Hematoma

Causes, symptoms, and treatment for blood under the nail, with care at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.

Part of Pediatric Foot Care

Understanding blood under the nail and your options.

A subungual hematoma is a collection of blood trapped beneath a nail. It usually follows a hit or a crush injury to the toe. The nail may turn red, purple, or black.

Runners, hikers, and people who drop things on their feet get this often. The pressure from the trapped blood can throb. Checking it soon can ease pain and rule out a broken bone.

Also called: Blood Under the Nail

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788
Subungual Hematoma care

Symptoms

Signs of blood under the nail.

If you notice these signs, an exam can give you clear answers.

  • 01

    A dark red, purple, or black spot under the nail

  • 02

    Throbbing pain right after an injury

  • 03

    Pressure or tenderness when you touch the toe

  • 04

    A nail that feels loose or looks lifted

Why it happens

What can cause blood under the nail.

  • 01

    Dropping a heavy object on the toe

  • 02

    Stubbing the toe hard

  • 03

    Toes hitting the front of tight shoes

  • 04

    Repeated pounding during running or hiking

Care groupPediatric Foot Care

Diagnosis and care

How we treat blood under the nail.

Step 1 · Diagnosis

We ask how the injury happened and look at how much of the nail is involved. An X-ray is often done to check for a broken toe bone. We also make sure the dark spot is from injury and not something else, especially if there was no clear injury.

Step 2 · Treatment

For a painful, fresh bleed, we can release the pressure with a minor in-office procedure, which often brings quick relief. Smaller spots may just need rest, icing, and roomy shoes. We may protect the nail with a dressing. If the nail lifts, we help keep the area clean.

Surgery is rarely needed. If the nail bed is cut or badly damaged, it may need repair or nail removal.

Recovery

What to expect over time.

Pain often eases within days after pressure is released. The dark mark grows out slowly over several months as the nail replaces itself.

When to book

Do not wait it out.

See a podiatrist soon after a toe injury with strong pain, swelling, or a dark nail. Come in right away if the toe looks bent, the skin is cut, or you have diabetes.

Call 615-220-8788

Related care

More in Pediatric Foot Care.

FAQ

Your questions answered.

Will I lose the nail?

Sometimes. If the nail loosens, a new one usually grows back over several months.

Could a dark spot under the nail be something else?

Yes. A dark spot with no injury should be checked, since other skin problems can look similar.

Get help with blood under the nail.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788

Where we treat it

Subungual Hematoma care at 15 clinics.

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