A 33-year-old member asked:
a drawer fell on my big toe and now underneath the toe nail is blackish blueish, what should i do?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Ally-Khan Somani answered
Dermatology 19 years experience
It depends: What you describe is a black toenail or subungal hematoma. This can be extremely painful and there can be pressure under the nail from continued bleeding. Most of the time the pain and throbbing improves with rest & ice. The discoloration improves with time as the blood stained nail grows out. However, if the pressure/pain continues or gets worse the hematoma must be drained by a doctor.
6184 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Morris Westfried answered
Dermatology 46 years experience
Nothing: If it is not painful it will grow out. However if the color disturbs you a doctor can makeva tiny hole in the nail to release the blood.
6184 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Ellen Wenzel answered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Xrays: Any crushing injury to the nail unit should be evaluated for fracture and depending on much involvement there is to the nail plate, this may need to be removed to inspect the nail bed and ensure there are no underlying lacerations.
5892 viewsAnswered Jul 6, 2018
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
Arlington Heights, IL
A 23-year-old female asked:
Are there any potential complications you could have from tearing off a toe nail?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. David Yan answered
Plastic Surgery 20 years experience
Maybe: After having a nail (finger or toe) removed or torn off, you need to know the status of the underlying nail bed. If the nail bed has been badly damaged or has not been repaired well, the growing nail may lift off as it grows out.
6302 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
What does it mean if my big toe nail is turn dark and getting very hard?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Levine answered
Orthopedic Surgery 19 years experience
Possible Fungus: This may be a sign that you have a fungus infection of the toenail (onychomycosis). You should have it checked by a dermatologist.
6300 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 38-year-old member asked:
I hit my big toe and half of the nail turned black. I peeled it off because it was hurting me. What do I do?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Johnnie Strickland Jr answered
Family Medicine 33 years experience
Treat as wound: Treat the open wound as you would a cut with neosporin and cover to protect it. Then wait for the toenail to slowly grow back out.
6176 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
What is causing my toe nail bed to become increasingly smaller?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. S. Yvonne Conner answered
General Practice 44 years experience
Fungus Among'us: One very common cause for this is fungus in your nail beds. The skin becomes attached to the nail bed and it seems like your nail bed is getting smaller. A comprehensive program of reducing sugars in your diet, local anti-fungal drops with tea tree oil, checking to make sure you have normal blood sugar, and oral medication if needed.
6056 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
United Kingdom (Great Britain)
A 31-year-old male asked:
My husband has a toe nail that is rotten & black & the nail is coming off , what could be the cause ?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. John Cheng answered
Family Medicine 26 years experience
Toenail: If he is an avid runner we see this often due to the recurring trauma.He may also have a fungal infection. He should be evaluated to make sure it is not an internal issue as well.
5746 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Jul 6, 2018
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits
$15 per month
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.