A member asked:

I smashed my pinkey toe in the door last night. its been bleeding for about 6 hours. its completely purple. the nail is hanging off. what should i do?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Not normal: If you are still bleeding 6 hours after the initial injury, and you have done nothing to make it bleed (move the nail, shave loose skin, etc.), then you have a bleeding problem. Get to a MD clinic or urgent care to be seen. Purple color indicates a contusion (bruise) from bleeding underneath the skin, so that's normal. You may need to tape the nail to the toe until it can be tended to by a pro.

Answered 7/22/2016

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Dr. Scott Keith answered

Specializes in Podiatry

Purple-ly Toe.: There's only one option. You need to bandage the toe with a mildly compressive fluff dressing and get to the emergency room. Damage could be extensive. The level of devices, to thoroughly evaluate the injury, is a necessity. Problems could include bone, tendon, nerve, capsule, skin, nail and muscle. Have I incentivized you enough?

Answered 9/29/2015

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