Purple discoloration under both big toenails - Nail Problems Message Board

clennys · 07-13-2007, 07:09 PM

Hello,

I have had this "spot" of purple under my right toenail for 6-8 weeks now and it doesn't seem like it is fading away. It is about 1/6th the size of my entire toenail. I have tried to pay attention to whether or not it grows out with the nail but to me it seems like it is just staying in place. It is possible that my toenails are growing out so slow that I can't really notice it. More recently I noticed a similar color under my left big toenail but it is smaller and thinner. Both purple spots are in the same general area. I don't recall any injuries or trauma to either toes.

Anyone know what it is? I was thinking about marking my toenails with a pen to see if the "spot" is growing with the toenail or not.

Marti · 07-16-2007, 06:25 AM

You more than likely have a hematoma (bruise) under the nails. You can get these if you drop something on your toes or if you wear shoes that are too small or shoes that pressure the toes together, such as pointy toed shoes. The Toe nails grow VERY slow, so you really won't notice it move forward.