Subungual Bleeding Quiz
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Yellow nails
Skin has moles or spots of different colors
Discoloration of the nails
Black, blue, or brown spots on the skin or elsewhere
Nails are yellow
Discolored macules or moles on skin/mucus membranes
Abnormalities in nail color
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Subungual Bleeding?
This is a purple discoloration of the nails resulting from bleeding under the nail. It is caused by direct trauma. The purple discoloration is often mixed with brown discoloration with time, like a bruise.
Typical Symptoms of Subungual Bleeding
- Change in nail color
- Black/blue/brown spots or moles, on the skin and lining of the mouth
- Toe pain
- Skin problems
Diagnostic Questions for Subungual Bleeding
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Did your nail color change?
- Are there black, blue, or brown spots on your skin? (Including moles)
- Are you experiencing toe pain?
- Do you have any skin problems
Treatment of Subungual Bleeding
Treatment is typically not needed. If it is very painful, a small procedure can be done (best within 48 hours) to release the blood pooled under the nails. In some cases, the nail may become warped or fall off before regrowing naturally.
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Feb 19, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Subungual Bleeding?
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- Pain in my toe
- The nail has a black streak
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- Spots on the nails
- Pain in the toes
- Moles or spots of different colors on skin or lining of the mouth
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- Leg rash
- Toenail color change
- I have pain in my little toes on both feet
- My nails are a weird color
- Nails turn yellow
- Hand skin is dry
See full list
Symptoms Related to Subungual Bleeding
Diseases Related to Subungual Bleeding
FAQs
Q.
Blood Blister? Why Your Skin Traps Blood & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
A blood blister is a dark, tender bubble that forms when tiny vessels rupture under intact skin, usually after friction or pinching; most heal on their own if you protect the area, avoid popping, use cold compresses, and keep it clean. See the complete guidance below for red flags that need medical care like severe throbbing under a nail, signs of infection, blisters without injury or that persist, higher risks if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or take blood thinners, and when nail discoloration could mimic melanoma or need professional drainage to relieve pressure.
References:
* Satti M, Ahmed M, Pothiawala S, Masood S. Cutaneous hemorrhagic lesions: a review. J Clin Pathol. 2016 Mar 22. PMID: 27040436.
* Kutzner H, Tellechea O, Soares-Fernandes JP. Subepidermal hemorrhage of the skin: a diagnostic challenge. J Cutan Pathol. 2019 Feb. PMID: 30677987.
* Hockenberry JM, Sontag E. Skin and Soft Tissue Injuries. Prim Care. 2017 Sep. PMID: 28731362.
* Wietecha MS, Tausk FA, Prodanovich S, Hoversten P, Kallay Z, Tyring SK. Mechanisms of epidermal blister formation: a review of the literature. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013 Jun. PMID: 23819864.
* Piggott R, Wark S. Management of common skin lesions. Aust J Gen Pract. 2019 Aug. PMID: 31388056.
Q.
Is It Just a Bruise? Why Your Body is Trapping Blood and Your Medically Vetted Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider: what looks like a simple bruise can be a hematoma, a pocket of trapped blood that may feel firm or raised and is often minor, but risk hinges on size, location, and symptoms. Start with rest, ice, compression, and elevation plus acetaminophen while avoiding NSAIDs for 24 to 48 hours; some large or very painful collections under skin or nail may need drainage and deeper ones may need imaging. Seek urgent care for rapid swelling, worsening pain, numbness, infection, head injury symptoms, a growing lump, or if you are on blood thinners; full details that can change your next steps are outlined below.
References:
* Deitch, E. A., & Rittenhouse, M. (2018). Evaluation and Management of Ecchymoses. *American Family Physician*, *97*(11), 716-723. PMID: 29846187.
* Kamath, K. S., & George, M. (2018). Approach to the adult with easy bruising. *Journal of General Internal Medicine*, *33*(11), 1957–1964. doi:10.1007/s11606-018-4595-5. PMID: 30066224.
* Schmaier, A. H. (2018). Evaluation of Bruising and Bleeding Disorders. *Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis*, *44*(7), 643–652. doi:10.1055/s-0038-1667280. PMID: 30107246.
* Mayr, J. A., et al. (2020). Management of Hematomas. *Cureus*, *12*(7), e9191. doi:10.7759/cureus.9191. PMID: 32802613.
* Tiu, T., & Ma, L. (2022). Cutaneous Manifestations of Coagulopathies. *Dermatologic Clinics*, *40*(4), 415–424. doi:10.1016/j.det.2022.05.006. PMID: 36179979.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
De Giorgi V, Saggini A, Grazzini M, Gori A, Rossari S, Scarfì F, Verdelli A, Chimenti S, Lotti T, Massi D (2011). Specific challenges in the management of subungual melanoma. Expert review of anticancer therapy.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21554050/Möhrle M, Häfner HM (2002). Is subungual melanoma related to trauma? Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12077517/Oztas MO (2010). Clinical and dermoscopic progression of subungual hematomas. International surgery.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21067003/