Doctors Note Logo

Published on: 8/20/2026

What could a blood spot under my toenail indicate?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

A blood spot under your toenail (subungual hematoma) is most often caused by trauma or injury, but it can also result from medication side effects, blood flow problems, or underlying liver conditions.

Common causes include:

  • Injury or trauma: Stubbing your toe or dropping something on it
  • Medication reactions: Especially blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin
  • Circulation issues: Poor blood flow or vascular disorders
  • Liver conditions: Liver disease can affect blood clotting and cause spontaneous bleeding

While minor blood spots often heal on their own, persistent, painful, or unexplained spots may signal a more serious health issue that needs medical attention.

Because the cause can range from harmless to serious, the smartest next step is to identify what's actually driving your symptom. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights based on your specific symptoms and learn how to navigate your next steps with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

answer background

Quick answers

Frequently Asked Questions

4 answers

The most common questions people search after this page

Concerned about your symptoms?

Start a symptom check

Explanation

A blood spot under your toenail can be caused by several things. One possibility is an injury, like stubbing your toe, which can cause bleeding under the nail. Another reason could be a reaction to certain medications, which can affect your nails. Some drugs can lead to changes in the nails, including discoloration or spots.

Additionally, a blood spot might be related to blood flow issues. Conditions that affect blood circulation can sometimes cause changes in the color of your toes, like in blue or purple toe syndrome. This syndrome happens when small blood vessels get blocked, leading to changes in color.

Lastly, problems with your liver can also cause nail changes. People with liver disease might notice different nail appearances, including spots under the nails. If you notice these changes, you can use a free symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine whether you should talk to a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and advice.

(References)

  • Hirschmann JV, & Raugi GJ. (2009). Blue (or purple) toe syndrome. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 19103358.

  • (2014). Drug-induced nail disorders. Prescrire international, 25162091.

  • Salem A, Gamil H, Hamed M, & Galal S. (2010). Nail changes in patients with liver disease. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV, 19888943.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.