Why Does My Toenail Have A Spot?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Nail Trauma:

If you’ve recently injured the area, the black spot under the nail may be a type of bruise referred to as a subungual hematoma

. As a result of an injury, blood pools under the nail leading to discoloration. This type of hematoma is commonly caused by stubbing a toe or from sports trauma.

How long does it take for a toenail to repair?

A new nail will have to grow back in its place. Nails grow back slowly. It takes about 6 months for a fingernail and

up to 18 months

for a toenail to grow back.

How long does it take for a bruise under toenail to grow out?

Compression can further reduce the bleeding underneath the nail. Regardless of treatment the hematoma will eventually be resorbed by the body and a new nail will grow out. On average the nail takes

6 to 9 months

to grow completely out.

How long does it take for half a toenail to grow back?

Scenario Regrowth timeline (for fingernails and toenails) after psoriasis

6 months or longer

How do you know if the nail matrix is damaged?

You may notice

the nail appears thicker than usual

. The extent of the injury often depends on where it occurs. If you have a deep cut or trauma to the germinal matrix at the base of the nail, it’s possible the nail may never grow back.

Can you get a mole under your toenail?


Toenail melanoma is another name for subungual melanoma

. It’s an uncommon form of skin cancer that develops underneath the fingernail or toenail. Subungual means “under the nail.” Toenail fungus is a more common condition that occurs from the overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail.

Why is there a brown spot under my toenail?

Skin Cancer A discolored spot underneath a toenail

may be a sign of melanoma, a potentially fatal form of skin cancer

. Melanoma under a toenail usually looks like a brown or black streak or may appear similar to a bruise. Although this isn’t common, it’s also not rare, says Sheth.

What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?

Nail psoriasis sometimes causes too much keratin to grow under the nail. This overgrowth is called

subungual hyperkeratosis

. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.

Does a new nail grow under a damaged nail?

After a nail separates from the nail bed for whatever reason, it will not reattach.

A new nail will have to grow back in its place

. Nails grow back slowly. It takes about 6 months for a fingernail and up to 18 months for a toenail to grow back.

Will an ingrown toenail eventually grow out?


They will not go away without intervention

, but people can usually treat them at home over a few days. A person should speak to a doctor if: the ingrown toenail does not improve with home care. they have an underlying health condition that affects the feet, such as diabetes.

How do you get rid of nail growth under your nail?

  1. Avoiding certain manicures. If gel manicures or acrylic nails are causing PIU, avoiding these procedures will usually reverse it. …
  2. Corticosteroids. A doctor can prescribe a topical corticosteroid if you have nail psoriasis. …
  3. Antifungal medication. …
  4. Cuticle oil.

How do you treat a bruised big toenail?

Bruised toenails cause pain due to the swelling that happens when it is injured. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), you can alleviate the pain of a bruised toenail with “

rest, ice, elevation, and compression of the toe

”. The ice will contribute to the reduction of the swelling.

Will a bruised toenail grow back?


Once your toenail falls off, it can’t reattach itself and keep growing

. You’ll need to wait for the new nail to grow back in its place. Depending on the cause and how much, if any, of your toenail remains, you might need additional treatment to make sure your toenail grows back properly.

Should I cut off bruised toenail?

If you have a damaged toenail, you might be tempted to remove it yourself. But while damaged toenails sometimes fall off on their own,

it’s not a good idea to force that process

. Removing a damaged toenail yourself could lead to serious complications that end up making matters worse.

How can I speed up my toenail growth?

  1. Take biotin. Biotin is an important type of B vitamin that allows the body to turn food into energy. …
  2. Use nail hardeners (sparingly) Nail softness makes nails more prone to breaking, which increases the need for nail regrowth. …
  3. Avoid glue-on nails and toxic polishes. …
  4. Practice good grooming.

How long does it take for a big toenail to grow back?

After a nail separates from the nail bed, it will not reattach, so don’t try. In its place, a new nail will have to grow back. Toenail growth can be slow; toenails can take

up to 18 months (1.5 years)

to grow back.

How do you fix a split toenail?

  1. Try glue. One potential home remedy involves reattaching the nail with glue. …
  2. Use a tea bag. Another home remedy involves using a tea bag. …
  3. Try a gel and silk wrap. Another potential remedy is to try a gel and silk wrap to hold the nail in place. …
  4. Use a fake nail. …
  5. Medical treatments.

Is the Matrix the nail bed?


The nail matrix is the most important structure within the nail unit

. This is where new nail plate cells are created and as these new cells are created, older cells are pushed forward and the nail plate grows. The shape and size of the matrix determines the thickness and width of the nail.

Can nail matrix be repaired?


Restoration of normal nail appearance and function is best achieved by acute repair of the nail matrix

. Reconstructive techniques may be used to provide a more normal-appearing nail.

What happens if the nail matrix is destroyed?

If the nail bed or matrix was damaged,

the nail may grow back with a rough or abnormal shape

. In some cases the nail may not grow back at all. There may be damage or a cut to the nail bed. This may need to be repaired.

What does melanoma look like under a toenail?

Subungual melanoma often starts as a

brown or black streak

under a toenail or fingernail. A person may mistake it for a bruise. The main symptoms of subungual melanoma include: brown or black streaks in the nail without any known injury.

What does Stage 1 melanoma look like?

Stage 1A means the: melanoma is

less than 1 mm thick

.

outer layer of skin (epidermis) covering the tumour may or may not look broken under the microscope (ulcerated or not ulcerated)

Does melanoma under nail grow out?

Mistaken for a bruise

Many people first mistake subungual melanoma as a bruise. However, unlike a bruise,

the streaks from subungual melanoma do not heal or grow out with the nail over time

.

Does melanoma under toenail hurt?

In 75% to 90% of reported cases, subungual melanomas have been found in the thumb and the big toe. But they can be seen in other toes and fingers. And

they can be quite painful

. Inflammation, a normal bodily process that fights infection or injury, can also be present.

What are dark spots under nails?

The spots may be

subungual hematomas from trauma or a fingernail injury

. It can also be a skin cancer like melanoma or squamous cell cancer. If you aren’t feeling well, or if it doesn’t go away, call your doctor.

Why is there a brown spot on my big toe?

Brown spots:

Flat patches in sun-exposed areas are often

solar lentigines, otherwise known as sun spots that develop over time

. These are no cause for concern. If the spots are dark and rough, they may be benign Seborrheic keratosis, another result of aging, however, these can easily be mistaken for melanoma.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.