Identifying a Mark Under My Toenail
18M - Recently, I've observed a peculiar discoloration beneath my toenail over the last few days. Surprisingly, it hasn’t been painful, and I can’t remember any injury that might have led to this condition. It appears to be blood, but could there be other possible explanations for this occurrence?
Answers (1)
8/18/2025, 3:21:29 AM
OpenHealth AI
You've noticed a discoloration under your toenail that looks like blood but isn’t causing any pain. It's understandable to feel concerned about this change. While the appearance of blood can suggest a couple of things, there are other possible explanations as well.
Discoloration under a toenail can be due to various reasons, including:
- Subungual Hematoma: This is bleeding under the nail, often due to trauma that you might not have noticed.
- Fungal Infection: Some fungal infections can lead to discoloration and nail changes without immediate pain.
- Nail Melanoma: A rare form of skin cancer that can appear as brown or black streaks under the nail.
- Psoriasis or Other Skin Conditions: Can also lead to nail discoloration, though they often have other accompanying symptoms.
Next Steps:
- Observe Changes: Keep an eye on the discoloration for changes in size, color, or any new symptoms like pain or swelling.
- Maintain Nail Hygiene: Keep your toenails clean and dry, which can help prevent infections.
- Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid tight shoes or activities that could stress the toenail.
- Consider Context: Reflect on any recent activities that may have caused unnoticed trauma to your toe, even if it didn't feel painful.
If the discoloration worsens, if you experience pain, or if new symptoms arise, it would be wise to seek further evaluation. Stay proactive about your health, and monitoring these conditions will help you understand if further action is necessary. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Related Questions
Should I Take Them to the Emergency Room?
A relative of mine, a 52-year-old male who is currently struggling with addiction, was attacked with a metal handle two days ago. I visited him this evening and took some pictures to assess the situation. I am genuinely concerned about the possibility of internal bleeding or other serious injuries. Would it be advisable to seek medical attention for him?
Is This Worth Examining?
I’m a 39-year-old woman experiencing a sudden swelling in my ring finger located between two joints. There’s no pain or injury associated with it, and it appeared without warning. Additionally, I’ve noticed that the skin in that area seems to peel quite easily. I scratched at it, suspecting a possible hair splinter from my work as a dog groomer, but I couldn’t find any evidence of it.
Unexpected Sudden Chills in My Feet
Age: 23, Weight: 135 lbs Recently, I’ve been experiencing a curious sensation in my feet, which started about a month ago. At least once daily, I feel a quick rush of coldness, almost as if my feet were submerged in chilly water. It’s as if a wave of previously cooled blood is suddenly flowing through them. This cool feeling lasts just around three seconds and is not accompanied by any pain. Could this phenomenon be indicative of diabetes? I’ve learned that tingling can be a sign, but I’m uncertain if this cold wave qualifies as tingling in any way.
I Accidentally Bit Off Part of My Tongue and It's Bleeding—What Should I Do?
If you're unfamiliar with what I refer to as "tongue tentacles," you might want to do a quick search. I’m a 16-year-old male, and I accidentally got one of these tongue extensions caught between my bottom teeth, resulting in it being torn off. Now, I’m experiencing significant bleeding. At the moment, I have some tissue paper in my mouth to help manage the bleeding. Out of panic, I applied some expired Bonjela, but that just exacerbated the situation. What are my next steps? I also fear that I may have risked developing an infection by using expired medication.
Can Growth Occur Post-Puberty? Seeking Insights
Hello everyone! I'm a 22-year-old woman and recently I took a height measurement while visiting my parents. They remarked that I appeared taller, which prompted me to check. To my surprise, I found that I now measure 5 feet 5 inches. Six months ago, I recorded a height of approximately 5 feet 3 inches, trending close to 5 feet 4 inches, and I’ve consistently measured around 5 feet 3 inches since I turned 14. This unexpected change has left me puzzled, and I’m keen to understand how it might have happened. My usual method of measuring involves standing against a wall without shoes, ensuring the measuring tape is flush against the wall, with someone else assisting to confirm my height. Furthermore, I have always been documented at 5 feet 3 inches during my visits to the doctor, which have been infrequent in the past half-year. I've come across various discussions online where individuals mention experiencing growth during their 20s after puberty; however, some users contradict this by pointing out that medical professionals assert this typically doesn't occur. Additionally, I found some articles indicating that, in rare cases, growth plates may not fully close post-puberty. Could this be the explanation behind my recent measurement? I would greatly appreciate any insights or information on this topic. Thank you!