Understanding Dark Spots Under Toenails
Discovering a dark spot under your toenail can be concerning. While many people immediately worry about serious conditions like melanoma, it's important to understand that most dark spots are benign and result from common causes like trauma or fungal infections. However, knowing when a dark spot requires professional evaluation is crucial for your foot health.
Dark spots under toenails can vary significantly in appearance, cause, and seriousness. Some develop suddenly after an injury, while others may appear gradually without any apparent cause. Understanding the different types of dark spots and their characteristics can help you determine when to seek professional care.
Common Causes of Dark Toenail Spots
Several conditions can create dark discoloration under the toenail, ranging from harmless to more serious.
Frequent causes include:
- Subungual hematoma (bleeding under the nail from trauma)
- Fungal infections
- Melanoma (a type of skin cancer)
- Repetitive pressure from footwear
- Underlying medical conditions
- Normal pigmentation changes
Concerned about your toenail health? Download our free guide about toenail conditions to learn about various nail problems and their treatments.
Subungual Hematoma vs. Melanoma
Distinguishing between a harmless bruise and a potentially serious melanoma is crucial. Certain characteristics can help identify the nature of the dark spot.
Key differences to observe:
- Trauma-related spots often appear suddenly after an injury
- Melanoma typically develops without a known cause
- Bruises grow out with the nail; melanoma often doesn't
- Bruises are usually uniform in color; melanoma may have varied colors
- Hematomas typically cause pain initially; melanoma is usually painless
- Bruises improve over time; melanoma persists or worsens
Unsure about a dark spot under your toenail? Request a consultation with our experienced team for proper evaluation and peace of mind.
