It can be unexpected and worrisome when a toenail turns blue. It may occur following a minor injury or it may just show up for no apparent reason. A shift in nail color typically indicates an unwell state, so it’s critical to pay attention to this symptom and learn what your body is trying to tell you.
A toenail may turn blue for a number of reasons, from minor bruises to more serious ailments like infections or poor circulation. Understanding the causes will help you determine whether you should see a doctor or if the condition will go better on its own.
If you’re in pain or your toenail changes color and you don’t know why,
| Cause | When to See a Doctor |
| Injury or trauma to the nail | If the nail is severely painful, swollen, or if the color doesn’t improve in a few days |
| Fungal infection | If you notice thickening, crumbling, or a foul odor in addition to the discoloration |
| Circulatory problems | If you have a history of circulation issues, diabetes, or if the blue color is accompanied by numbness or tingling |
| Medications or medical conditions |
- Why does nail plates turn blue?
- Accompanying symptoms
- When to see a doctor?
- Treatment
- The outcome of the problem in the absence of treatment
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Why does nail plates turn blue?
The sooner you identify the reason behind the appearance of a bruise on your big or other toe, the sooner you can start treatment. You need medical attention because the cause of the appearance of blueness can be quite serious. The explanation for why the big or other toe’s nail plate could become blue is given below:
- Injury. If you hit the nail plate, then due to the blow and tissue damage, a black or blue hematoma may form on it.
- Wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes. Leads to the formation of a bruise.
- Infection. With fungal information, blue nails very often occur.
- Impaired blood circulation. It is considered one of the first reasons for the blue nail on the finger. First of all, the area under the nail darkens, then the bruise can spread to the skin of the finger.
- Melanoma. This is a malignant tumor that is very rare.
Accompanying symptoms
The following symptoms may be present in addition to blue nail plate:
- Form of cardiovascular insufficiency. In this case, there is accumulation and stagnation of blood in the lower extremities. The situation is very dangerous, requires particular attention and urgent appeal to a specialist.
- Aching pain in the nail area can be the cause of mechanical damage received by a person due to incorrectly selected shoes, sports or due to a strong blow. In these situations, the vessels begin to burst, and a hematoma is formed. Most often, the little finger and thumb are at the risk of damage, which is due to their location.
- Pathological damage to the nail plate with a fungus, which can occur with low immunity.
- Damage when removing burrs, as a result of which the infection penetrates, an unpleasant odor occurs, itching.
- Some forms of cancer pulmonary diseases.
- Toxic poisoning of the body, including poisoning with drugs and household chemicals, which the liver (hemochromatosis) could not cope with.
- Diseases of the respiratory system, asthma and bronchitis, can, in the exacerbation phase, lead to oxygen starvation and the blue color of the plates.
A blue toenail, which is frequently the result of trauma, poor circulation, or underlying medical conditions, can be concerning. To maintain healthy toenails, it’s critical to comprehend the potential causes, know when to seek medical attention, and become knowledgeable about efficient treatment options and preventative measures.
When to see a doctor?
It is not required to consult a specialist if the damage is minor and the nail has only slightly changed in color. It will heal on its own with time. It is advised to disinfect the nail plate every day if there is no bad smell and it does not hurt.
The sooner the cause of the dark spots is identified, the more successful the treatment will be. If the injury is more severe and the nail has turned blue along with pain and discomfort, you should call a specialist right away. A prompt and accurate diagnosis will hasten the healing process.
Treatment
Treatment can be completed at home if a specialist’s examination revealed no abnormalities in the body. Here, both prescription drugs and traditional healing methods are offered:
- In case of injury or bruise, it is recommended to use ice or any other cooled product that can reduce the formation of a bruise when bruised. If the pain is severe, you can use painkillers or ointments. For bruises, also use an elastic bandage.
- If the nail is damaged due to cosmetics, you must wait for the natural change in color of the nail, and also be careful with low-quality decorative cosmetics.
- In case of frostbite of the extremities, you must immediately begin warming measures, these can be: warm baths, rubbing with warming agents.
- When wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes, blood flow can decrease, which will provoke the formation of a bruise. In order to increase blood flow, it is recommended to make a foot bath with sea salt, this procedure should last at least 20 minutes. You can also add aroma oils to the bath and do a general strengthening massage of the feet with this oil.
- During periods of high temperatures, the extremities of the legs and arms become cold, causing the nails to turn blue. This is due to a spasm of blood vessels, which can disrupt the body"s heat exchange during high temperatures. In such a situation, first of all, you should take a pill, for example, No-Shpa, the dosage is recommended to be determined by the age category. Then start rubbing your hands and feet in order to disperse the blood through the veins, and add plenty of warm drinks.
- Vitamin complex. Many experts advise taking it for general strengthening of the nail plate.
Regretfully, major health issues can often be the cause of blue nails.
The outcome of the problem in the absence of treatment
Their restoration may take a long time and result in major issues if the nail plate is not treated. If treatment is not received, there may be detrimental effects, including:
- nail deformation;
- limitation of motor function;
- edema;
- the presence of purulent discharge;
- specific smell;
- shooting and aching pain.
Self-medication is not advised if the pathology caused the fungus to appear; in this situation, only a specialist can provide assistance.
The doctor has to recommend the required tests, drugs, and a manicure. Including foods high in calcium in the diet and taking salt baths on a regular basis are two ways to hasten the healing process of the nail. The blood will progressively start to exit the nail plate as a result of these procedures, which will also help to restore normal pressure in the affected zone.
Your toenail turning blue could indicate a number of different underlying problems. A blue toenail can signal more serious conditions like poor circulation, a fungal infection, or even a blood clot, though minor injuries and wearing tight shoes are common causes. It’s critical to keep an eye out for any changes in the nail’s discoloration and to take appropriate action if it worsens or is accompanied by pain, swelling, or other symptoms.
Simple home treatments like resting, applying ice to the toe, or donning looser shoes can often be helpful. Nonetheless, it’s imperative to see a physician if the discolouration continues or gets worse. Prompt medical advice can help you avoid complications and determine the best course of action for your unique situation.
