What is it: This means blood that is trapped beneath the toenail. It can be caused by a range of things – having your toe stood on in sports, dropping something heavy on your foot, stubbing your toe, wearing tight shoes that press on your toes, and the like.
In this post
Why is there something black on my toe?
Black Toenail: Common Causes
If your toenail turns black, it’s most likely a bruise under the nail, technically called a subungual hematoma. You can get it from stubbing a toe or from footwear that cram your feet into the front of the shoe.
What happens if you have a black dot on your toe?
“A dark spot or streak under the nail should be looked at by a dermatologist right away, especially if you haven’t recently experienced an injury to the area.” People who have extended or frequent exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays are at greater risk for melanoma.
What does melanoma on toe look like?
Aside from looking like a changing mole, a melanoma on the foot can appear as a: Brown or black vertical line under a toenail. Pinkish-red spot or growth. New spot or growth where you injured your foot.
How do I know if I have toe melanoma?
Here are certain warning signs to look out for: brown or black bands of color that increase in size over time. change in skin pigment (darkening around the affected nail) splitting nail or bleeding nail.
Does toe melanoma 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 causes black spots on feet?
Those spots that appear dark purplish or sometimes even brownish may be due to a condition called venous stasis dermatitis. This condition is associated with venous stasis, which is a condition in which veins have a difficult time sending the blood from the feet back to the heart.
Can you get melanoma on your toe?
You can develop melanomas on top of your feet, on your soles or even beneath your toenail. Unfortunately, malignant melanoma has many different warning signs. Usually, it begins as a small brown-black spot or bump.
What does a black spot on your skin mean?
Dark spots on the skin, or hyperpigmentation, occur when some areas of the skin produce more melanin than usual. Melanin gives the eyes, skin, and hair their color. Dark spots on the skin are not a cause for concern and do not need treatment, though people may choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons.
Can nail fungus cause black spots?
Toenail Fungus
While we traditionally know and recognise fungal nail infections as having a yellow discolouration, it may also be green, brown and black, too. You may distinguish toenail fungus from other causes of black discolouration by looking for other common features like brittle, crumbly or thickened nails.
What does Stage 1 melanoma look like?
Stage IA Melanoma: The melanoma tumor is less than 1.0 millimeter thick (less than the size of a sharpened pencil point) with or without ulceration (broken skin) when viewed under the microscope. Stage IB Melanoma: The melanoma tumor is more than 1.0 millimeter and less than 2.0 millimeters thick without ulceration.
What does early stage melanoma look like?
What to look for: Usually, the most obvious warning signs of early stage melanoma are changes to your moles or spots: in size, shape, colour or in how they look or how they feel. Melanoma can also appear as a new mole (more commonly in people aged 50 years or more)2.
Is foot melanoma curable?
Foot melanoma is often treatable in the early stages. However, people will usually receive a diagnosis during the later stages, as the symptoms may not be easily noticeable. If foot melanoma spreads, or metastasizes, it can be life threatening. Foot melanoma most often initially spreads to the lymph nodes.
How fast does foot melanoma grow?
Melanoma can grow very quickly. It can become life-threatening in as little as 6 weeks and, if untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body.
Does toenail melanoma grow out?
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.
Can toenail fungus look black?
Fungal infections: While these often look white or yellow, fungal infections can sometimes cause black toenails from debris buildup. Your toenails are especially vulnerable to fungal infections because they thrive on moist and warm environments.
How do I know if my toenail is black or melanoma?
Don’t Be Misdiagnosed. Know the Signs of Toenail Melanoma
- A dark spot or streak on your toenail could be a sign of subungual melanoma.
- We suspect melanoma from a pigmented spot that starts at the bottom of the nail next to the cuticle and makes a black streak on the toenail as it grows out toward the tip of the toe.
How does toenail melanoma start?
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.
How long can you live with melanoma untreated?
5-year relative survival rates for melanoma skin cancer
| SEER stage | 5-year relative survival rate |
|---|---|
| Localized | 99% |
| Regional | 68% |
| Distant | 30% |
| All SEER stages combined | 93% |
How do I get rid of dark spots on my toe corns?
Dip the pumice stone in warm water and then use it to carefully file the corn. Gentle circular or sideways motions help remove the dead skin. Tip: Don’t take off too much skin. Too much filing could cause bleeding and lead to infection.
Why do diabetics toes go black?
Gangrene. Diabetes affects the blood vessels that supply your fingers and toes. When blood flow is cut off, tissue can die. Treatment is usually oxygen therapy or surgery to remove the affected area.