Given the uncertainty about whether it's a bruise or something more, it's essential to have the spot thoroughly examined to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Changes in toenail color or texture can be caused by various factors, including trauma, fungal infections, or underlying nail conditions.

To address your concerns and provide a comprehensive diagnosis, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our experienced podiatrist at Jose Loor Podiatry Practice. Our team will conduct a thorough examination of your toenail, inquire about relevant activities, such as hiking, and may use diagnostic tools to assess the issue.

To schedule your appointment, please call us at (917) 821-0862 or visit our website at [https://joseloorpodiatry.com/]. Our goal is to offer personalized care to address your specific foot health needs.

It is possible that your shoe gear was to tight. But it is always better to have it checked or biopsy to rule out any pathology.

Bruise. It should go away in one month. If not then seek local podiatry office.

It looks like a bruise. But if it concerns you that much, a biopsy of the area will tell you definitively what it is.

Usually a subungal hematoma. May require drainage if painful.

Looks like a bruise nail

If it has only been present for two days and you have been active in shoes which add pressure to the nail it is likely a subungual hematoma, sort of like a bruise as you suggest. Blood pools under the nail and the hemosiderin stains the nail. It'll have this appearance for some time, likely until the nail grows out which can take months. If it does not appear to be growing out or if it becomes painful see your local podiatrist.

If it is sudden onset and only 1 day old, and you may have traumatized it, it should not be serious. Monitor for a bit. If scared, be seen.

If it came on suddenly especially after an activity that was not in your usual schedule it is most likely to be a bruise. Bruises under the nail can take a long time to resolve, but you should see the discolored area move forward as the nail grows. If the spot does not appear to be growing out with time (several months - it takes about 8-9 for a fully new nail) it would be good to have it looked at.

Needs a biopsy

It's best to be evaluated by a specialist

Probably a bruise. See if it grows out.

The discoloration is very circumscribed and off to one side, which is not consistent with a subungual hematoma, which tend to be in the center of the nail plate. There is no history of injury. You have no complaint of pain which rules out “turf toe.” More history is needed. Did this come on suddenly or gradually? Is the discoloration getting larger/smaller or any change in color? The photographs are inconclusive. A visual examination would be in order by a podiatrist or dermatologist. A biopsy may be in order to conclusively determine what the lesion is.

If the lesion was not noted previously, it is likely a bruise. One way to determine this is to watch the lesion for several months, and it should grow out distally as the nail grows. If it is something more insidious, it will remain in the same place without changing position and will not grow out. If you are really scared, you can go to a Podiatrist or Dermatologist and have the nail plate removed and the lesion biopsied, if it is there after the nail removal. I personally recommend watching the lesion for a few months. Nails take 9 months to grow from the proximal to the distal nail fold, so it will be a slow process.

If the discoloration is new, it is most likely from the hike. You can damage the nail and cause bleeding underneath, which will look like a reddish discoloration. It may turn darker with time. If the discoloration has been there a while and you can't connect its occurrence with activity or trauma, you would benefit from an in person evaluation by a podiatrist or dermatologist.

It most likely is a subungual hematoma (dried blood under the nail). If it doesn't advance with nail growth, then a nail biopsy needs to be performed to r/u a melanoma.

Looks like a bruise but only way to be sure is to do a biopsy

Hello. Given your history of hiking which could lead to underlying bruising of the nail bed. I recommend giving it three months and if the bruising persists you should seek the help of a Podiatrist.

It is most likely a bruise caused by improperly fit in shoe gear or by your foot flat sliding forward in the shoe. However, it would be best to have it checked and monitored since we occasionally see melanomas in the toes underneath the nails. You could go to a podiatrist or a dermatologist.

Kathleen Neuhoff, DPM

Subungual hematoma is when there is blood under nail after trauma. Sometimes we do not know if we had a bad step. It will clear up with time. Sometimes the hematoma is significant and painful. When that is the case, we remove the nail which allows the hematoma to be cleared.

Pressure on the toenail with physical activity and shoe gear can cause bleeding beneath the nail plate. Based solely on the pictures it appears that this is the problem in your case. The area of of discoloration, which is a mixture of blood and serum, should grow forward as the nail plate develops over the next 3-4 months and you are not at risk for infection. If it does not move forward or changes color you should be examined by a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery.

It's possible that the spot is a small bruise, especially considering you went hiking. However, there's also a very small chance it might be "something" more serious. I would tell my own family member not to panic and to not assume the worse, but let's get it checked out immediately. That is what I suggest you do, as well. Get it checked out by a Dermatologist ASAP so you can stop worrying about the spot under your nail.
Hope this helps and, good luck!!

It is likely bleeding under the nail. I recommend you ask your parents to make an appointment for you with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) for evaluation and diagnosis