The nail on my thumb turned blue. The nail is blue. Why do nails turn blue: causes of the disease. What to do if your nail turns blue

Abnormal changes in the color of the nail, as a rule, “signal” damage to the tissue underneath.

Sometimes the problem that arises turns out to be relatively minor (for example, a change in the color of the nail may occur due to a slight bruise).

However, it also happens that a change in nail color warns of serious problems that require immediate assistance from a qualified specialist.

• The most common reason why a toenail turns blue is injury. A change in the color of the nail is a consequence of a subungual hematoma or, simply, an accumulation of blood under the nail. This may cause severe pain, in which case you should consult a doctor.
• While the risk of accidental injury is true for everyone, the risk is higher for athletes and people who like to go barefoot.
• In athletes, black and blue nails are often the result of wearing athletic shoes that do not have enough room for the toes.
• Nails may also turn blue during physical activity. This repeated stress to the feet causes bloody blisters to form under the toenails. The condition is most common in runners and football players because their fingers are exposed to rough handling and is more severe in athletes who forget to trim their nails.
• A blue or black toenail can be caused by a fungal infection, which is a consequence of the patient's weakened immune system.
• Or the explanation for why the toenail turned blue is melanoma (a malignant tumor consisting of darkly pigmented melanocyte cells).

Symptoms of a black or blue nail may include:

• A change in color that can range from reddish to purple, brownish to blue or black.
• Pain, bad smell, discharge from under the nails.
• Although these symptoms are not always present, there is a wide range of signs that indicate something is wrong with the nail. If there is an underlying infection, there may be pain associated with redness and swelling of the finger.
• It also happens that the nail separates from the nail bed due to injury and accumulation of blood underneath it.

Here are some tips to help you prevent black or blue nails:

1. Trim your nails regularly, but not too short.
2. Wear well-fitting shoes. Shoes should offer a wide enough toe box to prevent your toes from pressing together.
3. Be careful when moving heavy objects. Try to avoid walking barefoot, as this may increase the risk of injury.
4. Keep your feet and nails clean and dry.
5. Always wear clean socks and shoes.
6. Let shoes air out between uses.
7. Treat any nail problems early.

Blackened toenail: when to see a doctor

If there is no pain or signs of infection (eg, pus, inflammation, unpleasant odor, fever, chills), you do not need to seek medical attention immediately.

• However, keep in mind that if the blackening of your toenail affects 25 percent or more of your nails, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. In such cases, it is more likely that the nail bed is severely damaged or that the bone under the nail is affected.
• If left untreated, a bone tissue infection (osteomyelitis) may develop, and then you will have to take antibiotics or even require surgery.

In most cases, your visit to the podiatrist will be an act of self-soothing.

The specialist will check to see if you have an open or closed fracture of the injured leg, if there is an infection, and if further medical intervention is necessary.

Depending on the type and severity of the injury with laceration and exposed bone and the degree of discoloration of the nail, the doctor may decide to remove the nail to examine the nail bed. If there is no wound, but there is blackening of the toenail, the doctor may order special tests, including a biopsy. He or she will ask you about your occupation, the situation that caused the nail color to change, and your medical and family history.

Here are some questions you can ask your doctor if your toenail turns black:

1. What is the chance that my nail will fall off and grow back without treatment?
2. What symptoms may indicate that the treatment is not working?
3. How long will it take before the nail returns to its normal shape and color?
4. What are the chances of this problem happening again?
5. Can I try to remove blood from under my nail at home?
6. Could this be malignant melanoma?
7. Is there oral or local drug, which I can apply to prevent further discoloration of the nail?

Why does a toenail turn blue and how to treat it?

Typically, why a toenail turns blue can be explained by repeated trauma over time, such as the constant “collision” of your toes and the toe of your shoe. And sometimes this can be the result of a one-time, sudden, traumatic injury to the foot (for example, a heavy object fell on the foot).

• Damaged blood vessels cause the nail to change color to black, blue and purple.
• This condition is not very attractive, but is not always painful. However, if there is a lot of blood, it will create unpleasant pressure.
• Sometimes there is an unpleasant odor.
• Less commonly, you may have serious damage to the nail bed, a laceration, or even a broken bone. Damage like this makes you an easy target for infections and other complications.

It is worth noting

In some cases, drug treatment is not necessary, especially if the injury was minor.

The bruise under the nail will go away without outside help. However, if you have any concerns about your health, make an appointment with a podiatrist. Only he will be able to determine the cause and severity of the problem, which will determine the treatment.

• If your doctor doesn't see the need for medication or drainage, leave the nail alone and it will heal on its own.
• On the other hand, if the injury is a cause for concern, a local anesthetic will be administered and the nail will be removed to examine the nail bed.
• If there is tissue damage, it will need to be washed and possibly sutured.

If the doctor has found out why the toenail turns blue and wants to relieve the pain and pressure of the hematoma, then there are three ways to do this:

1. Removal: The nail will be removed and the area underneath will be cleaned, thereby removing the hematoma.
2. Needle: Using a sterile needle, a small hole is poked into the nail so that the liquid can flow out from under it.
3. Cauterization: The device “burns” a hole in the nail to allow blood to drain out.

Your doctor may recommend a follow-up visit within a week after treatment. You may be asked to soak the nail in Epsom salts and warm water twice a day for ten to fifteen minutes, followed by antibiotic ointment and a dry, sterile bandage.

Recovery time will depend on the severity of the injury, the type of treatment, and how well you respond to treatment. On average, nails will take up to three months or more to completely heal and return to their normal appearance. Nails typically grow at a rate of approximately 3 mm per month.

A blue toenail may not always be the result of the mechanical impact of any objects. If a fall, blow or other injury occurs, the finger acquires an unsightly bluish tint, but if nothing happens similar person did not notice about himself, he needs to look for another reason for this phenomenon, and often together with a doctor.

One of the common causes of blue nail plates is wearing tight, uncomfortable shoes. As a result of constant pressure, blood circulation in the tissues of the finger is disrupted. Insufficient blood flows into the nail bed, and given that in thumb There are quite large vessels running through the legs, this can lead to serious consequences. We are talking about thrombosis and gangrene.

An incorrectly performed, artisanal pedicure can also lead to the above problem. Inaccurate treatment of the cuticle, namely cutting it too much or pushing it back, can lead to damage to the nail fold. Such interference is very dangerous. In the best case, the nail will acquire a blue tint and a wavy structure.

If a woman constantly uses low-quality cosmetics, including expired nail polish, nail polish remover, creams and scrubs, she risks compromising the health of her nails. They may not only turn blue or yellow, but also begin to crumble. Work associated with constant contact with chemicals can lead to the same consequences. Workers in such industries usually have brittle nails, and in severe cases, even bleeding develops.

Another one common reason lesions of toenails - fungus. The disease is accompanied by severe itching and burning, the nail plates become deformed and thicken, and subsequently acquire a bluish tint, peel and break. In this case, only a dermatologist can help. You should also consult a specialist if your nail turns blue for no apparent reason. This may be a sign of congestive heart failure. Small vessels swell and blood stagnates in the veins. As a result, not only the nails, but also the surrounding tissues change color.

Another terrible disease – trophic ulcer – also leads to darkening of nails. It often goes hand in hand with diabetes mellitus. Therefore, people who have been observing an increase in their blood glucose levels for a long time, or who discovered this for the first time during a regular examination, should regularly examine their lower limbs for wounds, cuts, ulcers, etc.

Persons exposed to frostbite may encounter the above problem. Turning your toenails blue when exposed to extreme cold for a long time is normal. Moreover, the legs are more sensitive to cold and slow blood circulation than the arms. First aid to such victims must be provided immediately. The feet should be placed in a basin in warm, but not hot, water and seek medical help.

At a time when medicine did not yet have such advanced diagnostic capabilities as it does today, many diseases were identified by the condition of the nail plates. A symptom such as blue nails should be taken seriously. Find out the causes of discoloration, ways to eliminate and prevent discoloration of nails.

Causes of blue nails

A healthy nail plate has a smooth surface and pale pink color without any inclusions. The appearance of deviations in the form of dots or color changes indicates disturbances in the body. Before taking action, it is necessary to understand the reasons for the changes. Thus, blueing of the nail plate can be the result of a blow or severe hypothermia. These reasons are not due to serious pathologies. You need to warm up and wait until the hematoma subsides naturally.

On hands

Cold temperatures cause blood vessels in the hands to constrict, resulting in a blue tint to the nails. There are several other reasons that are symptoms of dangerous diseases:

1. If the blue tint that appears on the nail plates on the hands does not disappear within several days, then there may be reasonable suspicions that problems have arisen in the area of ​​cardiovascular activity. In this case, your doctor may prescribe an electrocardiogram.
2. Blue nails may be a symptom of a fungal infection of the nail plate. Infection is accompanied by destruction and deformation of the nail.
3. Negative processes in the liver and brain.
4. Some pharmaceuticals, such as monocycline, antimalarials, and silver nitrate, cause the plates to turn blue.
5. Congenital imbalance of copper metabolism, known as Wilson's disease. The disease is characterized by disturbances in the functioning of internal organs and central nervous system.
6. Injury during manicure.

On foot

The most common cause of blue toenails is mechanical damage caused by a person wearing tight shoes, playing sports, or a foot injury. As a result, blood vessels burst under the nail plate and a hematoma forms. The little toe and big toe are most at risk of injury due to their location.

The second reason is a poor-quality pedicure, when the nail may turn blue from injury or from penetration of the coloring pigment into the nail plate itself. More serious reasons include the following:

1. A form of cardiovascular failure in which blood accumulates and stagnates in the lower extremities. A very dangerous complication that warrants immediate medical attention.
2. Pathological infection of the nail plate by a fungus, which can occur with low immunity.
3. Damage during removal of hangnails, resulting in infection, unpleasant odor, and itching.
4. Some forms of lung cancer.
5. Toxic poisoning of the body, including drugs that the liver could not cope with (hemochromatosis) and household chemicals.
6. Diseases of the respiratory system, asthma and bronchitis, can, in the acute phase, lead to oxygen starvation and a blue color of the plates.

On the big toe

Conditions that cause blue toenails also cause blue big toes. A change in nail color can be a consequence of diabetes mellitus, which affects the entire body and especially the vascular system of the lower extremities. The following reasons may lead to the problem:

1. Decreased immunity, leading to an imbalance of all body systems, which often affects appearance big toe.
2. Systematic consumption of low-quality products. Accumulation harmful substances strikes the vascular network around the nail plate and gives it a bluish tint.
3. Insufficient water consumption and oxygen starvation lead to narrowing of the blood vessels in the extremities, paleness of the legs and blue discoloration of the nail on the big toe.

What to do if your nail turns blue

If a patient’s nails are blue due to something other than simple pinching of the arms or legs, then you should see a doctor. He will assess the patient’s condition and prescribe treatment. If the blueness of the fingernails is associated with injury, congestion or chemical exposure, you can simply apply ice to the hematoma or bruise. This will reduce the pain and make the patient feel much better. If Blue colour on nails is caused by incompletely removed varnish (corrosive pigment), then you can restore the shade of the plate using the following methods:

1. Salt baths – a tablespoon per glass of water sea ​​salt, if desired, you can add baking soda on the tip of the knife. Immerse your nails in the bath for 10-15 minutes, repeat if necessary.
2. Cut a slice of lemon, immerse the slices in its juice, leave for 5 minutes, and rinse off the residue with water. Repeat until the blue discoloration is eliminated.

Hand massage will help to cope with the blue color of the plates, it improves the functioning of blood vessels and stimulates healthy nail growth. Blue feet are often the reason for wearing tight, uncomfortable shoes.. You can change it to the appropriate size to get rid of the problem and normalize the functioning of blood microflow in the extremities. You can eliminate other causes of blue color using the following methods:

• temporarily stop using varnishes and nail polish removers;
• replenish the supply of vitamins and minerals in the body (start taking nutrient complexes) to strengthen the immune system;
• prevent exposure to cold temperatures (do not wash hands in cold water, in winter, do not go outside without gloves or mittens).

If the blue color or cyanosis of the nails is caused by heart failure, you need to take a course of medications that support heart function. When the bruise is caused by a hematoma and it does not go away on its own, the doctor may prescribe nail removal or tissue puncture:

1. A local anesthetic (Lidocaine, Novocaine) will be administered. The plate will be removed to examine the nail bed. The area underneath is cleaned, if tissue is damaged, it is washed, and if necessary, sutured.
2. If the patient does not want to remove blue nails, the doctor can pierce them with a sterile needle to remove the liquid. Then the hole is burned out with a special device, and a tight bandage is applied to the wound treated with an antiseptic. To speed up healing, it is recommended to take warm baths with Epsom salts twice a day for 10-15 minutes. Afterwards, an antibiotic ointment is applied to the plate, and a dry sterile bandage is applied. Recovery will take 2-3 weeks; if the entire nail is removed, it will take up to three months.

If the cause of cyanosis is a fungus, then you should undergo antifungal treatment. It includes daily steaming of nails in a warm soap or salt bath, scraping off dead cells and applying antimycotic agents (drops, sprays, thick ointments or solutions, under an occlusive dressing).

In case of frostbite, you should immediately consult a doctor for help so that the damaged tissue does not die and the condition does not lead to purulent infection and sepsis. In the first stages of frostbite, restorative therapy and treatment of the skin and nail plate with antibiotics are indicated. In advanced cases, it is possible to remove the nail to prevent the development of gangrene and blood poisoning.

Folk remedies

If the blueness under the fingernails or toenails is caused by wearing uncomfortable shoes, poor-quality varnishes or cosmetics, or minor injuries, then remedies can cope with it traditional medicine. Some recipes to solve the problem:

1. Usage essential oils lavender, lemon or tea tree. Apply a drop of the indicated products to each nail and begin to do a light massage, rubbing the oil in circular smooth and soft movements until it is absorbed. This will help cope with the fungus, increase blood flow and activate the growth of the plates.
2. Therapeutic baths with herbal extracts and salt. For a liter of warm water, take two tablespoons of sea salt, a little sage or chamomile flowers, add soda and soap or bubble bath if desired. Leave your arms or legs for 30 minutes, then lubricate with nourishing cream and give a light massage.
3. Contrast shower-massage. It will help strengthen the walls of capillaries, increase their elasticity and normalize blood circulation. Direct a gentle but strong stream onto the affected limbs, first cold, then hot water. Change the water temperature sharply, act one minute at a time for 10-15 minutes.
4. Edible gelatin baths. They strengthen the nail plates and promote their growth, which is important if the blueness is caused by a bruise and slow growth. Take a tablespoon of edible gelatin for a glass of hot water, dissolve, cool, place your hands or feet for 10-15 minutes. After this procedure, the nails will stop flaking.
5. Pepper mask. Accelerates blood circulation, increases air flow, eliminates the consequences of injuries and bruises, and normalizes metabolic processes. Mix 10 drops of water with half a teaspoon of ground red hot pepper, add hand cream to obtain a thick consistency. Warm the mixture, apply to damaged limbs for 15-20 minutes in an even layer. Rinse with warm water, lubricate with nourishing cream.

The toenail may turn blue for the following reasons:

• bruised fingers as a result of injury with bleeding under the nail plate and hematoma formation;
• diseases of the lower extremities and nails, circulatory disorders;
• wearing uncomfortable and tight shoes with narrow toes;
• fungal infection;
• unsuccessful pedicure, cuticle damage.

Blue discoloration of the nail can also be caused by oncological processes. In this case, clear blue lines appear on the surface of the nail plate.

If the nail on your big toe turns blue without injury or other obvious reasons, you should pay attention to the presence of health problems. For example, in combination with a cough, chest pain and impaired blood flow (expressed in the symptom of “cold hands”), this indicates the development of pathology in the lungs.

In the presence of shortness of breath, cyanosis on the finger plate is a consequence of insufficient oxygen supply to the blood, and against this background, heart failure may develop.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the cause of the blue nail.

Injury. When injured as a result of a bruise, the finger not only becomes blue, patients often complain of pulsation and pain of varying intensity when touched.

It is important! Without timely medical care the situation gets worse: bacteria begin to multiply intensively under the plate. They are what causes the sensation of pulsation. In particularly advanced cases, only surgery with removal of the entire nail plate and long-term treatment with antibiotics.

After receiving a mechanical injury, the big toe and little toe are most often affected. This is due to their anatomical marginal location. Often, a hematoma appears only on the third day after an accidental blow or even later. Treatment is usually conservative.

Fungal infection. Fungal infection is the most difficult case of nail plate infection and is difficult to treat, so it is advisable to monitor the condition of the skin on the toes, fingers and between the toes. As a rule, primary fungal infection is manifested by itching and flaking of dead skin cells. But there are cases when infection begins directly in the nail. The plate acquires a grayish-yellow color, becomes brittle, and visually noticeable protruding stripes appear on it. If you do not start treatment at the beginning, the color of the plate will change to dark burgundy, and subsequently blue.

Unsuccessful pedicure. The nail sometimes turns blue after painting with low-quality varnish. Paint pigments penetrate into the deep layers of the plate and thus change its color. In the absence of other symptoms (pain, swelling, pulsation, etc.), there is no need for treatment.

What to do if your nail turns blue

Immediately after receiving an injury, it is necessary to provide first aid to the victim by disinfecting the bruised area with iodine or hydrogen peroxide and applying a cold heating pad with water or ice to it. You can put your foot under running water. This will reduce the likelihood of hematoma formation and relieve pain.

In the emergency room, the nail plate is usually punctured to release the blood that has accumulated underneath it and prevent the nail from peeling off. It is not recommended to carry out such manipulation on your own to avoid infection. But if there is heavy bleeding, you can pierce the skin near the nail or the plate with a thin needle soaked in an alcohol solution (there are no nerve endings in it, so the procedure is painless) and press lightly so that excess blood comes out.

If it was not possible to avoid the appearance of a bruise, then, most likely, the plate will begin to peel off, and a new nail will begin to grow on the finger. Do not under any circumstances speed up the process of the dead plate falling off. The healing period is quite long. During this time, try to wear comfortable closed shoes with a round toe to protect the damaged area from external pressure and allow a beautiful, smooth new nail to form. For the first two or three days it is better not to wear shoes at all.

Prevention

To keep your nails always healthy, smooth and beautiful, follow these simple rules:

1. Buy and wear comfortable shoes made of high-quality breathable materials, choosing them strictly according to size.
2. IN summer period Wear closed-toe shoes. This will avoid accidental injury.
3. When caring for your nails, be careful not to damage your cuticles by trimming them too much.
4. Perform a manicure using safety precautions and varnishes that do not contain harmful chemicals.

The phenomenon of blue toenails is often caused by foot injuries or because a person has crushed a toe with tight shoes. In this case, the blueness of the finger is an ordinary bruise. A heavy object falling on a finger, or even tight shoes can provoke the appearance of such a painful and completely unaesthetic phenomenon as a bruise under the nail. Within six months, the nail grows completely, gradually displacing the damaged plate. In addition to injuries, blue toenails can have causes such as various vascular diseases.

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Symptoms and causes of blue nails

Due to injury and rupture of the vessel, the blood does not find an outflow and puts pressure on the nerve endings. This causes the finger to hurt a lot (especially when pressed). Dried blood is the main reason why a bruise appears. At first, the nail may turn bright purple or crimson, then gradually turns blue. Over time, the bruise may turn black. Over time, the pain also goes away.

Besides injury, other factors can also cause your nails to turn blue.

1. Frostbite on the feet is accompanied by blue discoloration of the skin and nails.
2. The fungus damages the nails, causing them to become deformed and change their color and structure.
3. Diseases of the cardiovascular system can also manifest themselves in the form of blue discoloration on the legs. Stagnant processes, circulatory disorders, varicose veins and thrombosis become the reasons why toenails turn blue.
4. Wearing tight shoes both mechanically puts pressure on the big toe and impairs blood circulation in the feet. This can lead to serious consequences such as thrombosis or even gangrene.
5. A pedicure done incorrectly can cause your toenails to turn blue. Inaccurate pedicure and cuticle treatment can lead to deformation and damage.
6. Low-quality nail polish, nail polish remover or cream can also affect your beauty and health. Nails may turn blue, crumble and change their structure.

If the problem is not caused by a mechanical injury and has no apparent cause, you should consult a doctor. The doctor will find out the real reason for the blueness and tell you what to do next.

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Methods of treatment and prevention

If the blue toe is due to an injury, then first of all apply a cold compress to the foot. This narrows the blood vessels and reduces blood flow. Protect the damaged area from repeated injury and pressure. For speedy healing, apply castor oil to your finger daily.

To eliminate pain and reduce bruising, you can do a procedure such as nail piercing yourself. To do this, a needle or paperclip is heated over a fire, and then the pre-disinfected nail is pierced with it. This way the blood can find its way out and the bruising will be minimal. But this method is too radical, and such a procedure will leave a burnt hole. Therefore, it is better not to interfere with the natural healing process, and the injured area can be lubricated with heparin ointment. The ointment has excellent antimicrobial properties and promotes the resorption of hematomas. It is applied to the damaged area three times a day until the hematoma disappears.

Over time, the nail will peel off and fall off in sections. Do not tear it off with force or touch it at all. If it bothers you, then you can make applications with special ointments to remove the nail (for example, “Nailtivit”) or contact a surgeon. Once the rejection process has begun, give Special attention personal hygiene to prevent the emergence of a pathogenic environment. Trim the loose areas and carefully file with a soft file. Care must be taken not to touch living tissue and cause further problems.

To prevent such an unpleasant phenomenon as a blue nail, follow these rules.

If the blueness is not caused by any external reasons, then you need to consult a doctor. Before starting treatment, the cause of blue toes must be accurately determined. Only a doctor will be able to find out why the nail turned blue and, if necessary, prescribe appropriate treatment.

A change in nail color may indicate the presence of various ailments. Blueness can indicate lung diseases, disorders of the heart, blood vessels, and liver.

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What are the causes of blackened nails?

A black toenail can occur for two reasons.

External: injury, improper pedicure. In the latter case, there must be damage to the cuticle, which causes injury to the blood vessels. Any external reason that caused black spots and darkening on the big toe nail does not cause any danger to the body. The exception is when gangrene develops as a result of injury.

Internal: fungal infection, inflammation in internal organs, diabetes mellitus, benign tumor of the nail plate. Treatment in this case must be carried out with the use of medications. With untimely and inadequate treatment, we can talk about an unfavorable prognosis in the future.

If the nail on the big toe has turned black, and the doctor has determined the cause of this phenomenon, the necessary treatment is prescribed. To correct a blackened nail, both medication and treatment with folk remedies. You can remove black spots like this:

If there has been an injury, after which a dark spot has already appeared, it is necessary to immediately apply a cold compress to slow down further blackening of the nail. This is also necessary to ensure that the injured foot does not hurt.

A dark nail after an injury must be disinfected to avoid tissue infection.

If there is an extensive hematoma covering the entire big toe, including the nail, surgical intervention is resorted to.

It is difficult to treat a darkened nail when the symptom is due to an internal cause. So, first of all, it is necessary to get rid of the underlying disease.

In cases where a change in nail color is associated with bacterial damage, antimicrobial varnishes and solutions are used.

What are the causes of blue nails?

Why the toenail turned black has been clarified. In some cases, the nail may change its color to a blue tint, which also indicates some kind of pathological process. So, we can highlight the following reasons why the nail on the big toe turns blue:

Injury. A bruise under the nail is a consequence of subcutaneous hemorrhage.

You may notice that your nails turn blue even if you have diabetes.

Frostbite is one of the most common causes of a blue nail.

The toenail of the big toe also turns blue when wearing uncomfortable shoes, especially tight ones. In this case, the limb, namely the feet, do not receive sufficient blood circulation in the tissues, and the required volume of blood does not reach the nail bed. A blue nail is not the best dangerous consequence. So, thrombosis and even gangrene can develop.

If you cut the cuticle carelessly, a blue hematoma can also occur, and the nail becomes wavy.

Using low-quality pedicure products, including expired products, can cause blue nails. In addition, the nail may begin to crumble.

Bruising also occurs when the nail is exposed to chemicals.

One cannot help but mention that the nail is affected by fungus, which not only changes the color, but also causes itching, burning, deformation and thickening of the plate.

A disease occurring in the body can also spoil the natural color of the nail. So, we can talk about heart failure, trophic ulcers, diabetes.

Treatment for a blue nail depends on what caused the symptom. If the cause lies inside the body, first of all, the provoking disease is eliminated. If the blueness of the nail is caused by an external reason, the provoking factor is eliminated. If there is a bruise, first of all, cold is applied to the nail.

How to prevent blackening and blueing of the nail?

Why the nail on the big toe turned blue has been found out. Of course, it is better to take care of preventing such a phenomenon. If you follow these rules, you can reduce the risk of symptoms:

• not too short and, most importantly, regular nail cutting;
• Wearing properly fitted shoes that have wide toes to prevent pinching of the toes;
• preventing injury to the toes;
• maintaining foot hygiene (clean and dry);
• regular change of socks;
• timely treatment of foot pathologies.

If you do not feel pain and there are no signs of infection (pus, inflammation, odor, fever and chills), you do not need to see a doctor immediately. Otherwise, if the blackening of the nail is accompanied by the above symptoms, a trip to the doctor is inevitable.

If treatment is not timely, bone tissue can become infected (in other words, the development of osteomyelitis), and antibiotic treatment will be ineffective. In this case, only surgery will help.

Is it possible to use folk remedies?

There are many ways to treat the problem using folk remedies. But it is worth immediately noting that such treatment can only be carried out if the darkening of the nail is caused by an external cause. Let's look at some of the most common treatment methods.

Take yarrow and plantain leaves, chop and mix until smooth. Apply the product as a compress to the nail.

Mix water and vinegar in a two to one ratio, soak gauze in the resulting solution, and then apply it to the affected nail.

You can make an ointment at home. To prepare, take one glass of turpentine, 50 ml of lamp oil, 30 g of chalk laundry soap, alcohol and camphor oil a few drops each. Mix all ingredients.

The greatest effect of treatment is observed if you combine medications and folk remedies.

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Causes of damage to the nail plate are wearing tight shoes or shoes that fit uncomfortably on the foot. This trouble often happens to athletes: track and field athletes, skiers, tourists, mountain and hiking lovers. But you don’t have to be an athlete to buy uncomfortable shoes. Sports here play more of a provoking factor, accelerating the appearance of a bruise. incorrectly performed pedicure. This happens when the cuticle master is inaccurately processed. Cutting too much or pushing the nail away can damage the nail fold. This is dangerous because the nail may stop growing correctly after such a procedure. It may take on a blue tint or become wavy. low-quality cosmetics. Cheap, low-quality polish, frequent use of nail polish remover containing acetone, or constant contact with chemicals can greatly affect the health of your nails. Nails may not only turn blue or yellow, but also begin to crumble. After prolonged exposure to harmful substances, nails usually peel off and become brittle.
The toe of the little finger can break lengthwise, which will cause serious discomfort. Bleeding may even develop. the appearance of hangnails, under which infection often develops. The development of hangnails is usually caused by improperly cut cuticles or exposure to chemicals. Another cause could be fungus. The presence of fungus can be determined by the accompanying deformation and thickening of the nail plate. Itching of the skin of the feet and the skin between the toes often occurs, and the patient experiences a strong burning sensation. A nail affected by fungus not only turns blue, but also crumbles, flakes and breaks. Treating fungus is very difficult. Fungal infection is prone to frequent relapses. Therefore, entrust the treatment to professionals. You can go to a private clinic and pay a considerable amount, or you can go to the clinic at your place of residence and get a referral to a dermatologist.

How to treat a blue nail? How to prevent blue nails from appearing? If the cause is a nail injury, you cannot avoid discomfort in the form of painful pulsation. The aching pain may remain for quite a long time. The feeling of pain in this case is a consequence of blood accumulated under the nail plate. The fluid simply has nowhere to go and puts pressure on the surrounding tissue. It seems to a person that his finger is simply torn apart.
However, not everyone will like to admire a nail with a hole burned in the middle. It is better to wait for the nail plate to gradually grow back. Of course, this can take quite a lot of time. But on the other hand, a person will certainly avoid infection and other troubles that may arise when removing a blue nail on their own.
It is very good if at the time of injury you have a cold water tap at hand. Place your injured finger under running water. Cold helps the hematoma to resolve, pain and inflammation to subside. You can also apply a gauze bandage to the nail and apply ice on top for three minutes. You can repeat the manipulation after a quarter of an hour, about four times in total. Timely measures will help avoid rejection of the nail plate.
Be more responsible when purchasing shoes. Buy only shoes that are spacious and comfortable to wear, of high quality. Shoes should be larger than your feet in length and slightly tight in width. Don't wear synthetic socks. They quickly cause hangnails and infection to develop. Wash your feet thoroughly with soap before going to bed. Dry thoroughly after water procedures. If you violate the rules of personal hygiene, don’t be surprised why your nails turn blue.
Has your thumbnail turned blue? Keep an eye on your pedicure. The injury may be preceded by an excessively long nail. When trimming the cuticle, be careful. Visit only trusted salons and qualified pedicurists.

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Many people are interested in the question: why does the toenail turn blue and hurt, and also what causes this phenomenon. Everyone has situations in life when a heavy object may accidentally fall on their foot or a person gets injured in their foot, which leads to the formation of a hematoma; it is in such cases that most often people complain that the toenail has turned blue and hurts. A blue nail certainly causes concern, especially among the fair sex. But there are cases when the toenail turns blue on its own without mechanical damage, and here it is necessary to understand the reasons for this phenomenon, as well as find ways to quickly treat it.

Causes

In addition to obvious mechanical damage to the nail plate, there are a number of other reasons why the nail may turn blue:

If your shoes are excessively tight and uncomfortable to wear. Often people involved in active sports, such as athletics, skiing, hiking and mountain hiking, often encounter similar problems. Although often people who are not even involved in active sports, but who spend a lot of time on foot and have uncomfortable shoes, are also at risk.

An unprofessional pedicure on your feet can also cause the nail plate to turn blue. If the cuticle is cut too much or pushed back by the nail technician, the nail fold is disrupted, which in turn can lead to blue nails and abnormal lumpy growth.

Low-quality nail cosmetics, varnishes, and nail polish removers that contain acetone greatly affect the color and health of our nails. Nails may turn blue or yellow, begin to peel, and even crumble.

If you do your manicure incorrectly and you develop hangnails, an infection often develops underneath them, which can subsequently affect the nail plate.

If your nail, and then your finger itself, turns blue, this is a dangerous situation, indicating a circulatory disorder; perhaps there is a disruption in blood flow and the tissues of the finger are lacking oxygen. This is a very dangerous situation that threatens the formation of gangrene. In such cases, you should see a doctor immediately. At the very first signs, the doctor will try to quickly prescribe the necessary treatment and save the damaged tissue.

Blue discoloration of the toenails may also indicate that a person has heart failure. With such ailments, small vessels swell and blood stagnates. In this case, a change in the color of both the nail plates and the surrounding skin, as well as tissues, occurs.

Another dangerous reason for blue nails is the presence of fungus. The fungus can be visually recognized if there is deformation and thickening of the nail plate, often this is also accompanied by itching of the foot and areas of skin between the toes. The nail affected by the fungus begins to crumble, peel and break. Fungus is quite difficult to cure and is a long process. Fungal infections often lead to relapses, so treatment should not be carried out independently, but rather trusted to professionals. You need to visit a dermatologist in time, who will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.

Treatment

What to do if the nail has already turned blue? If the cause of a blue toenail is a mechanical injury to the toe or toe, you will feel a painful pulsation of the toe for quite a long time. But in this case, you don’t need to do anything special except be patient and wait for a new, undamaged plate to grow back, and the old one to gradually grow back and be carefully removed. Many people try to get rid of the blue plate, trying to mechanically lift it; this should not be done, since infection can get into open wounds and tissue infection can occur. If you do not want to put up with blue nail color for a long time, seek help from an experienced surgeon. He will be able to provide qualified assistance under local anesthesia. But when the plate is removed, even by a qualified specialist, the healing process will be very painful until a new plate is formed. That's why the best way will still trust the natural growth of the new plate.

If you apply ice or a cold compress to the injured area immediately after injury, the hematoma will be much smaller. You will also feel less pain. If cold is applied regularly the first day with a break of 3-4 hours, then you can further avoid rejection of the nail plate.

It is necessary to be extremely responsible when buying shoes. Beauty does not always mean convenience. Buy shoes from natural materials that matches your size, don’t chase beauty if you already feel discomfort in the store. Try to wear socks made from natural fabrics as well. Always practice good foot hygiene before going to bed. Wipe your feet dry after water procedures.

Watch the length of your toenails. If the nail is too long, it may cause discoloration of the plate. Trim the cuticles on your feet very carefully and trust foot pedicures only to trusted salons. If you have a cut near the nail plate, disinfect the wound with any antiseptic. Disinfect tools before cutting hangnails or cuticles. After the pedicure procedure, try not to immediately put on your shoes for two hours. The best way to do a pedicure at home is at night. Then there is time for the mini-damages to heal.

If your toenail turns blue and you experience pain, do not despair, try to determine the cause, and then begin treatment. If the problem is not clear, contact a specialist. After an injury, it is best to wait for the natural process of renewal of the nail plate.

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Causes of blue nails

The reason why nails turn blue can be due to several factors, including:

• injuries - most often provoke blueness of the nails on the toes and hands. As a result of the bruise, a hematoma forms on the skin under the nail plate. The accumulation of blood appears as cyanosis;
• uncomfortable, poor-quality or inappropriate footwear provokes discoloration of the nails on the big toes;
• Cardiovascular failure may be accompanied by stagnation of blood in the extremities. As a result, bluish nails appear. In this case, you must urgently consult a doctor, because such a condition can be life-threatening;
• A fungal infection is one of the reasons why the nail turns blue. At the same time, a change in the shape of the plate, its thickening or fragility may also be observed;
• hangnails, sloppy pedicure, excessive trauma to the cuticles provoke the appearance of blue nails. Moreover, skin wounds are an excellent environment for the spread of infections;
• malignant tumors (melanomas) are characterized by the formation of small blisters under the nails, they cause some cyanosis;
• With regular use of low-quality cosmetics and aggressive chemicals, a change in the color of the plate may occur. In this case, blue nails require subsequent restoration;
• hypothermia of the extremities is accompanied by a change in the color of the nail plate;
• Poor circulation causes a lack of oxygen. This may be the reason why your nails and fingers and toes turn blue. The lack of qualified assistance, in this case, often leads to gangrene.

Some causes of blue toenails and fingernails do not pose a risk to human health, while others require prompt treatment. In order to correctly diagnose the disease and identify the factors that provoked the problem, you need to consult a specialist.

Treatment for blue nails

What to do if your toenail or fingernail turns blue depends only on the cause of this problem. In any case, such a problem can be treated using both traditional medicine and folk methods.

When the reason why a nail turns blue is an injury, you should soberly assess its degree and, if necessary, consult a traumatologist. If there are no accompanying fractures or sprains, then you can apply ice to the site of the bruise. This will reduce pain and reduce hematoma.

With fungus, the blue nail does not fade initial stage. A change in color may indicate advanced disease. In this case, treatment should be comprehensive. The optimal use is antifungal ointments and creams simultaneously with herbal baths, compresses and lotions.

If the reason why your toenails and especially your fingernails turn blue is the use of low-quality cosmetics, you should first of all avoid contact with them. Then, strengthening creams and oils are applied to restore the nail plate.

In cases where problems arise as a result of various cardiovascular diseases, there is the greatest risk of complications. To avoid this, you should do all the necessary tests and start treatment as quickly as possible. The use of traditional medicine in such a situation is possible only on the recommendation of a doctor.

If you have frostbite, you should seek help from the nearest medical facility. Painkillers may be prescribed to alleviate the condition. The affected areas of the skin are treated with antiseptic agents. Severe frostbite may require surgery.

In general, if the nails on your big toes or hands turn blue, this is not very dangerous, but only if it is not a symptom of a serious concomitant disease.

Prevention of blue nails

It is better to prevent the occurrence of any problem than to try to solve it with all your might. Knowing why your toenails and fingernails turn blue, you can take the following preventive measures:

1. Choose comfortable shoes that match your size. There should be no pain when walking. You should not let your big toe rest too heavily on the toe of the shoe, as this will cause your nails to turn blue. You should also avoid wearing high-heeled shoes for long periods of time.
2. Perform manicures and pedicures extremely carefully to avoid damage to the cuticles. In addition, all instruments should be disinfected with special means. It is especially important to control their processing in beauty salons.
3. Wear only natural underwear made from high-quality materials. Synthetics can provoke allergic reactions, it does not allow air to pass through and does not remove moisture. This leads to the appearance of fungus.
4. Observe personal hygiene rules. Feet should be washed several times throughout the day and before bed. After the procedures, they should be wiped very thoroughly with a dry towel. You should also wash your hands well after visiting public places.
5. Avoid frostbite. If you become hypothermic, you need to immediately warm your hands and feet.
6. If a fungus is detected, you should immediately consult a doctor and begin treatment.

In general, blueness on the nails is not an independent disease. Most often it appears as a symptom indicating problems in the functioning of the body. Therefore, if you notice a change in the color of the nail plate, you should immediately make an appointment with a doctor, because timely treatment is the right path to recovery.

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"Harmless" culprits

There can be a variety of reasons why your toenails turn blue. Some of them are symptoms of serious pathological changes in the body, while others do not pose a serious health hazard.

The most common reason that toenails turn blue is mechanical damage. As a result of a slight blow, the vessels under the plate burst, and an ordinary bruise forms, only under the nail. The most commonly affected areas are the little finger and thumbnails. Their edge location increases the risk of accidental impact.

Immediately after an injury, the entire space under the plate turns blue, and the fingers themselves hurt. But after a certain time, the hematoma takes on a clearly defined shape, usually a dark blue spot. In some cases, colors can vary from pink to dark brown and even black. It all depends on the intensity of the damaging effect.

Another harmless reason that the nail turns blue is too frequent use or the use of low-quality varnishes during pedicures. Coloring pigments penetrate the structure of the plate and change its color.

The presented causes are harmless to the body, as they are not symptoms of complex diseases. The hematoma spot will resolve itself over time. And only if this does not happen over a long period, then you should consult a doctor. Usually, to eliminate the blue spot, the nail is cut off and filed.

Mycosis of the nail

Fungal infection is a fairly common ailment that can affect a person at any age. It is difficult to combat, and the situation is aggravated by the fact that detection of fungal spores is delayed.

If you don't remember hitting yourself recently and your toenail turning blue, there's cause for concern.

In addition to the bluish color, other symptoms will appear on the finger:

• redness of the skin ridges around the plate, peeling of the skin and itching;
• change in the shape of the stratum corneum;
• the nail changes its thickness up or down;
• the plates of the legs become fragile and brittle.

The combination of these signs on several toenails gives serious cause for concern. In such cases, it is imperative to consult a specialist - a mycologist or dermatologist. Anyone can contract fungal spores, but there are certain groups that are most susceptible to infection:

1. Children, teenagers and elderly people.
2. People with reduced immunity levels.
3. Family members of the patient, because they are in direct contact with him.
4. Women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The risk of infecting your feet with a fungal infection increases when visiting public places - swimming pools, gyms, solariums, saunas. Moreover, the spore can be picked up by the hands, and only then transferred to the feet when putting on shoes. Therefore, take care of the hygiene of your hands and feet.

Communication with internal organs

Very often, nails turn blue due to impaired or insufficient blood circulation in the tissues. In this case, the stain has a mild character, and the tips of the fingers also become bluish. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor, because such manifestations may be a signal of chronic illnesses.

The reason why nails turn blue may be diseases of the internal organs. If liver function is impaired, a blue spot appears closer to the base of the nail. This suggests that there are many toxic compounds in the body that should have been retained by the liver.

Heart failure is also a common reason why the nail takes on a bluish tint. It is worth paying attention to the change in color of the fingertip.

If a bluish tint appears quite quickly, then the disease is severe and requires immediate intervention from a doctor.

Blockage of blood vessels in the limb may also be the reason why the nail has acquired a bluish tint. In this case, oxygen supply to the tissues is disrupted, which creates the risk of gangrene.

Other reasons

Less common reasons that lead to discoloration of the nail are poorly performed cosmetic procedures. Improper treatment of the cuticle and skin ridges during pedicure, as well as the use of low-quality cosmetics, leads to the fact that the nail turns blue.

The appearance of burrs and their improper processing is the reason why a blue tint appears on the plate. In addition, wounds left after hangnails can “attract” infection.

A third, less common source is improperly selected shoes. Pressure from boots or shoes leads to compression of the blood vessels, which is why the nails turn blue. This effect is aggravated when a person leads an active lifestyle, walks and moves a lot.

There are many reasons for changes in the color of the nail plate. It is worth analyzing your lifestyle, thinking about your state of health and consulting a doctor for help in determining the source of pathological changes.

nogotochie.ru

A blue toenail may not always be the result of the mechanical impact of any objects. When a fall, blow or other injury occurs, the finger acquires an unsightly bluish tint, but if a person has not noticed anything like this, he needs to look for another reason for this phenomenon, often together with a doctor.

One of the common causes of blue nail plates is wearing tight, uncomfortable shoes. As a result of constant pressure, blood circulation in the tissues of the finger is disrupted. There is not enough blood flowing into the nail bed, and given that there are quite large vessels in the big toe, this can lead to serious consequences. We are talking about thrombosis and gangrene.

An incorrectly performed, artisanal pedicure can also lead to the above problem. Inaccurate treatment of the cuticle, namely cutting it too much or pushing it back, can lead to damage to the nail fold. Such interference is very dangerous. In the best case, the nail will acquire a blue tint and a wavy structure.

If a woman constantly uses low-quality cosmetics, including those with expired expiration dates, in particular nail polish, nail polish remover, creams and scrubs, she risks damaging the health of her nails. They may not only turn blue or yellow, but also begin to crumble. Work associated with constant contact with chemicals can lead to the same consequences. Workers in such industries usually have brittle nails, and in severe cases, even bleeding develops.

Another common cause of toenail damage is fungus. The disease is accompanied by severe itching and burning, the nail plates become deformed and thicken, and subsequently acquire a bluish tint, peel and break. In this case, only a dermatologist can help. You should also consult a specialist if your nail turns blue for no apparent reason. This may be a sign of congestive heart failure. Small vessels swell and blood stagnates in the veins. As a result, not only the nails, but also the surrounding tissues change color.

Another terrible disease – trophic ulcer – also leads to darkening of nails. It often goes hand in hand with diabetes. Therefore, people who have been observing an increase in their blood glucose levels for a long time, or who have discovered this for the first time during a regular examination, should regularly examine their lower extremities for wounds, cuts, ulcers, etc.

Persons exposed to frostbite may encounter the above problem. Turning your toenails blue when exposed to extreme cold for a long time is normal. Moreover, the legs are more sensitive to cold and slow blood circulation than the arms. First aid to such victims must be provided immediately. The feet should be placed in a basin in warm, but not hot, water and seek medical help.