Bruised nails occur when there is an injury or trauma to the nail bed. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate that produces new cells, which then harden as the nail plate grows out.

The nail plate is made up of keratin, a protein that also makes up our hair and skin. When the nail plate is damaged, the blood vessels in the nail bed can break, leading to a bruise.

There are many potential causes of bruised nails. Some of these causes are obvious, while others may be more unexpected. Here are 10 hidden causes of bruised nails:.

1. Tight Shoes

Wearing shoes that are too tight can cause trauma to the toenail, leading to a bruise.

To prevent this, make sure your shoes fit properly and aren’t constricting your toes. You should also be wearing shoes that are comfortable and offer enough support for your feet.

2. Athletic Activities

Athletic activities that involve a lot of running, jumping, or other high impact movements can cause pressure on the toenails, leading to bruising.

If you participate in these types of activities frequently, make sure you have proper footwear and that you’re taking care of your feet to prevent bruising.

3. Poor Nail Care

Poor nail care can lead to a variety of problems, including bruised nails. Keeping your nails clean and trimmed can help prevent trauma and injury to the nail bed.

It’s also important to avoid biting your nails or using them as tools, as this can cause damage and bruising.

4. Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a genetic condition that affects blood clotting. Individuals with hemophilia are more prone to bruising and bleeding, including bruising of the nails.

If you have hemophilia, make sure you’re taking steps to manage the condition and prevent injury to your nails and other areas of your body.

5. Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow, leading to reduced blood flow and potential damage to the nails and surrounding tissues.

If you have Raynaud’s phenomenon, it’s important to keep your fingers and toes warm and to avoid activities that could cause trauma to the nails.

6. Medications

Some medications can cause bruising and other side effects, including damage to the nails.

If you’re taking any medications that are causing issues with your nails, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives or ways to manage the side effects.

7. Fungal Infections

Fungal infections of the nails can cause discoloration, thickening, and other changes that may be mistaken for bruising.

If you suspect you have a fungal infection of the nails, see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Left untreated, fungal infections can lead to permanent damage to the nails and surrounding tissues.

8. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can affect the nails, causing them to become thick, discolored, and potentially bruised or damaged.

If you have psoriasis, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to manage the condition and prevent complications like nail damage.

9. Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can occur under the nails. This can lead to discoloration or bruising of the nail.

If you notice any changes in the color or texture of your nails, particularly if you have a history of melanoma or other skin cancers, see a healthcare provider for evaluation and screening.

10. Trauma

Finally, trauma is one of the most common causes of bruised nails. This can happen due to a wide variety of injuries, ranging from dropping something heavy on your toe to accidentally slamming your finger in a car door.

If you have a bruised nail due to trauma, it’s important to take steps to minimize pain and swelling and to monitor the nail for signs of infection or other complications.

Conclusion

Bruised nails can be a common problem, but they can also be a sign of underlying medical conditions or injuries.

By understanding the potential causes of bruised nails, you can take steps to prevent or manage these issues and protect the health of your nails and surrounding tissues.