Any dermatologist or podiatrist around?(pic of a toenail in post)

[Brienneoftarthismyhero]

I noticed a weird colour of my toenail under my summer nail varnish so took it off to find this!! I haven’t dropped anything on my toe and there is zero pain but it’s been like this over 2 weeks now. The only thing I have started recently is workouts at home including HIIT and my trainers are slightly tighter as my bunion has grown (need to get wider ones)

shall I be seeing someone about this? If so who?

thank you

It’s quite common for toenails to change colour after increased activity or tight shoes, it can cause bruising under the nail even if you don’t feel pain. However, because it’s lasted over two weeks and you’re unsure, it’s worth getting a professional to look at it. You could start with your GP, who can then refer you to a podiatrist or dermatologist if needed. In the meantime, wear wider shoes/trainers to reduce pressure and keep an eye on any changes.

It's bruised. You don't need to see anyone. Your toenail might fall off. Completely normal.

My daughter had this on both big toenails, she was doing couch to 5k.

Thank you for the reassurance. I had a feeling it was the trainers and that it was only a bruise but wanted to check- to see a gp it’s a minimum 3 weeks wait here . I read a bruise might take some time to go away - has that been the case for your daughter @MaryGreenhill Going to look for wider shoes tomorrow

thanks again

Has it changed at all in those two weeks? Honestly I would probably want to go and see my GP if I were you. It could just be a bruise but as you don’t remember injuring it I’d be a bit more worried, you can get melanoma under a nail and the sooner that is found and treated the better! Hopefully it isn’t anything to worry about but better safe than sorry.

It’s possible to have a melanoma under your toe nail. I would definitely get that looked at.

Melanoma image.

Melanoma image.

@WrittenThatWay it’s gotten slightly darker in colour in the past 2 weeks - I wish I’d taken a picture of it when I first spotted it

I agree re getting it looked at to be on the safe side. Would a chiropodist be easier to get an appointment with?

I think it took her about 3 weeks for them to go because of course she was repeatedly injuring them .

I’ll request a GP appointment, thanks everyone. Guess it is best to be safe with these things

runners toe - really common. Google it.

I had it in the summer after a longish walk in my trail running trainers. Mine was my middle toe. Nail was slightly too long and rubbed on the shoe. went black under gel polish. Was quite spectacular when nail tech took it off and recovered it!

she said she sees it all the time in runners

I didn’t go to the GP

My GP usually asks for a pic and description of problem before an appointment is offered as it’s all done online so I will see what they say .

Is it growing out at all from the nail bed?
If it is then it’s most likely a bruise.

I work in dermatology and agree with pp that it is most likely a subungual haematoma from the increased trauma from your trainers but I would also agree that it’s worth getting checked out because you cant be certain so a dermatologist can have a look with a dermatoscope and confirm it’s a bruise or send you for biopsy if they think it’s something more sinister. Better safe than sorry!

Managed to get an urgent appointment with GP for Saturday morning(they offered as soon as they saw the picture) . Seems to look worse today and a few new dots have appeared

I’m glad they’re able to get you in to see them nice and quickly! Hopefully they’ll be able to reassure you but I think you’re doing the right thing by having it checked.

@Brienneoftarthismyhero
How did you get on at the gp?

@padronpepper I literally just came on to update and saw your message! It’s a subungual hematoma! Basically a bruise from trauma . Said zero concerns of it being anything else and that it will take a long time to grow out. She doesn’t think I’ll lose the toenail but only time will tell.

I’m glad I went for piece of mind.

thanks everyone

Oh that’s brilliant news!

I just thought I would update again as I find these threads so helpful so wanted to help others if they come across it.

I ended up having a new suspicion mole pop up in a different part of my body so I went to the GP. She asked to see my toe and was immediately concerned and put me on the 2 week cancer pathway for both mole and toenail.

Mole has fallen away and left no marks but dermatologist is concerned about the toe as he saw both blood and discolouration and it has also gone into the nail bed (Hutchinson’s sign) . I’m having a biopsy done , the whole nail has to come off 😞

I will update results but won’t be for a while as biopsy not until later in November

Also just to add NHS is amazing , was seen within a week of referral

So sorry to hear that @Brienneoftarthismyhero

Shite, I have my fingers crossed for you.