What Causes An Unusual Black Spot On The Toenail?

Posted on Wed, 17 Jan 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 Answered on

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a black dot on my toenail what could that be

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly upload images

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you

I am Dr kakkar (Dermatologist and Venereologist). I have noted your concern.

I request you to kindly upload an image of the affected area in "Reports Section" so that I am able to guide you better.
Also let me know, since how long it is present?

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (45 minutes later)

here's your picture

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of subungual hematoma

Detailed Answer:
Thank you. I have viewed the image.

It is most likely a subungual hematoma. It is not a melanoma as it lies away from the nail folds.

Since how long have you noticed it? Is there a history of trauma?or vigorous activity?
Has it changed or drifted distally since you noticed it first?

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 minutes later)

for like 2 weeks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Just observe it for 1-2 months

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Just observe it for 1-2 months. If it moves distally it is most certainly a hematoma. Subungual melanoma usually presents as a band along the nail rather than a an isolated spot in the nail bed. It usially has a communication with the nail fold because active melanocytes are only present in the nail fold and nail matrix, not in the nail bed.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj