What Causes Light Purple Spot On Toe?

Posted on Mon, 20 Apr 2015

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

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 Answered on

Mon, 11 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a light purple spot on my toe that hasn't gone away in a while. I'm curious as to what is. It's been there for about 10 months. It was darker originally and seems to have gotten a little lighter over the months. I was thinking because I tucked my shoe laces inside my shoe and the plastic tip portion would rub on that toe a lot. Everytime I search dark spot on toe melanoma keeps popping up which worries me. My toes are never exposed to the sun as I very rarely ware sandals or flip flops.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Likely to be a contact dermatitis or neurodermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
Relax, it doesn't look like a melanoma . It looks like a contact dermatitis which occurs from rubbing on something like a part of the shoe.
Also please let me know if it has grown from the time you saw it first and if there is itching or any other symptom. If so it may be a neurodermatitis.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (7 minutes later)

Thanks that made my anxiety go down tremendously. I don't recall it changing in size. It's been there for so long almost a year now. Is that common? It does not itch or have any pain.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
Then there is nothing to worry.
It is slowly going away as it is becoming lighter.
Maybe you could check your old shoes to see if any area was pressing on the toe.
Wish you a good day and good health

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar