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Overview
Common after slamming a finger.
Nail may fall off.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todaySevere pain or deformity.
See a doctor soonPain lasting days.
Causes
Caused by injury.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause black or blue under a nail after an injury. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Blood under a nail (subungual hematoma)Often treated at home
A black, blue, or purple spot under a nail after it's smashed, slammed, or stubbed, or from running in tight shoes.
What you can do at home
- Ice and raise.
Medicines
Draining relieves pain.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Injury
The exam
A nail exam.
Tests
- X-ray
Prevention
Protect fingers.
- Be careful with doors
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.