Nail bleeding can occur as a result of ill-fitting shoes.
Toenail injuries and bacterial endocarditis are usually the two main causes of toenail bleeding. Depending on what is actually causing the bleeding, this may or may not be a cause for concern. To ensure that the true nature of bleeding nails is accurately diagnosed, a doctor should examine the nail in question.
Nail bleeding is often the result of some kind of trauma to the nail bed and is called a submycotic hematoma. Toe trauma can be the result of hitting the foot against a hard object or it can occur when some type of heavy object falls on the toe. Submycotic hematomas can also occur when feet are kept in tight or ill-fitting shoes. In this case, the repetitive rubbing of the toenail against the shoe material can cause bleeding.
Bleeding from the nail can occur as a result of injury.
When a submycotic hematoma causes bleeding in the nail, loss of the nail becomes a possibility. This can happen if the injury damages more than half of the nail. The resulting excess blood can give the nail a blackened or purplish appearance. If the amount of blood is significant enough, it can produce enough pressure to push on the nail bed and dislodge it. If this happens and the nail falls off, it will grow back in six months.
Subungual hematomas cause bleeding in the nail marked by a black discoloration under the nail.
Shrapnel hemorrhage is another type of bleeding that occurs under the nail. This type of bleeding often gives the impression that there are chips under the surface of the nail. Blood “chips” are brown or red in color and usually run along the nail. There are two potential causes for this type of nail bleeding, one of which is a foot injury and the other is a condition known as endocarditis.
Some bacterial infections can cause bleeding toenails.
Bacterial endocarditis is a type of bacterial infection that tends to affect more people with a weakened heart than those without previous heart problems. It is caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and affect the lining and valves of the heart. These bacteria are often found naturally in the body and can enter the bloodstream through certain procedures or types of surgery. When bacterial endocarditis is the cause of splinter hemorrhage, the splinter usually occurs during the later stages of the disease. The lack of foot trauma is also an indication that this type of toenail bleeding could be caused by endocarditis.
