What does a bruised nailbed look like?

A bruised nail bed typically manifests as dark, purplish spots. This coloration is a result of blood pooling under the nail due to trauma or injury to the nail bed or surrounding area, which can lead to the visible purple or bluish appearance. The dark coloration comes from the bruising as the blood vessels break and leakage occurs, which is a common indicator of a bruise.

In contrast, bright red indicates fresh blood and might suggest a more recent bleeding or injury, while white patches may indicate fungal infection or other conditions unrelated to bruising. Greenish discoloration usually suggests a bacterial infection or pseudomonas, which are not characteristics of a bruised nail bed. Understanding these visual differences is critical for proper diagnosis and treatment in nail care practices.