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Dermatology Community
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
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This could be due to injury, fungal infection or a skin disorder.
Blood clot formation under the toenails is caused by some kind of external pressure which has caused capillaries on the surface to break. This extravasated blood then collects below the surface of the nail, causing it to appear bluish-black.
It will usually be accompanied by pain and swelling which will subside in a few days leaving only the discoloration behind. Initial treatment is with cold compress and pain killers.
The colored spots will fade in about a fortnight, as each day passes the color can change as the the blood pigment gets broken down.
If you have a nail fungal infection (onychomycosis) the nail may appear thickened, brittle and dull, with no luster or shine.The dark color is caused by debris building up under your nail.
Nail fungus can be difficult to treat, and repeated infections are common. Over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and ointments are available, but they aren't very effective.
You will require prescription anti-fungal medications like Itraconazole (Sporanox) or Fluconazole (Diflucan).
ref: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nail-fungus/DS00084/DSECTION=treatments%2Dand%2Ddrugs
If it is neither then you may have to get a dermatologist's opinion on a possible Melanoma which can start under the toenail on occasion.