What is the typical appearance of bruised nail beds?

Bruised nail beds typically present with a dark purple or bluish spot under the nail due to trauma or injury to the nail matrix, leading to bleeding beneath the nail. This discoloration results from blood pooling in the area, creating a visible mark that can vary in intensity depending on the severity of the injury.

A yellow discoloration is often associated with other conditions, such as fungal infections, not bruising. An embossed texture would indicate issues like nail growth problems or conditions affecting the nail surface, rather than direct trauma. A smooth surface could represent a healthy nail but doesn't reflect the characteristic signs of bruising, which involve visible discoloration. Therefore, the dark purple spot is a clear indicator of bruised nail beds.