Squamous cell carcinoma of the nail bed is rare and commonly diagnosed late as it looks like other more common benign lesions, such as fungal infection, onychomycosis, or viral wart. Presentation is not specific and diagnosis rests on biopsy of the lesion. This condition can be easily misdiagnosed, especially if there is preceding trauma. Here we present an elderly male who came to us with complaints of pain over right thumb since last 2 months with no history of trauma but history of nail biting is present. Biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma. We proceeded with amputation of the distal phalanx following which his post–operative period was uneventful. Subungual squamous cell carcinoma though rare should be considered in lesions around the nail that fail to resolve after adequate conservative management.