Ava Monroe
A black nail is often caused by a traumatic injury, such as dropping a heavy object on your foot or stubbing your toe, which can result in bleeding underneath the nail and a black colour. In mild cases, a black nail will grow out naturally over time without treatment. The time it takes for a nail to grow back depends on whether it is a fingernail or toenail. A new fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks, whereas a new toenail may take about 6 months to fully regrow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for a new fingernail to regrow | 8 weeks |
| Time taken for a new toenail to regrow | 6 months |
| Time taken for a discolored nail to grow out | 4 to 6 months for a fingernail |
| 12 to 18 months for a toenail | |
| Cause of black toenail | Long-term pressure on the toes from ill-fitting shoes |
| Trauma or injury | |
| Fungal infection | |
| Melanoma | |
| Treatment for black toenail | Drainage of blood using a needle |
| Soaking the toe in a warm solution with Epsom salts | |
| Over-the-counter pain relievers |
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What You'll Learn
Black nails can be caused by fungal infections
A new fingernail can regrow in as little as eight weeks, while a new toenail may take about six months to fully regrow. However, if there has been an injury to the nail bed or surrounding tissues, the new nail may take longer to grow and may not look normal.
Mycotic nails typically present with thickened, fragile nails that separate from the nail bed. The nails may become brittle and crumble, and the colour can vary, including brownish, whitish, or blackish discolouration. In some cases, the nails may also emit a bad smell.
Fungal nail infections usually start mildly and gradually progress. Initially, you may notice a white or yellow spot under your nail, which can spread and turn the entire nail white, yellow, green, or black. The nail may thicken, curl, or loosen from the nail bed. As the infection advances, it may become painful to apply pressure to the affected area, and walking can become challenging.
To prevent and treat fungal nail infections, it is important to maintain good nail hygiene and avoid barefoot contact in places like gym showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms, where fungi can spread easily. If you suspect a fungal infection, consult a healthcare provider. Treatment options may include oral antifungals, topical creams, or, in severe cases, nail removal to facilitate the growth of a healthy new nail.
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Trauma or injury can cause black nails
A black nail is often the result of trauma or injury to the nail, causing blood to pool and appear underneath the nail plate. This is called a subungual hematoma, which is a minor injury that typically causes severe throbbing pain. The nail may also be very tender to the touch. The blood under the nail may look black-and-blue or black-and-purple, similar to a bruise.
Subungual hematomas are commonly caused by a blow to the nail, such as hitting your fingertip with a hammer, or dropping a heavy object on your toe. They can also be caused by crush injuries, such as slamming your finger in a door or drawer. Repeated trauma to toenails, caused by ill-fitting shoes, can also lead to nail deformities. In addition, habits such as nail biting and cuticle biting can cause trauma to the nails.
If you experience a nail injury, it is important to make sure that your tetanus vaccination is up to date. If the nail is torn or jagged, it is recommended to trim it to avoid further injury. If your nail lifts off the nail bed, it may be most comfortable to replace the nail and hold it in place with a bandage. However, nails will not reattach to the nail bed after they have separated.
To relieve the pressure and pain caused by a subungual hematoma, a healthcare provider may perform a simple drainage procedure to drain the blood trapped under the nail. This procedure must be done within two days of the injury. The healthcare provider will numb the area first to prevent pain. For minor pain, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as aspirin or Advil can be taken.
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Melanoma can cause black nails
A black nail can take anywhere from 8 weeks to 6 months to grow out, depending on whether it is a fingernail or toenail. However, it is important to note that the presence of a black nail could be indicative of a more serious underlying condition, such as melanoma.
Melanoma of the nail unit, also known as subungual melanoma, is a rare but serious type of skin cancer that develops under the nail. It is often mistaken for other nail conditions like infections or bruises, which can delay diagnosis and lead to poorer outcomes. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider if you notice any changes to your nails.
Subungual melanoma usually presents as a distinct dark brown or black vertical streak on the nail, running from the bottom to the top. This streak may start small but can grow over time, becoming wider and more irregular in pigmentation. It may also extend to the skin surrounding the nail, known as the "Hutchinson sign". In some cases, the nail may lift away from the nail bed, become thickened, or develop dents and divots.
The exact cause of subungual melanoma is not fully understood, but it is more prevalent in older adults with darker skin tones. While sun exposure does not seem to be a factor, trauma or injury may play a role, along with genetics and family history. Anyone can develop subungual melanoma, but it is more common in people of African-American, Asian, or Hispanic descent, with a higher prevalence in certain ethnic groups. For example, it occurs in almost all African-Americans by the age of 50 and around 20% of Asians.
Early detection of subungual melanoma is crucial for successful treatment. When checking your nails, look for any discolored lines, particularly those that are brown or black and run vertically from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. If you notice any changes in nail color, shape, thickness, or any other abnormalities, it is important to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider for further evaluation and diagnosis.
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Black nails can sometimes grow out naturally
In some cases, black nails can be caused by a fungal infection. Toenails are particularly susceptible to fungal infections, as socks and shoes can provide a warm and moist breeding ground for the fungus to grow. In rare cases, a black toenail may be due to melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Melanoma can develop slowly and without other symptoms, so people often do not notice it in the early stages, especially if it originates under the toenail. It is best to contact a doctor if you experience a sudden, unexplainable black toenail or if it does not heal with time and at-home treatments.
In other cases, black nails can be caused by bleeding and bruising under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. This can be the result of a traumatic injury, such as stubbing your toe, hitting your finger with a hammer, or slamming your finger in a car trunk. Tight shoes can also cause a toenail to get pinched and jammed, leading to bleeding underneath the nail and a black colour. In mild cases, the black toenail will grow out naturally over time without treatment. However, in severe cases, such as when the nail begins to detach from the nail bed, medical treatment may be necessary.
The time it takes for a black nail to grow out can vary depending on the location and extent of the damage. A new fingernail can regrow in as little as 8 weeks, while a toenail may take up to 6 months to fully regrow. If there has been injury to the nail bed or surrounding tissues, the new nail may take longer to grow and may not look normal.
It is important to note that nail discolouration can be a symptom of various conditions, and it is always advisable to consult a doctor if you are concerned or if the discolouration persists.
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In some cases, black nails may need to be removed
A black nail is typically caused by a subungual haematoma, which refers to bleeding and bruising under the nail. This can be the result of a blunt-force injury, such as dropping a heavy object on your foot or stubbing your toe, which causes blood vessels in the nail bed to break and blood to pool underneath. In mild cases, a black nail will grow out naturally over time without treatment, which can take anywhere from 4 to 6 months for a fingernail and 12 to 18 months for a toenail.
However, in some cases, black nails may need to be removed. If the nail begins to detach from the nail bed or there is severe, throbbing pain, it is important to seek medical treatment. A doctor can treat this condition by draining the blood with a procedure called trephination, which can be done using a heated wire (electrocautery device), a carbon laser, or a needle to make a hole in the nail and relieve the pressure and pain. If the nail matrix, where the nail forms, is damaged, there is a chance the nail may not grow back or may look different when it does.
Additionally, a black nail may be caused by a fungal infection, especially in the case of toenails, as shoes and socks provide a warm and moist environment for fungus to grow. While fungal infections can often be treated at home, they may spread to other parts of the foot and body if left untreated. In rare cases, a black nail could be an indication of melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. It is important to contact a doctor if you experience a sudden, unexplained black nail or if it does not heal with time and at-home treatments, as they can rule out more serious causes.
While waiting for a black nail to grow out, there are some home care treatments that can be done to alleviate pain and promote healing. It is recommended to soak the affected finger or toe in a warm solution with Epsom salts for 15 minutes a day to help drain fluid and reduce pain. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can also be taken to manage minor pain. It is important to follow any instructions provided by a healthcare professional and to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take anywhere from 4 to 18 months for a black nail to grow out, depending on whether it is a fingernail or toenail.
Black nails are often caused by trauma or injury, such as a heavy object falling on the toes or tight shoes pinching the toenails. In rarer cases, it could be due to melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
If you have a black nail, you should monitor it for any changes and treat it with at-home remedies, such as ice and anti-inflammatories. If it does not heal or you did not experience any trauma, you should contact your doctor.
