Caleb Foster
Black toenails are usually caused by trauma or injury to the toe, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it. The bleeding or bruising underneath the toenail causes it to turn black or dark in colour as it dries and clots. 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, a person should seek medical treatment. The presence of a black toenail that is not causing pain and covers less than half of the nail usually does not require treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Trauma, fungal infection, melanoma, diabetes, vascular disease, weak immune system, kidney disease, heart infection, psoriasis, anemia |
| Treatment | Home treatment, doctor's treatment, no treatment |
| Home treatment | Rest, ice, elevation, compression, over-the-counter ointments, creams, polishes |
| Doctor's treatment | Draining blood with a needle, prescription antifungal treatment, removing the nail, sutures to repair laceration |
| Time taken to heal | A new nail should take between six and eight weeks to grow in. |
| Prevention | Keeping toenails short, wearing properly fitting shoes, wearing closed-toe shoes, reducing direct sun exposure to feet, wearing sunscreen around toes |
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What You'll Learn
- Black toenails are often caused by trauma or injury to the toe
- A fungal infection can cause toenails to turn black
- In some cases, melanoma can cause toenails to turn black
- Black toenails can be caused by long-term pressure from ill-fitting shoes
- In mild cases, black toenails will grow out naturally over time
Black toenails are often caused by trauma or injury to the toe
Wearing ill-fitting shoes is a common cause of black toenails. Tight shoes can cause the toenail to get pinched and jammed, leading to bleeding underneath the nail. This can also occur when the top of the shoe rubs against the nail, or the toe slams into the end of the shoe. Long-term pressure on the toes from ill-fitting shoes can also cause black toenails, especially in runners who run long distances or at high intensity. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep toenails short and ensure there is enough space in the shoes for the forefoot to rest comfortably.
In some cases, black toenails can be caused by more serious underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or cancer. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, can cause the skin under the toenail to develop dark, irregular patches. This can go unnoticed in the early stages, especially if it originates under the toenail. It is therefore important to seek medical attention for any black toenail to rule out a serious underlying cause.
In mild cases of trauma, the black toenail will usually grow out over time without treatment. However, if there is severe pain, nail-base injuries, uncontrolled bleeding, or certain nail abnormalities, it is important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider may recommend making small holes in the nail to relieve pressure and drain the blood, but this must be done within a few days of the injury. In severe cases, such as when the nail begins to detach from the nail bed, more invasive techniques may be required, such as removing the nail.
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A fungal infection can cause toenails to turn black
Black toenails can be caused by several factors, including injury, infection, diabetes, cancer, and nutritional deficiencies. While it is less common, a fungal infection can also cause toenails to turn black.
Fungal infections, such as foot fungi or athlete's foot, typically cause white or yellowish discolouration. However, when debris builds up near the infection site, it can cause the nail to appear black. Toenails are particularly susceptible to fungal infections because fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, such as those created by socks and shoes. This makes it easy for fungi to grow and spread.
In most cases, fungal infections can be treated at home and do not require a doctor's diagnosis. Over-the-counter creams and ointments are often sufficient to clear the infection and allow the nail to heal. However, it is important to note that toenail fungus can be challenging to treat and may require several months of treatment. Additionally, toenail fungus often recurs, even with proper treatment.
To prevent fungal infections, it is essential to keep your nails clean and dry. Avoiding walking barefoot in public areas, such as swimming pools or locker rooms, can also help reduce the risk of contracting toenail fungus.
While black toenails due to fungal infections are typically not a cause for concern, it is important to seek medical attention if the infection persists or is accompanied by other symptoms. In some cases, black toenails can indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as melanoma or other health issues. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider if you are unsure about the cause of your black toenail or if it does not respond to treatment.
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In some cases, melanoma can cause toenails to turn black
Black toenails are usually caused by injury, infection, diabetes, or ill-fitting shoes. In most cases, the toenail will grow out naturally over time without treatment. However, in some rare instances, black toenails can be caused by melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer.
Subungual melanoma is a rare but serious form of skin cancer that develops under the nail. It most commonly appears as a dark brown or black streak on the nail, running from the bottom to the top. This streak may start small but can grow over time, sometimes covering the entire nail and extending to the cuticle. The discoloration can be irregular and vary in shade. Subungual melanoma can also cause nail lifting, splitting, cracking, and distortion. It may become painful if there is bone involvement.
Melanoma of the nail unit most commonly affects the big toe and thumbnail, but it can occur in any nail on the finger or toe. It is important to note that melanoma can be mistaken for other nail conditions like infections or bruises, so it is always a good idea to check with a healthcare provider if you notice any unusual changes to your nail. Early detection and prompt treatment yield the best outcomes.
While melanoma of the nail unit is rare, it is more prevalent in individuals with skin of color, with an estimated 100% of African-Americans affected by age 50 and around 20% of Asians. Personal or family history of melanoma or previous nail trauma are also risk factors. To prevent melanoma, it is recommended to reduce direct sun exposure to the feet and wear sunscreen around the toes.
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Black toenails can be caused by long-term pressure from ill-fitting shoes
Black toenails are unsightly and can be painful. They are caused by several factors, including injuries, infections, diabetes, cancer, and even tight-fitting shoes. In this article, we will focus on the latter cause and explore how long black toenails, resulting from long-term pressure from ill-fitting shoes, can last.
When toenails turn black due to long-term pressure from ill-fitting shoes, it is known as "subungual hematoma". This occurs when there is bleeding or bruising underneath the toenail. The blood trapped beneath the nail causes the discolouration as it dries and clots. This condition is commonly seen in runners, especially those who run long distances or at high intensity. It can also occur when the shoe is either too tight or too loose, causing the toe to slam into the front or top of the shoe repeatedly.
In mild cases of black toenails caused by ill-fitting shoes, the discolouration will grow out naturally over time without treatment. This process can take several months, during which a new nail will replace the discoloured and damaged nail. Keeping the toenails short and ensuring proper-fitting shoes can help prevent further trauma and speed up the recovery process.
However, in severe cases, such as when the nail begins to detach from the nail bed, medical treatment is necessary. If more than half of the nail is black due to bleeding, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out fractures or lacerations of the nail bed. A healthcare provider may recommend removing the nail and suturing any lacerations. Additionally, if the black toenail is causing pain due to swelling or pressure, home treatments such as rest, ice, elevation, and compression can be applied.
While black toenails caused by ill-fitting shoes usually resolve on their own, it is important to be vigilant and seek medical advice if the condition persists or worsens. In some rare cases, black toenails can be indicative of underlying health issues such as melanoma, a rare but serious form of skin cancer. Therefore, it is always best to consult a doctor if the black toenail does not heal with time and at-home treatments.
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In mild cases, black toenails will grow out naturally over time
It is important to note that black toenails can be caused by other factors, such as fungal infections, vitamin B12 deficiency, diabetes, or even cancer. In these cases, the outlook may be different, and it is important to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause.
To prevent black toenails caused by trauma, it is recommended to wear properly fitting shoes, especially during exercise or running. Keeping your nails clean and dry can also help prevent some causes of black toenails.
While mild cases of black toenails caused by trauma will usually resolve on their own, more severe cases may require medical attention. If the nail begins to detach from the nail bed, or there is severe pain, nail-base injuries, uncontrolled bleeding, or certain nail abnormalities, it is crucial to seek medical treatment.
In summary, while mild cases of black toenails will grow out over time, it is important to be aware of other potential causes and seek medical advice if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the cause. In most cases, the black toenail will grow out and the discoloration will no longer be present. However, this can take several months, and in some cases, a new nail may never form.
Black toenails are usually caused by trauma or injury to the toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it. They can also be caused by fungal infections, ill-fitting shoes, or, in rare cases, melanoma.
Treatment depends on the cause. In most cases, no treatment is needed, and the nail will grow out on its own. For injuries, rest, ice, elevation, and compression can help. For fungal infections, over-the-counter ointments, creams, and polishes are usually effective.
You should see a doctor if the black toenail is causing severe pain, if there is uncontrolled bleeding, or if more than 50% of the nail is black. It is also important to see a doctor if you notice any black spots spreading throughout the nail or if they don't go away despite the nail growing out, as this could be a sign of melanoma.
