Isla Bennett
A black colour under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma, is usually caused by trauma or injury to the nail. This results in blood pooling below the nail plate, causing pain and swelling. In most cases, subungual hematomas heal well over time, with the bruise growing out as the nail grows back. This can take anywhere from eight weeks to six to nine months. However, if the nail is severely damaged or there are underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, anemia, or melanoma, it is important to seek medical attention to treat the condition and prevent further complications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Trauma or injury, fungal infection, melanoma, diabetes, anemia, heart disease, kidney disease, nutritional deficiencies |
| Symptoms | Severe throbbing pain, redness, swelling, pus, nail turning purple, blue, black or brown |
| Treatment | Drainage, bandaging, ice, anti-inflammatories, stitches, removal of the nail, antifungal creams |
| Time to heal | A few days to several months |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Black toenail caused by trauma or injury
A black toenail is often the result of trauma or injury to the nail, causing blood to pool beneath the nail and giving it a black appearance. This is known as a subungual hematoma, which is a type of bruise. Subungual hematomas are usually caused by a heavy object landing on the toe or from chronic rubbing within shoes. They can also be caused by minor injuries, such as stubbing your toe, or from repetitive trauma such as running or walking, known as "runner's toe".
If you experience a black toenail, it is important to assess the severity of the injury. In most cases, a subungual hematoma will heal on its own without treatment, and the discolouration will gradually disappear as the nail grows out. This can take several months, and the new nail may take longer to grow if there was injury to the nail bed or surrounding tissues. It is also possible for the nail to fall off on its own. During this time, it is important to keep the area clean and dry, and to avoid soaking the nail to prevent infection.
If the injury is severe, such as when the nail begins to detach from the nail bed, it is important to seek medical treatment. A doctor may treat the condition by draining the blood with a needle to relieve pressure under the nail. This should be done within 48 hours of the injury, as after this time, the blood will start to clot and make it harder to drain. In some cases, the entire toenail may need up to 12 months to regrow, and there is a risk of permanent nail changes.
To prevent black toenails caused by trauma or injury, it is recommended to wear properly fitting shoes with enough space in the toe area, avoid open-toed shoes, keep your toenails trimmed, and wear protective gear such as gloves and boots when doing manual labour.
Nail Stickers: How Long Do They Last?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Underlying conditions such as diabetes
Discoloration of the toenails is often one of the first noticeable signs of diabetes. The nails may turn yellow, brown, red, or black. In addition to discolouration, clinicians should be aware of other changes in the diabetic foot, such as an extreme curvature that increases distally, resembling a trumpet or cone formation. This can cause skin breakdown, ulceration, and extreme pain for the patient unless neuropathy is also present.
Diabetes can cause thickening or hypertrophy of the nail plate of the toenail, which can lead to deformities such as a Ram's Horn, also known as an ingrown toenail. This condition occurs when the nail grows into the subcutaneous tissue along the sides of the nail. Ingrown toenails can be very painful for non-diabetic patients, but peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients may inhibit sensation, allowing the condition to progress unnoticed. Other causes of ingrown toenails include ill-fitting shoes, improper nail cutting, or previous trauma.
Diabetes can also affect the circulation to the nail matrix, resulting in thin, brittle nails that break, split, and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). This separation allows dirt and moisture to get under the nail, facilitating infection. The nail may show longitudinal ridges, koilonychia (spoon-like nails), general or punctate whitening (leukonychia), and Beau's line (horizontal ridges).
Additionally, subungual hematoma, or bleeding under the nail, can occur in diabetic patients due to acute or chronic trauma. This can cause the nail to turn red, brown, or black. While subungual hematomas usually heal within a few days to weeks, they can sometimes lead to complications such as nail loss and infection. It is important to seek medical care if there is any doubt about the severity of the injury.
In summary, underlying conditions such as diabetes can cause various changes to the toenails, including discolouration, thickening, and separation from the nail bed. These changes can lead to deformities, infections, and pain. It is important for clinicians to be aware of these changes and provide appropriate care to prevent further complications.
Dead Nail Detachment: How Long Does It Take?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Toenail fungus
A black discolouration under the nail is usually caused by a subungual hematoma, which is a bruise under the nail that occurs due to trauma or injury. This can be very painful, but most subungual hematomas heal well and the pain usually subsides within a few days. The bruise will gradually disappear as the nail grows out, which can take anywhere from eight weeks to six to nine months.
In some cases, a black toenail can be caused by a fungal infection, especially in individuals with diabetes. Fungal infections are usually white or yellow, but they can turn black due to debris buildup. They are relatively treatable at home with over-the-counter ointments, creams, and polishes. However, if the infection does not clear up after a few days, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Black toenails can also be indicative of more serious conditions, such as melanoma, which is the most serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma often appears as a dark brown misshapen spot, which can occur underneath the nail bed. It develops slowly and without other symptoms, so it may go unnoticed, especially if it originates under the toenail. It is important to see a doctor if you notice any black spots spreading throughout the nail or if they do not go away despite your toenail growing out.
Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, anemia, heart disease, or kidney disease can also cause black toenails. It is always best to consult a doctor if you experience a sudden, unexplained black toenail or if it does not heal with time and at-home treatments. They will be able to diagnose the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Long Nails, No Problems: Functioning with Style
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Melanoma
A black discolouration under the nail can be caused by a subungual haematoma, a bruise that forms under the nail after trauma. This can be very painful, but most subungual haematomas heal well with no complications. The pain should ease within a few days, either on its own or after draining the blood. The discolouration will usually grow out over several weeks or months, and a new fingernail can regrow in as little as eight weeks. Toenails may take longer, with a new toenail taking about six months to fully regrow.
However, black discolouration under the nail can also be a symptom of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma causes the skin to develop dark, irregular patches, which can also occur underneath the nail bed. It develops 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 important to seek medical attention if you are unsure of the cause of the discolouration or if it does not go away. A doctor can examine the nail and determine the underlying cause. They may recommend draining the blood, treating an underlying condition, or, in the case of melanoma, reviewing available treatment options.
To prevent black discolouration under the nail, it is important to take precautions to avoid trauma to the nails. This includes wearing properly fitting shoes, closed-toe shoes during work or exercise, and gloves when using tools. Keeping nails clean and dry can also help prevent some causes of black discolouration, such as fungal infections. Reducing direct sun exposure to the feet and wearing sunscreen around the toes can help prevent melanoma.
Typing with Long Nails: Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ingrown toenails
A black toenail is often the result of trauma to the nail, which causes bleeding and blood pooling under the nail. The discolouration will usually go away as the nail grows out, which can take up to six months. In some cases, a doctor may use a needle to drain the blood and relieve the pressure.
If you have a black toenail, it could be due to several causes, including:
- Trauma or injury, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something on it, causing a subungual hematoma.
- Tight or ill-fitting shoes that put pressure on the toes and damage the nail.
- Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot or foot fungi.
- Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, vascular disease, or a weak immune system.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- In rare cases, melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer.
If the discolouration is painful, gradual, or spreads beyond the nail, it is important to consult a healthcare provider.
Now, ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that develops when the corner of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. It usually affects the big toe but can occur on any toe. The most common cause of ingrown toenails is cutting toenails too short or not straight across, allowing the skin to cover the corners of the nail. Other causes include:
- Injuring your toe, which may cause the nail to fall off and the new nail to grow back ingrown.
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes that are too tight or too short, causing pressure on the toes and pushing the skin over the nail.
- Participating in repetitive activities, such as kicking a soccer ball, which can lead to ingrown toenails over time.
- Having certain underlying conditions, such as diabetes, nerve damage, poor circulation, or a nail infection.
- Soaking your foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salt or soapy water twice daily.
- Gently lifting the edge of the nail and placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss between the nail and the skin to separate them.
- Applying an antibiotic or corticosteroid cream and a bandage.
- Taking non-prescription pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Wearing roomy shoes or sandals to reduce pressure on the toes.
If home treatments do not improve the condition within a few days, or if there are signs of infection, it is important to consult a doctor or podiatrist. They may recommend minor surgery to remove part of the nail or, in rare cases, the whole nail. To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to practice proper nail trimming techniques, wear well-fitting shoes, and keep your feet clean and dry.
Hotel Staff Nails: Length Rules and Regulations
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
In mild cases, a black toenail will grow out naturally over time without treatment. It may take six to nine months for your nail to completely grow out and return to its normal colour.
Toenails can turn black due to nutritional deficiencies, infection, trauma, or an underlying medical condition such as anemia, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease.
If you have a sudden, unexplainable black toenail, or if it does not heal with time and at-home treatments, it is best to contact a doctor.
To prevent toenail trauma, wear closed-toe shoes when working so that your nails are not injured by dropped objects, and wear properly fitting shoes during exercise.
