Noah Sinclair
Black nails are usually caused by trauma or injury, which causes bleeding under the nail, known as a subungual haematoma. This can be the result of a heavy object being dropped on the toe, or the nail being jammed into the front of a shoe. The bleeding under the nail appears black, and the spot will disappear once the nail has grown out. However, black nails can also be caused by fungal infections, melanoma, diabetes, and other health conditions. If you are unsure of the cause of your black nail, or if it doesn't go away, you should seek medical advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungal infection, trauma, melanoma, diabetes, and other health conditions |
| Prevention | Keep nails clean and dry, wear proper-fitting shoes, reduce direct sun exposure, wear sunscreen |
| Treatment | Over-the-counter ointments, creams, and polishes, prescription antifungal treatment, drainage of blood, nail removal |
| Risks of nail removal | Infection, thickened or misshapen nail, damage to the nail matrix |
| Professional advice | Consult a doctor or dermatologist, especially for persistent black toenails |
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What You'll Learn
See a doctor if the black nail is accompanied by other symptoms
In most cases, a black nail is caused by trauma or injury, and the discolouration will disappear as the nail grows out. However, if your black nail is accompanied by other symptoms, it's important to see a doctor as it could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
If you experience bleeding under your nail, you should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can drain the excess fluid and relieve the pressure if seen within 48 hours. However, if the affected area continues to bleed or collect blood, or if you are experiencing extreme pain, it is best to seek medical care. Other symptoms that require medical attention include swelling or an inability to move the finger or toe, as these could be signs of a fracture.
If your black nail is caused by a fungal infection, it can usually be treated at home with over-the-counter ointments, creams, and polishes. However, if the infection does not clear up after a few days, you should consult a doctor. Fungal infections can spread throughout the feet and other parts of the body if left untreated, causing permanent nail damage.
It's important to note that melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, can also cause black nails. If you notice any black spots that might be spreading throughout the nail, or if the discolouration persists despite your nail growing out, you should see a doctor. Melanoma can be prevented by reducing direct sun exposure and wearing sunscreen.
In some cases, a black nail may be related to underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease. If you suspect that your black nail is related to an underlying condition, it's important to see a doctor for proper treatment and management.
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Treat the underlying cause, such as trauma or fungal infection
A black nail is usually caused by trauma or injury, or a fungal infection. If the black discolouration is due to trauma, it will usually resolve on its own without treatment. In the case of a minor injury, the blood under the nail will darken and the discolouration will disappear once the nail grows out. However, if the nail is still black as it grows, it may be related to another underlying cause.
If the black nail is caused by trauma, a healthcare provider can treat it by making small holes in the nail to relieve the pressure and drain the blood. This procedure is known as trephination or decompression and must be done within two days of the injury. During this time, the hole through which the blood drains should be covered with sterile gauze. After the procedure, it is important to follow all the instructions from your healthcare provider, including methods of pain relief and caring for the wound.
If the black nail is caused by a fungal infection, it can be treated with both topical and oral antifungals. There are over-the-counter (OTC) remedies and medications available, including ointments, creams, polishes, and soaks. Topical prescription medications that you apply to the nail include ointments and soaks. You may have to use more than one medication, and it may take months or even more than a year for the infection to clear as the toenail grows. It is important to keep using the treatment until advised to stop by a healthcare professional.
To prevent fungal nail infections, it is important to keep your nails clean and dry, as fungi thrive in warm and moist environments.
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Drain the blood blister under the nail
A black nail is usually caused by trauma to the nail, such as an injury. This is called a subungual haematoma, which is a bruised nail. This type of injury can cause severe throbbing pain due to the pressure of blood collecting between the nail and the nail bed. If the injury is minor, the pain should subside within a few days.
If the blood blister under the nail is causing pain or other symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform a simple draining procedure to relieve the pressure and provide relief. This procedure can help prevent the need for nail removal. It is important not to attempt to drain a subungual haematoma at home.
To drain the blood blister, a doctor may perform decompression or trephination. This involves numbing the affected area with a nerve block and then using a heated wire, carbon laser, or needle to create a hole for the blood to drain through. The hole should be large enough to allow the blood to drain and the procedure usually takes about one to two days. During this time, the wound should be covered with sterile gauze and kept elevated.
After the procedure, it is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions for caring for the wound. This may include removing the bandage after two days, gently washing the area, and keeping it clean and dry. The nail may bleed a little after draining, but this should stop quickly. It is normal for the nail to remain discoloured for several weeks, and it may take up to six months for a new nail to grow back.
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Remove the nail with sterilized tools
Removing a damaged toenail yourself can be risky and lead to serious complications. It is therefore recommended that you seek medical advice before attempting to remove your toenail. A doctor will use properly sanitized instruments in a completely sanitized environment, reducing the risk of infection.
If you choose to remove your nail at home, it is critical that you make your toe and hands as sterile as possible before starting the procedure. Wash your hands with soap and water, and clean the toe with warm, soapy water. Dry your hands and the toe thoroughly. You may also want to consider swabbing the toenail and surrounding area with iodine, which kills bacteria.
To remove the nail, trim away as much of the dead nail as possible. Remove new pieces as they begin to loosen naturally. Keep your toe clean and bandaged until the nail bed heals.
If there is a blood blister under the nail, you can pierce the nail with a sterilized pin to drain it. Heat the tip of a clean, sharp pin or needle with rubbing alcohol in a flame until it is visibly red-hot. The hole created by piercing should be large enough to let the blood drain. This takes about a day or two. During this time, cover the hole with sterile gauze.
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Prevent nail discolouration by keeping nails clean and dry
Black nails are often caused by trauma or injury, such as blood collecting underneath the nail, causing a subungual hematoma. This can be the result of a heavy object being dropped on the toe or finger, or repetitive jamming of the toe into the front of a shoe. In such cases, the discolouration will disappear once the nail has grown out.
However, black nails can also be caused by fungal infections, melanoma, diabetes, and other health conditions. It is important to determine the cause of the discolouration to rule out any serious medical conditions.
To prevent nail discolouration, it is important to keep nails clean and dry. This helps prevent fungal infections, which thrive in moist and warm environments. Here are some tips to keep your nails clean and dry:
- Wash your hands and feet regularly, especially after inspecting your feet, to prevent the spread of fungi.
- Gently scrub your skin with soap and water to remove dead skin, as fungi often attach themselves to dead, dry skin.
- Keep your nails trimmed and free of debris, as debris may collect underneath the nail, providing an ideal environment for fungi to thrive.
- Avoid acrylic nails, as they can trap moisture underneath the nail, creating stagnant and unhealthy conditions that fungi thrive in.
- Wear proper-fitting shoes, especially when exercising, to prevent toenail trauma and reduce the risk of injury.
- Keep your nails dry and moisture-free to create an unfavourable environment for fungi.
- Practise good hygiene and regularly inspect your nails for any signs of discolouration or infection.
By keeping your nails clean and dry, you can help prevent nail discolouration and reduce the risk of fungal infections and other nail-related issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Black nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including fungal infections, trauma or injury, bacterial infections, melanoma, and medications. Keeping your nails clean and dry can help prevent some cases of black nails.
It is recommended to consult a doctor if the black spot on your nail persists or spreads, or if you are unsure of the cause. In some cases, a black nail may indicate a serious medical condition such as melanoma or a fracture.
Removing a black nail at home carries risks, and it is generally advised to seek medical advice first. However, if you choose to proceed, ensure the affected area is thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. You can then trim away the dead nail and remove new pieces as they loosen. Apply a bandage until the nail bed heals.
