Noah Sinclair
A black toenail, or subungual hematoma, is usually caused by trauma or injury to the toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it. The blood trapped beneath the nail causes it to turn black or dark in colour as it dries and clots. However, in rare cases, a black toenail can be a symptom of subungual melanoma, a highly dangerous form of cancer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Bleeding or bruising underneath the toenail |
| Other names | Subungual hematoma |
| Symptoms | Black, purplish or brownish hue beneath or around a toenail |
| Treatment | A new nail will replace the discoloured and damaged nail over several months |
| Complications | If more than 50% of the nail is black, see a healthcare provider to rule out fractures or lacerations of the nail bed |
| Other causes | Subungual melanoma (a rare and dangerous form of cancer) |
| Other names for the other cause | Melanonychia, melanonychia striata, longitudinal melanonychia |
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What You'll Learn
Subungual hematoma
A black toenail, often referred to as a "subungual hematoma", occurs when there is bleeding or bruising underneath the toenail. This is usually caused by trauma or injury to the toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it. The blood trapped beneath the nail causes it to turn black or dark in colour as it dries and clots. The bruise usually starts out red, then becomes purple, dark brown, and finally black.
In most toenail injury cases, a new nail will replace the discoloured and damaged nail over several months. However, if more than 50% of the nail is black, you should see a healthcare provider to rule out fractures or lacerations of the nail bed, which could require removing the nail and sutures to repair the laceration. It is also important to consider the potential for injury to the cells responsible for nail regeneration, known as the nail matrix.
One important concern regarding black toenails is the potential for subungual melanoma, a highly dangerous form of cancer that often manifests as a dark line running along the nail's entire length. Given that early detection and treatment of melanoma significantly improve prognosis, it is crucial for any black toenail to be assessed by a healthcare provider to rule out this possibility.
In addition to trauma and melanoma, there are other potential causes of black toenails. One condition, known as melanonychia, can cause brown or black stripes that run from the bottom of the nail bed to the top. These lines can occur naturally in individuals with a dark complexion, but they may also be a sign of other health issues, so it is important to have them checked by a doctor.
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Stubbing your toe
In most toenail injury cases, a new nail will replace the discoloured and damaged nail over several months. However, if more than 50% of the nail is black from bleeding, you should see a healthcare professional to rule out fractures or lacerations of the nail bed, which could warrant removing the nail and sutures to repair the laceration.
It is important to note that a black toenail could also be a sign of subungual melanoma, a highly dangerous form of cancer that manifests as a dark line running along the nail's entire length. Given that early detection and treatment of melanoma significantly improve prognosis, it is crucial for any black toenail to be assessed by a healthcare provider to rule out this possibility.
In addition to trauma or injury, there are other potential causes of black toenails. One condition, known as melanonychia, can cause brown or black stripes that begin at the bottom of the nail bed and continue to the top. These lines can occur naturally in people with a dark complexion, but they may also be a sign of other health issues, so it is important to have them checked by a doctor.
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Dropping something heavy on your toe
A black toenail, often referred to as a "subungual hematoma", occurs when there is bleeding or bruising underneath the toenail. This is usually caused by trauma or injury to the toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it. The blood trapped beneath the nail causes it to turn black or dark in colour as it dries and clots.
If you have dropped something heavy on your toe, it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have broken your toe, dislocated your toe, or are experiencing pain and/or swelling that does not subside within a day or two.
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Subungual melanoma
A black toenail is most likely a bruise under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. This occurs when there is bleeding or bruising underneath the toenail, usually due to trauma or injury to the toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it. The blood trapped beneath the nail causes it to turn black or dark in colour as it dries and clots.
However, a black toenail can also be a symptom of subungual melanoma, a highly dangerous form of cancer. Subungual melanoma often manifests as a dark line running along the entire length of the nail. The term "subungual" refers to something that occurs beneath the nail. Given that early detection and treatment of melanoma significantly improve prognosis, it is crucial for any black toenail to be assessed by a healthcare professional to rule out this serious condition.
In most cases of toenail injury, a new nail will replace the discoloured and damaged nail over several months. However, if more than 50% of the nail is black from bleeding beneath the nail, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out fractures or lacerations of the nail bed, which could require removing the nail and sutures to repair the laceration.
It is also important to note that having a dark line on your fingernails or toenails, known as melanonychia, may be a sign of other health issues. These lines can occur naturally in people with a dark complexion, but regardless of the cause, it is recommended to have a doctor check for melanonychia.
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Melanonychia
A black toenail is usually caused by bleeding or bruising underneath the toenail, known as a subungual hematoma. This is typically caused by trauma or injury to the toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it. The blood trapped beneath the nail causes it to turn black or dark in colour as it dries and clots.
However, a black toenail can also be a symptom of a more serious condition called subungual melanoma, a highly dangerous form of cancer. This often manifests as a dark line running along the entire length of the nail. Given that early detection and treatment of melanoma significantly improve prognosis, it is crucial for any black toenail to be assessed by a healthcare professional.
In most toenail injury cases, a new nail will replace the discoloured and damaged nail over several months. However, if more than 50% of the nail is black, you should see a healthcare provider to rule out fractures or lacerations of the nail bed, which could warrant removing the nail and sutures to repair the laceration.
Having a dark line on your toenails is called melanonychia. The lines are brown or black and usually look like a stripe that begins at the bottom of the nail bed and continues to the top. Melanonychia may appear in one nail or several. These lines can occur naturally if you have a dark complexion. No matter the cause, it is recommended that you have a doctor check for melanonychia because the lines may be a sign of other health issues.
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Frequently asked questions
A black toenail is usually a bruise under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma, caused by stubbing your toe or wearing shoes that are too tight.
A bruised toenail will usually start out red, then turn purple, then dark brown, and finally black.
A black toenail will usually grow out in 6-9 months, although this can vary.
A black toenail could be a sign of subungual melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer. It is important to get any black toenail assessed by a healthcare professional.
