Isla Bennett
Toenails turning black can be caused by a number of factors, including nutritional deficiencies, infection, trauma, or even a rare form of skin cancer. In most cases, a black toenail is caused by a bruise under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. This can be the result of an injury, such as a fracture or laceration, and may require medical attention if more than 50% of the nail is affected. Other potential causes include dye from shoes or, in rare cases, melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Bruise under the nail, nutritional deficiencies, infection, trauma, dye from shoes, melanoma |
| Treatment | In most cases, the discoloured nail will be replaced by a new nail over several months. If more than 50% of the nail is black, see a doctor to rule out fractures or lacerations of the nail bed. |
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What You'll Learn
Bruising
If your toenail turns black, it’s most likely a bruise under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. This is caused by trauma to the toe, such as stubbing it or having something heavy fall on it. In most cases, the damaged nail will be replaced by a new nail over several months and no further treatment is needed. However, if more than 50% of your nail is black from bleeding beneath the nail, you should see a doctor to rule out fractures or lacerations of the nail bed, which may require removing the nail and sutures to repair the laceration.
The severity of a bruise can vary depending on the amount of force that caused it and the location of the injury. Minor bruises may only cause a small amount of discolouration and may not be painful. More severe bruises can cause significant pain and swelling, and may take longer to heal. In some cases, bruising can be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition, such as a blood disorder or a nutritional deficiency.
There are several things you can do to treat and manage bruising. Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain. You can also try elevating the injured toe above the level of your heart to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and inflammation. In most cases, bruises will heal on their own within a few weeks. However, if the bruising is severe or does not improve with time, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
While bruising under the toenail is usually not a cause for concern, there are some rare cases where it can be a sign of a more serious condition. For example, a black toenail may be due to melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Melanoma causes the skin to develop one or more patches of dark, irregular-looking skin. In some cases, the patch of darkening skin can grow beneath the nail bed, causing the toenail to turn black. Therefore, if you have a black toenail and are unsure of the cause, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Black toenails are usually caused by a bruise under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. However, they can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies.
It is important to note that black toenails can also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. If you have black toenails and are concerned about nutritional deficiencies or other potential causes, it is best to consult your doctor.
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Infection
Toenails can turn black due to infection, nutritional deficiencies, or trauma. In most cases, a new nail will replace the discoloured and damaged nail over several months. However, if more than 50% of your nail is black, you should see a doctor to rule out fractures or lacerations of the nail bed, which could require removing the nail and sutures to repair the laceration.
Fungal infections of the toenails are typically characterised by discolouration of the nail, thickening of the nail, and crumbling or distortion of the nail shape. In some cases, the nail may also become detached from the nail bed. Fungal infections can be treated with antifungal medications, which may be applied topically or taken orally, depending on the severity of the infection.
Bacterial infections can also cause black toenails. These types of infections typically occur when bacteria enter the nail bed through a break in the skin, such as a cut or crack in the nail. Bacterial infections can cause the nail to become discoloured, swollen, and painful. In some cases, pus may also be present. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, either topically or orally, depending on the severity of the infection.
It is important to note that black toenails can also be caused by more serious conditions, such as melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Melanoma can cause the skin to develop dark, irregular patches, which may grow beneath the nail bed. As melanoma develops slowly and without other symptoms, it is often not noticed in the early stages, especially if it originates under the toenail. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if you notice any changes in the colour of your toenails, especially if they do not improve over time.
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Trauma
Black toenails can be caused by trauma, which can lead to a bruise under the nail. This is known as a subungual hematoma. In most 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 beneath the nail, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out fractures or lacerations of the nail bed, which may require the removal of the nail and sutures to repair the laceration.
The severity of the trauma can vary, and it is important to assess the extent of the injury. Minor trauma may only cause a small bruise under the nail, while more severe trauma can lead to fractures or lacerations of the nail bed. If there is significant bleeding or pain, it is important to seek medical attention.
In most cases, the body will heal the trauma on its own. The discoloured nail will eventually grow out, and a new, healthy nail will replace it. However, it is important to take steps to prevent further trauma and allow the nail to heal. This may include wearing protective footwear, avoiding activities that put pressure on the toenail, and keeping the area clean and dry.
If the trauma is severe, medical intervention may be necessary. This could include draining the blood from under the nail, repairing lacerations, or even removing the nail if it is severely damaged. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. It is important to follow the advice of a healthcare professional to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.
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Melanoma
Toenails can turn black due to a number of reasons, including nutritional deficiencies, infection, trauma, or a bruise under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. In rare cases, a black toenail can be caused by melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Melanoma causes the skin to develop one or more patches of dark, irregular-looking skin, and in some cases, the patch of darkening skin grows beneath the nail bed. Melanoma develops slowly and without other symptoms, so people often do not notice it in the early stages, especially if it originates under the toenail. If you notice a black toenail, it is important to see your doctor to rule out a more serious cause. In most toenail injury cases, a new nail will replace the discoloured and damaged nail over several months. However, if more than 50% of your nail is black from bleeding beneath the nail, you should see your healthcare provider to rule out fractures or lacerations of the nail bed, which could require removing the nail and sutures to repair the laceration.
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Frequently asked questions
Toenails can turn black due to nutritional deficiencies, infection, trauma, or a bruise under the nail.
If the discolouration is due to a toenail injury, the damaged nail will likely be replaced by a new nail over several months. However, if more than 50% of your nail is black, you should see a doctor to rule out fractures or lacerations of the nail bed.
In rare cases, black toenails can be a symptom of melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Melanoma causes the skin to develop one or more patches of dark, irregular-looking skin, which can grow beneath the nail bed.
