Caleb Foster
A black fingernail can be caused by several factors, including injury, fungal infection, or an underlying medical condition. In some cases, a black fingernail may be a result of subungual haematoma, which is the medical term for bleeding and bruising under the nail, typically caused by trauma or injury to the nail. This can lead to intense pain and throbbing as blood collects under the nail, causing discolouration. Additionally, fungal nail infections, known as onychomycosis, can also result in nail discolouration, with the nail becoming thick, yellow, and brittle. Other possible causes of black fingernails include nail abnormalities such as clubbing, which is associated with increased blood flow to the fingertips, or linear melanonychia, which is common in Black individuals over 20 years of age.
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What You'll Learn
- Treatments for a black fingernail include ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and draining blood
- A black fingernail is usually caused by trauma to the finger, which can be painful
- A black fingernail could be a symptom of nail melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer
- A black fingernail could be caused by a bacterial or fungal nail infection
- A black fingernail could be caused by tight shoes or gloves, or by biting your nails
Treatments for a black fingernail include ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and draining blood
A black fingernail, or subungual hematoma, is usually the result of an injury to the finger. This can be very painful, with the affected area often feeling swollen and tender. The black colour is caused by a build-up of blood under the fingernail. The blood pools under the nail after bleeding from a broken blood vessel, and the pressure and pain can be intense.
In most cases, these treatments are sufficient, but if the pain is intense, a doctor may recommend draining the blood from under the nail. This procedure involves injecting a local anaesthetic into the finger to numb the area, then using a cautery, needle, or sterilised paperclip to make a small hole in the nail, allowing the blood to drain out. This reduces the pressure under the nail and provides relief. In some cases, the entire nail may need to be removed. It is important to seek medical attention if the bleeding covers more than 25% of the nail.
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A black fingernail is usually caused by trauma to the finger, which can be painful
A black fingernail, or subungual hematoma, is usually the result of trauma to the finger, which can be very painful. This trauma causes a build-up of blood under the fingernail, which can lead to considerable pain and pressure. The initial injury will have been painful, and blood quickly gathers under the nail, causing a feeling of increased pressure. The nail then turns black and continues to be painful, with a throbbing sensation due to the blood flow.
In most cases, this type of injury can be treated with ice and anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen. The pain and pressure should ease within a couple of days, and the blood will usually drain on its own. However, if the injury is particularly painful or the bleeding covers more than 25% of the nail, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor may then choose to drain the blood from under the nail to reduce pressure and relieve pain. This procedure involves numbing the finger with a local anaesthetic and then making a small hole in the nail to allow the blood to drain out. In some cases, the entire nail may need to be removed.
It is important to note that a black fingernail can also be caused by other factors, such as fungal infections, melanoma, or certain medications. Melanonychia, for example, is a condition characterised by black or brown lines on the nail and can be caused by various factors, including trauma, medication, and nutritional deficiencies. If you notice any changes in your nails, especially if they are sudden or unexplained, it is always best to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
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A black fingernail could be a symptom of nail melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer
A black fingernail is often caused by a build-up of blood under the nail due to direct trauma to the finger. This usually results in considerable pain and can be treated with ice and anti-inflammatory medication. In some cases, a doctor may need to drain the blood from under the nail.
However, it is important to note that a black fingernail could also be a symptom of nail melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Melanoma of the nail unit is a rare form of melanoma that arises from the activation and proliferation of melanin-producing melanocytes in the nail matrix. It is not related to sun exposure and can affect people of all skin colours and races.
Nail melanoma is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage than melanoma on the skin, making it more dangerous to a person's health. It typically presents as a dark brown or black band on the nail, which may be wide and irregular or dark and narrow. This dark streak can show up on any nail but is most common on the index finger, thumb, or big toe. Other signs to look out for include dark skin next to the nail, nail lifting from the finger or toe, nail splitting, and a bump or nodule under the nail.
If you notice any of these changes to your nails, it is important to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. They may order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for nail melanoma usually involves surgical removal of the malignant tissues. While nail melanoma is rare, it is highly treatable when caught early.
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A black fingernail could be caused by a bacterial or fungal nail infection
A black fingernail is often caused by a blow to the finger, which can cause blood to become trapped under the nail, resulting in considerable pain. This is known as a subungual haematoma. Typically, the bruise forms shortly after the injury, and the affected finger may also experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, or throbbing pain. In most cases, this can be treated with ice and anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen. However, if the pain is particularly severe, a doctor may need to drain the blood from under the nail.
However, a black fingernail could also be indicative of a bacterial or fungal nail infection. Bacterial infections, known as paronychia, occur when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, causing an infection. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and the presence of pus-filled blisters. Paronychia is treated with antibiotics and, in some cases, pus drainage.
Fungal nail infections, on the other hand, tend to occur more slowly than bacterial infections. They are often caused by irritation from occupational or environmental exposures. Treatment for fungal nail infections typically involves the use of antifungal medications, either in tablet form or applied directly to the affected nails.
It is important to note that dark nails can also be a symptom of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. If you notice any darkening of the nail that gradually worsens or does not improve, it is crucial to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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A black fingernail could be caused by tight shoes or gloves, or by biting your nails
A black fingernail can be caused by several factors, including trauma or injury to the nail unit, such as slamming a door on your fingers or wearing ill-fitting shoes or gloves. In these cases, the blood vessels under the nail break and leak, leading to intense pain and throbbing as blood collects underneath. This is known as a subungual haematoma and is characterised by red or dark discolouration under the nail. The blood under the nail will eventually dry up and leave a dark or black discolouration that will grow out with the nail. This can take up to 9-12 months for a toenail and 6 months for a fingernail.
To prevent black fingernails caused by tight shoes or gloves, it is recommended to wear properly fitting footwear and to protect your nails by wearing gloves when your hands are exposed to water or chemicals. Regularly applying moisturising cream to your fingers and nails can also help.
Additionally, biting your nails can lead to black fingernails if the biting is severe enough to cause trauma to the nail. Biting your nails can also increase the risk of a nail infection, which can lead to discolouration. If you have an infection, it is important to seek medical advice and follow the recommended treatment plan.
If you experience a black fingernail, it is generally advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or your general practitioner (GP). They can assess the severity of the issue and provide guidance on proper care and treatment. In some cases, minor subungual haematomas may resolve without treatment, but if the pain is unmanageable or there is severe damage, it is crucial to seek medical attention.
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Frequently asked questions
A black fingernail can be caused by a subungual haematoma, which is the medical term for bleeding and bruising under the nail. This is usually caused by trauma or injury to the nail.
If your black fingernail is due to a subungual haematoma, you can visit a podiatrist who can drain the blood from under the nail. Minor subungual haematomas usually resolve without treatment, but you can take over-the-counter painkillers to reduce any inflammation and discomfort.
The healing time for a black fingernail depends on the underlying cause. If it is due to a subungual haematoma, the blood under the nail will need to be drained, and the discolouration will grow out over 9-12 months. In the case of a fingernail injury, the nail should grow back within 6 months.
Yes, green-black nails can be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria called pseudomonas, especially under loose nails. Dark stripes running down the nails (linear melanonychia) are also common in people with darker skin tones.
