A black toenail isn’t always black. It can also look reddish, purplish, or brownish. Whatever color it is, a black toenail is a sign that something is going on underneath your nail.
The purpose of this article is to give you a complete guide to black toenails. We will discuss the causes of black toenails, the symptoms to look out for, how to treat them, and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.
While we’ll give you lots of helpful information, please remember that this article isn’t a substitute for medical advice. It’s always a good idea to see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They can tell you how to get rid of black toenails and make sure there isn’t a more serious problem.
What causes black toenails?
If you have a black toenail, you may be wondering what caused it and how to get rid of it. Here’s what you should know.
Common causes
Here are some of the most common causes of black toenails:
- Trauma: Stubbing your toe or dropping something on it can cause bleeding under the nail. This is called a subungual hematoma, which is basically a bruise under the nail.
- Ill-fitting shoes: Shoes that are too tight can also cause trauma to the toe.
- “Runner’s toe”: This condition happens when the toe repeatedly bumps the end of the shoe during running.
- Fungal infections: Fungal nail infections can cause the nail to change color and get thick or crumbly. They can also cause an odor or cause the nail to separate from the nail bed.
- Ingrown toenails: An ingrown toenail can cause inflammation and discoloration.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as cancer drugs, antibiotics, retinoids, and psoralens, can cause nail discoloration.
- Underlying health conditions: Sometimes, black toenails may be a sign of a health condition like diabetes or vascular disease.
Recognizing the symptoms
The main symptom of a black toenail is a black, brown, purple, or reddish color under the nail. Depending on what caused it, the discoloration may appear suddenly or gradually.
Other symptoms of black toenails include:
- Pain and pressure under the nail, especially if you have a subungual hematoma
- Thickening, splitting, or separation of the nail from the nail bed
- Swelling, redness, odor, or discharge, which may mean you have an infection
When black isn’t just black: Serious concerns
Okay, so you’ve got a black toenail. Most of the time, it’s no big deal. But sometimes, that black color could be something more serious.
Subungual melanoma: A rare but serious cause
In very rare cases, a dark streak or spot under your nail could be subungual melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer. It often looks like a dark band running from the base of your toenail to the tip.
Don’t freak out just yet! It’s much more likely to be a bruise. But it’s important to know the difference.
Key indicators requiring immediate medical attention
See a doctor right away if you notice any of these:
- The discoloration appears gradually and you don’t know why.
- The discoloration spreads beyond the nail itself onto the surrounding skin.
- You see a bump or growth under the nail.
- You’re experiencing severe or worsening pain.
If you have any suspicion that it could be melanoma, don’t wait. Get it checked out by a dermatologist or podiatrist ASAP. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Diagnosing black toenails: Finding the root cause
So, you’ve got a black toenail. What’s next? The first step is figuring out why it’s black. Here’s how a healthcare provider typically diagnoses the issue:
Physical Examination and Medical History
Your doctor will start with a good old-fashioned physical exam. They’ll look at your toenail and ask you a bunch of questions, like:
- Have you had any recent injuries?
- What activities have you been doing lately?
- What’s your medical history?
- Are you taking any medications?
- Do you have any underlying health conditions?
Diagnostic Tests
Depending on what they suspect, your doctor might order some tests, such as:
- Nail clippings or scrapings: To check for fungal infections.
- Biopsy: To rule out subungual melanoma (a type of skin cancer under the nail).
- Imaging tests (X-rays): To look for bone injuries.
Importance of Professional Evaluation
I know it’s tempting to Google your symptoms and self-diagnose, but please don’t! Especially when serious conditions are possible. A healthcare professional can accurately determine the cause of your black toenail and recommend the right treatment plan. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health!
What to do about a black toenail: Home care to medical intervention
What should you do if you get a black toenail? That depends on the cause of the black toenail and how bad it is. Here are some steps you can take.
Home remedies for minor cases
If your black toenail isn’t too painful, there are some things you can do at home.
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). If you have a subungual hematoma, elevating your foot and applying a cold compress can help with the pain and swelling.
Pain relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be all you need to manage the discomfort.
Medical treatments
For more serious black toenails, you may need to see a podiatrist or other health professional.
Drainage of subungual hematoma. If the hematoma is large and causing a lot of pain, a healthcare provider may drain the blood to relieve the pressure. This procedure can bring immediate relief.
Treatment of fungal infections. If your black toenail is caused by a fungal infection, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications, either topical or oral.
Management of ingrown toenails. An ingrown toenail can cause discoloration and pain. Treatment may involve lifting the nail, removing part of the nail, or surgery.
Addressing underlying health conditions. If you have diabetes, it’s important to manage the condition to promote healing and prevent complications. A black toenail can be a sign that you need to pay closer attention to managing your diabetes.
Nail removal. In severe cases, especially those involving severe trauma or infection, it may be necessary to remove the toenail entirely. This is usually a last resort.
Preventing black toenails: Protecting your feet
The best way to deal with black toenails is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some ways to protect your feet:
- Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that fit well and give your toes plenty of room. Select shoes that are appropriate for your activity.
- Nail Care: Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails, which can also cause discoloration.
- Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry to prevent fungal infections, and wear socks that breathe.
- Sun Protection: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your toes when they’re exposed to the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get rid of dark toenails fast?
Unfortunately, there’s no magic bullet to get rid of dark toenails quickly. If the discoloration is due to a subungual hematoma (blood under the nail), it will take time for the blood to reabsorb. Proper care, like keeping the area clean and protected, can aid in the healing process, but patience is key. If it’s caused by something else, treatment depends on the underlying issue.
What do B12 deficiency nails look like?
B12 deficiency can manifest in various nail changes, but it doesn’t typically cause dark discoloration like black toenails. Instead, nails might appear brittle, darkened with bluish-black pigmentation, or display longitudinal dark streaks. These changes are usually accompanied by other symptoms of B12 deficiency.
What deficiency causes dark toenails?
While vitamin deficiencies are rarely the direct cause of black toenails, iron deficiency can sometimes contribute to nail changes. However, it’s far more likely that dark toenails are due to trauma, fungal infections, or other underlying conditions. Always consult a doctor to determine the root cause.
What do unhealthy toenails look like?
Unhealthy toenails can present in various ways. They might be discolored (yellow, brown, black), thickened, brittle, crumbly, detached from the nail bed, or have an unusual shape. Any significant changes in your toenails warrant a visit to a podiatrist or doctor.
Can you reverse black toenails?
Whether you can reverse black toenails depends on the cause. A subungual hematoma will resolve on its own as the blood is reabsorbed, though it can take weeks or months. Fungal infections can often be treated with antifungal medications. If the discoloration is due to another underlying condition, addressing that condition can sometimes improve nail health and appearance.
In Closing
Black toenails can appear for many reasons, from stubbing your toe to wearing shoes that are too tight. The right treatment depends on the cause, but often involves rest and protection to allow the injury to heal.
If you think your black toenail might be caused by something other than an injury, like an infection or even melanoma, it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Taking good care of your feet, wearing comfortable shoes, and trimming your toenails properly can help you avoid black toenails and other foot problems.