Introduction
It is distressing to see a black toenail. A bruise is sometimes a mere bruise, although in other instances it could be an indicator of an infection or a medical disorder. Black toenails: Black toenails are found when the nail, or the tissue that lies beneath the nail, is infected, harmed, or colored black.
At times, understanding the most common causes may enable you to know what types of things can be addressed at home and which conditions are something to be treated by a specialist.
1. Trauma or Injury
Generally, trauma is one of the commonest causes of black toenails. This can happen in two ways:
- Sudden injury: When you drop anything heavy on your toe or stub your toe. Kicks on a hard surface.
- Repetitive trauma: This is more frequently seen among runners, hikers, or athletes, who have their toes repeatedly banging against the inside of their footwear.
In either of the two, the injury will result in the accumulation of blood at the lower part of the nail that is referred to as a subungual Hematoma. The consequence of this is that it turns black or dark purple.
2. Fungal Infections
Toenails may also become dark as a result of fungal nail infection (onychomycosis). Although fungal nails are typically yellow or brown in color, they may, over time, become thicker and acquire a blackish tone. Common signs include:
- Crumbling nails.
- A foul odor.
- Detachment of nails and nail bed.
Fungal infections are very common in wet environments, such as sweaty shoes, hence they are common among athletes.
3. Tight Shoes or Poor Footwear
Incorrectly fitting or overly tight shoes can also push against your toenails multiple times to the point of cutting off the blood supply and causing harm to the nail bed. This pressure can result in bruising and ultimately leave the black toenails. It is particularly frequent with people who:
- Run long distances.
- Put on high heels or shoes with a narrow toe.
- Already thick and/or curved toenails.
4. Medical Conditions
Although the external causes of black toenails are numerous, some medical causes may exist:
- Diabetes: This can cause the nail to be damaged and have infections that cause damage to the nails due to poor blood circulation.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Less overall blood flow could lead to discoloured nails.
- Melanoma: A serious and rare cause. A black streak or spot beneath the nail that fails to grow along with the nail may be a sign of skin cancer. Melanoma marks, unlike trauma bruises, do not fade and usually tend to deteriorate.
5. Poor Nail Hygiene
Inability to maintain your toenails will enable fungus development, bacterial infection, and thickening of the nail, which could lead to the development of black toenails. The few measures, such as trimming, cleaning, and moisturizing regularly, will go a long way in ensuring a lot of things do not go wrong.
6. Blood Clots Under the Nail
Already pointed out in the chapter on trauma, it is worth mentioning in its own right: a situation in which blood becomes trapped under the toenail following trauma. Depending on its size, it can be harmful and will need to be grown out, or it needs medical drainage if it causes much pain. Surgeons can perform minor surgery to relieve the pressure, and it affords instant relief.
7. Other Causes
Although it is less common, other causes are also possible and may result in black toenails:
- Medications: The drugs include chemotherapy drugs.
- Chemical exposure: Harsh nail polish or removers.
- Aging dictates that nails grow thicker and darker as a person grows older.
8. When to See a Doctor
The healing of most black toenails occurs by itself, but you should consult a doctor in case of:
- Severe or persistent pain.
- A dark spot in spreading or color.
- A streak that does not move with the growth of your nail.
- Signs of infection.
These could indicate a more serious problem, such as an infection, in a few instances, melanoma.
9. Prevention Tips
Now there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of contracting black toenails:
- Wear shoes that have a good fit and have enough room over your toes.
- Keep the toenails clipped close to the ground to prevent undue strain, however.
- Keep the toenails clipped close to the ground, to avoid undue strain, however.
- Maintain appropriate foot health, including washing feet every day, then drying them.
- When the feet are sweaty, hitting the feet with anti-fungal spray/powder (anti-fungal) should be applied.
- Protective shoes should always be worn when doing activities that are likely to cause any form of damage, like pushing and pulling heavy objects.
Conclusion
Black toenails are quite common and the causes of black toenails may even include causing such things as injury, fungus, and even shoes that do not fit you properly. In the majority of cases, they are not harmful, and they will clear up on their own after some time, provided you pay attention to them!
The development of discoloration, both acute and chronic, can never be overlooked because discoloration can be the symptom of an already existing condition.
Mehki Mehkao is a beauty enthusiast specializing in nail designs and pedicures. With a passion for creativity, she shares expert tips on nail art, manicures, and pedicures that readers can try at home or in the salon. Her writing blends style with practicality, making trendy nail ideas easy and accessible. She loves exploring seasonal nail designs, classic styles, and the latest pedicure trends to keep beauty routines fresh. Through her work, she inspires nail lovers to express themselves with confidence and creativity.
