Understand the causes of a black toenail, from bruising and tight shoes to fungal infections and melanoma, plus explore treatment options and tips for prevention and proper foot care.
Have you noticed a dark spot under your toenail and, um, kinda freaked out? It’s definitely something that can catch your eye and make you wonder. We’re gonna dig a little deeper into what a black toenail could mean, why it happens, and what you can do about it.
Note: We’ll explore this topic further in the article below.
The black toenail: Causes
So, what’re the most common reasons for a black toenail? Let’s take a look:
Bruising of the toenail due to trauma
When your toenail gets bruised, it’s usually because, well, you stubbed your toe pretty hard. Tiny blood vessels break and leak small amounts of blood underneath the nail. That blood turns dark making your toenail look black.
And if it keeps happening, that bigger bruise can make the discoloration worse. The length of time needed before it heals back to its natural look varies from person to person.
This happens often after physical activity, specifically, following slight trauma or light impact, like bumping the toe, or stubbing it. In most cases, the underlying cause is light repetitive trauma, perhaps from ill-fitting footwear, or heavy use of feet, or walking in open shoes.
Wearing tight shoes
If you’re consistently wearing shoes that just don’t fit quite right, particularly if they’re too tight around the toes, it can cause issues. It puts a constant pressure and friction on your toes. This constant rubbing can lead to blood pooling underneath the toenail, which, as we mentioned earlier, makes it turn that concerning black color.
This is super common for runners and athletes who are spending long periods of time on their feet in tight athletic shoes.
Fungal infections
Sometimes, that black toenail could actually be caused by a fungal infection. With fungal infections, the nail can also turn yellow, green, brown, or even white. But when these infections are untreated, they can cause color changes that initially appear black.
These infections thrive under the nail due to moisture, especially with sweaty feet. That’s why keeping your feet clean and dry is so important for foot care.
Changes in skin color
In some instances, the cause is just skin discoloration. If you notice a change in the color of the skin surrounding your nail it could just be pigment changes. It’s similar to, um, having a dark spot in a particular area in your body that is prone to pigmentation from sun exposure.
It can be the same on the feet and if it happens on toenails, it’s common with darker skin tones, and particularly on the big toe, under the toenail.
Skin cancer
Another potential reason for a black toenail? It could be something called melanoma, a type of skin cancer. When melanoma grows, it can cause the skin under your toenail to turn black. And melanoma spreads, so it would cover a substantial part of the nail surface.
However, there’s a major distinguishing factor with this, and that is that the black color will extend outward from the nail. If the dark color seems to be spreading out from your nail, then it’s best to see a doctor right away. It is unlikely that melanoma is present, but early detection is the best thing to do.
But hey, that’s not all! Here’s something you might not have considered: certain medications or supplements can also lead to nail discoloration. Yep, things like chemotherapy drugs or even high doses of certain vitamins can sometimes cause your nails to change color. Now that’s a plot twist, right?
The black toenail: Treatment
The good news is the toenail will usually heal with time, but if that dark color just isn’t going away, a visit to the doctor might be the best course of action. Treatment can depend on the reason it’s occurring, and may include:
- The doctor might make a small hole in the toenail using a sterile tool. It helps drain the blood that’s been trapped under the nail, which eases the pain if the reason is bruising from a big injury.
- You’ll need to wear comfortable shoes that are well-fitting, and aren’t too tight on your toes.
- The patient needs to frequently use medications and treatments prescribed by a doctor to assist in eliminating fungi in the event that the cause is a fungal infection.
- Pain can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, and try to keep your feet clean.
Prevention of black toenail
We can protect ourselves from getting a black toenail, in scenarios such as these, by:
- Using sunscreen with a high SPF to protect skin when it’s exposed to the sun especially in the summer or when it’s hot to shield skin.
- Wearing shoes that fit, and that are neither too tight nor too loose and when working out make sure that athletic shoes fit snugly.
- Taking care of feet by keeping them clean, washing and drying them regularly before wearing socks or shoes.
If a black toenail arises without a known cause, you may have to get the opinion of your doctor for the right treatment.
Key takeaways
- The black toenail is usually caused by an injury, fungus, or tight shoes
- If the black toenail is painful or spreading, consult your doctor.
- Prevention is always the best cure; wear well-fitting shoes and take care of your feet
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is a black toenail always serious?
Not always! Often, it’s just a bruise from stubbing your toe or wearing tight shoes. But if you didn’t injure it and it’s spreading or painful, get it checked out. It could be a fungal infection or, in rare cases, something more serious.
Can I treat a black toenail at home?
For minor bruises, you can. Rest, ice, and wear comfy shoes. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help. But if it doesn’t improve or you suspect something else is going on, seeing a doctor is a good idea.
Is it safe to paint over a black toenail?
While painting a black toenail might seem like a quick fix, it’s generally not recommended. Painting over a black toenail can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria or fungi, which can worsen the underlying condition.
Myth: Cutting a hole in my toenail will fix it.
Listen, while you might see a doctor do this to relieve pressure from a blood blister under the nail, don’t try this at home. You could cause an infection or hurt yourself worse. Leave the poking and prodding to the professionals!
Fact: Fungal infections can cause black toenails.
It’s not always a bruise! Fungal infections can change the color of your nails, sometimes turning them blackish or dark. If you see other signs like thickening or crumbling of the nail, it’s likely a fungal infection.
I had a black toenail after running a marathon, and I was so worried. I thought it was something terrible, but my doctor said it was just a bruise and would eventually grow out. It took a while, but he was right! Now, I make sure my shoes fit perfectly, and I haven’t had any issues since.
I noticed my toenail was getting darker, but I didn’t remember hitting it or anything. Turns out, it was a fungal infection! I got some prescription cream from my doctor, and it cleared up after a few months. It was a relief to know it wasn’t something worse.
I’ve always had issues with ingrown toenails, and sometimes they get infected and turn black. It’s so painful! My doctor has taught me how to trim my nails properly and keep them clean, which has made a huge difference. Now, I rarely have any problems.
Well, there you have it. A black toenail doesn’t always mean disaster, but it’s important to pay attention to your body. Personally, after a long hike, I’m always checking my feet. Knowing what to look for can save you a lot of stress and help you take care of yourself properly.
