What Causes Black Toenails, How to Treat Them, and How to Avoid Them

Subungual hematoma, more commonly known as a black toenail, is a frequent nail injury that can be scary and painful. The causes, remedies, and preventative measures for what may seem like a small problem might help you take better care of your feet. This article will discuss what causes black toenails, how to treat them, and the most important things you can do to stop them from happening again.

A Black Toenail Is…?

Subungual hematomas, more often known as “black toenails,” form when trauma or injury causes bleeding under the nail bed. Discoloration occurs due to retained blood and most often appears as a black or dark purple patch directly under the toenail. Even if it’s not physically painful, it still causes a lot of stress and worry for lots of people.

The Most Typical Roots of Black Nails and Possible Solutions

Among the most typical accidental trauma causes of black toenails are:

·       Accidental Trauma:

Accidental trauma, such stubbing your toe or dropping anything heavy on it, is a common cause of black toenails. Blood can pool under the nail due to the rupture of blood vessels under the nail bed caused by the impact.

·       Repetitive Pressure:

Black toenails can develop from prolonged exposure to the pressure that comes with doing activities like running or walking around in shoes that are too small. Minor damage to the nail bed from persistent pressure on the toes is possible.

·       Fungal Infection:

An underlying fungal infection can sometimes be seen in the form of a blackened toenail. Nail infections caused by fungi can cause the nail to become brittle and discoloured.

·       Medical Conditions:

Black toenails are more likely to appear in people with medical diseases that reduce blood flow to the feet, such as diabetes and peripheral artery disease.

Avoiding Discoloured Nails

·       Wear Proper Footwear:

Protect your toenails from damage caused by friction and pressure by always wearing shoes that fit properly and offer enough support.

·       Trim Nails Carefully:

Nails should be trimmed carefully, with a straight across cut, and not too short to prevent harm.

·       Maintain Foot Hygiene:

Preventing fungal infections that might result in black toenails begins with good foot hygiene.

·       Protect Toes During Physical Activities:

Wearing toe caps or properly fitting athletic shoes helps protect your toes from injury during sports and other strenuous activity.

·       Regular Foot Check-ups:

If you have a preexisting medical condition that could impact your feet, it’s important to see a doctor regularly for checkups so any problems can be identified and treated early on.

Conclusion

Although a black toenail is an aesthetically unpleasing condition, knowing what causes it, how to cure it, and how to avoid it will help you deal with it more effectively. Black toenails are preventable, but only if you pay attention to your feet and take the necessary safeguards. Don’t put off seeing a doctor about your black toenail if you want it evaluated and treated properly.


FAQs

How long does it take for a black toenail to heal?

The trapped blood is usually reabsorbed by the body, and the toenail gradually returns to its normal colour. However, medical intervention may be necessary in extreme circumstances.

Should I go to the doctor if I get a black toenail?

If the pain from the black toenail is severe, if there are other indicators of infection, or if the condition does not improve with home care, medical attention should be sought.

How long does it take for a black toenail to heal?

The time it takes to recover from an injury can change depending on how bad it was. The nail’s natural colour may not be restored for a few weeks.

If my toenail is black, can I still work out?

Low-impact exercises that avoid the injured toe are typically safe to perform. However, high-impact activities should be avoided until the toe heals so as not to make the problem worse.

Can I avoid getting black toenails?

Even while it’s impossible to completely avoid getting black toenails, you may lessen your chances of getting them by taking measures like always wearing shoes and never letting your feet go unwashed.