The discovery of black nails is one of the most common occurrences. It is often attributed towards injuries causing a bruise known as subungual hematoma. Injuries are the main cause but there are different factors which can lead to black nails. Black nails causes pain and discomfort. In this guide you can learn everything about black nails and how to overcome this problem effectively.
Table of Contents
Black Nails Symptoms
There can be various and common symptoms of black nail which we will be discussing now:
- The main symptom of black nails is visible discoloration. It basically appears black, red purplish or brownish. The discoloration might happen because of blood collecting underneath the nail often as a result of trauma. Furthermore, some of the symptoms are also mentioned here.
- Black nails symptoms can be accompanied by pain especially if there is swelling or pressure under your nail.
- With time the affected nail might separate from the nail bed. The nail might thicken and split. It can lead to changes in appearance and texture.
- In cases where infection occurs further symptoms might manifest like swelling, smell redness or discharge. It is also known as splinter hemorrhage, and it might indicate bleeding from the small capillaries beneath the nail.
Basics About Black Nails Causes
Injuries resulting in subungual hematoma like stabbing the toe or dripping on an object on it are the leading causes of black toenails. The type of injury leads to bleeding with the collected blood darkening under your nail.
- Fungal organisms known as dermatophytes can cause nail infections from cuts or cracks near your nail providing an entry for the infection and sweaty feet can also create a favorable environment. If you have diabetes, vascular disease or even a weak immune system you are more susceptible to black nail fungus.
- When the toenail grows in the surrounding skin it can lead to bacterial infection causing discoloration of the nail.
READ MORE: What To Eat When YouHave a Fever
Some of the Best Black Nail Treatment
Once you understand black nails’ reason you can also check out the potential treatment options available. If they are not causing major pain and less than half of the nail is affected, then you should just observe it. The discoloration is likely to resolve as the nail grows out over time
- For home based black nails treatment like applying a cool compress can help you get rid of swelling and pressure.
- If the discoloration covers more than half of your nail or if the injury is severe then healthcare experts might recommend draining the blood to relieve pressure. The procedure should be performed within two to two days of the injury.
- In cases of extensive discoloration nail separation or severe injuries your doctor might recommend removing the nail completely. The procedure will be performed under local anesthesia
- If black toenails are caused due to fungal infections then treatments are available for both topical and oral antifungal. Over the counter prescription treatments are available and oral medications are also prescribed. The treatment duration can extend over months or even more than a year.
- Bacterial or yeast infections might require antibiotic ointments or oral medication as prescribed by your doctor.
- In cases of subungual Melanoma surgical removal of the growth is the primary treatment. If cancer has spread the doctors will discuss appropriate treatments for you.
Complications and Risk Factors
Some factors might increase the risk of developing black nails and even some complications.
- Shoes that rub or compress the toe can contribute towards the development of black nails.
- Frequent trauma to your toe especially if you have conditions impacting circulation, for example diabetes or kidney risk increases the risk.
- The complications might include permanent damage to the nail leading to misshapen or thickened growth. In case of Melanoma, the cancer might spread even above the nail.
Diagnostic Tests And When to Seek Medical Attention?
Your doctors can diagnose the cause of black nails by examining them and considering different factors like recent injuries, activities and footwear choices. The diagnostic tests like analyzing the nail clippings for fungal infections are conducted if important.
Conclusion
Black nails are often a result of trauma or injuries with the discoloration resolving as the nail grows out. But you must know that the other causes like fungal infections, ingrown toenails medicines and rarely Melanoma also led to black nails with different degrees of severity. You need to seek medical attention in time. If you see any black nails symptoms, connect with a doctor and start a prevention process.
ALSO READ:
FAQ’s
Q1. What causes your nail to turn black?
Ans:Black toenails can result from a trauma of fungal infection or pigmentation changes with time. More serious causes include heart disease or Melanoma.
Q2. Is black nails permanent?
Ans: You need to know that black nails will typically go away on their own, but it can take several months. The condition will diminish once new tissue grows completely under the toenail itself.
Q3. How can you get rid of black nail fungus?
Ans:You can get rid of black nail fungus with some home treatment also as you can apply tea tree oil, oregano oil or garlic.
Q4. How long can black nails last?
Ans:Unless the area of your bleeding is very small and unaffected, the nail will usually fall off on its own after few weeks because the pooled blood has separated it from its bed.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I have extensive knowledge and expertise in the topic of black nails. I can provide you with information on the symptoms, causes, treatment options, complications, and risk factors associated with black nails. Additionally, I can answer the frequently asked questions related to black nails. Let's dive into the details!
Black Nails Symptoms
Black nails are characterized by visible discoloration, which can appear black, red purplish, or brownish. This discoloration is often caused by blood collecting underneath the nail as a result of trauma. Other symptoms of black nails may include pain, swelling or pressure under the nail, nail separation from the nail bed, thickening and splitting of the nail, and in some cases, infection with symptoms like swelling, redness, smell, or discharge.
Basics About Black Nails Causes
The main cause of black nails is injuries that result in subungual hematoma, such as stubbing the toe or dropping an object on it. In these cases, bleeding occurs under the nail, causing the collected blood to darken. Fungal infections, known as dermatophytes, can also cause black nails when there are cuts or cracks near the nail, providing an entry point for the infection. Sweaty feet can create a favorable environment for fungal growth. Individuals with diabetes, vascular disease, or a weak immune system are more susceptible to black nail fungus. Additionally, when the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, it can lead to bacterial infection and discoloration of the nail.
Some of the Best Black Nail Treatment
The treatment for black nails depends on the severity and underlying cause. If the black nail is not causing major pain and less than half of the nail is affected, observation is recommended as the discoloration will likely resolve as the nail grows out over time. Home-based treatments like applying a cool compress can help reduce swelling and pressure.
If the discoloration covers more than half of the nail or if the injury is severe, healthcare experts might recommend draining the blood to relieve pressure. This procedure should be performed within two to two days of the injury. In cases of extensive discoloration, nail separation, or severe injuries, the doctor might recommend removing the nail completely under local anesthesia.
For black nails caused by fungal infections, both topical and oral antifungal treatments are available. Over-the-counter prescription treatments and oral medications may be prescribed. The duration of treatment can extend over months or even more than a year. Bacterial or yeast infections might require antibiotic ointments or oral medication as prescribed by a doctor. In cases of subungual melanoma, surgical removal of the growth is the primary treatment, and further treatments will be discussed if the cancer has spread.
Complications and Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing black nails and complications. Shoes that rub or compress the toe can contribute to the development of black nails. Frequent trauma to the toe, especially in individuals with conditions impacting circulation like diabetes or kidney disease, increases the risk. Complications of black nails may include permanent damage to the nail, leading to misshapen or thickened growth. In the case of melanoma, the cancer might spread beyond the nail.
Diagnostic Tests And When to Seek Medical Attention?
Doctors can diagnose the cause of black nails by examining them and considering factors such as recent injuries, activities, and footwear choices. Diagnostic tests, such as analyzing nail clippings for fungal infections, may be conducted if necessary. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of black nails to start the appropriate prevention and treatment process.
Conclusion
Black nails are commonly caused by injuries resulting in subungual hematoma. However, other factors such as fungal infections, ingrown toenails, medications, and rarely, melanoma can also lead to black nails. It is important to seek medical attention if you notice any symptoms of black nails to determine the underlying cause and start the appropriate treatment process.
FAQ's
Q1. What causes your nail to turn black? A1. Black nails can result from trauma, fungal infection, or pigmentation changes over time. More serious causes include heart disease or melanoma.
Q2. Is black nails permanent? A2. Black nails will typically go away on their own, but it can take several months. The condition will diminish once new tissue grows completely under the toenail itself.
Q3. How can you get rid of black nail fungus? A3. You can get rid of black nail fungus with some home treatments, such as applying tea tree oil, oregano oil, or garlic. However, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Q4. How long can black nails last? A4. Unless the area of bleeding is very small and unaffected, the nail will usually fall off on its own after a few weeks as the pooled blood separates it from its bed.
I hope this information helps you understand black nails better. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to ask!
