Why Your Toenail Turned Black - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

What Is a Black Toenail?

Have you ever looked down at your toe and thought, "Why does my toenail look black?" It might catch you off guard, especially if there was no injury you can remember. A black toenail might look strange, feel sore, or even hurt, but what is really going on?

A black toenail is when your toenail changes color, usually turning black, deep purple, or dark brown. It might cover the whole nail or just show up as a dark spot or streak.

This happens because of toenail discoloration (a change in nail color caused by different health or environmental factors). The cause could be anything from a small injury to a fungal infection or sometimes something more serious.

Most black toenails are nothing to panic about. Still, it helps to know why the toenail turned black so you can take care of it the right way.

What Causes Black Toenails?

Some very common causes for black toenails are mentioned below and are easy to treat. Others may need more attention. Here are the most likely causes.

Trauma and bruising:

This is the number one reason for a black toenail. If you drop something on your foot, hit your toe hard, or wear tight shoes that press on your toes, it can cause toenail trauma (damage to the nail or the skin underneath).

That black or dark color? It is usually blood under the toenail. Runners and people who walk a lot sometimes call this runner’s toenail, because repeated pressure can cause the nail to bruise.

The nail might feel sore, tight, or even lift off. In some cases, it might fall off completely, and a new one will grow in.

Fungal nail infections:

If your toenail turns dark, thick, and crumbly, it could be a fungal infection.

Fungal infections often start off yellow or white and get darker over time. So, toenail fungus can be black too.

Fungus likes warm, damp places like sweaty shoes. If your feet are often wet, it gives fungus a perfect place to grow.

Ingrown toenail:

An ingrown toenail refers to when the edge of the nail grows into the skin surrounding it, often causing swelling or infection, which can cause pain and sometimes a buildup of pus. If the ingrown nail's surrounding area becomes infected, it can also cause toenail discoloration, causing black or dark spots on the nail.

Medication:

Some medications can cause discoloration of your nails. This includes some antibiotics, malaria drugs, and medications used during chemotherapy. If your toenail turned black shortly after starting a new medicine, it might be a side effect. It is a good idea to ask your doctor about it.

Melanoma:

Though it is rare, melanoma under the toenail can be very serious. Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that can form under the nail or on the nail bed.

If a black toenail with no injury shows up and does not go away, it could be a sign of this condition. Toenail melanoma signs include a dark stripe or spot that does not grow out, spreads to nearby skin, or causes the nail to change shape or lift.

This is something that needs a doctor’s attention right away.

What Are the Treatments for Black Toenails?

The best black toenail treatment depends on what caused it in the first place. Here is how different causes are usually handled:

• If it was caused by trauma or bruising, in most cases, you do not need to do anything. The nail may fall off, but a healthy one usually grows back. Keep the area clean and protect it from further pressure.

• If it was caused by a fungal infection, you might need antifungal creams, oral medicine, or nail lacquers. Be patient; toenails grow slowly, so the infection will not go away overnight.

• If it was caused by an ingrown nail, placing your foot in the warm water can help relieve the pain. If it becomes worse or infected, a doctor may remove a part of the nail to let it heal properly.

• If it was caused by medication, a doctor may review your medication and suggest changes if needed.

• If it might be melanoma, a specialist will likely do a biopsy. A biopsy is a test where a small piece of skin or nail tissue is removed and checked under a microscope. If it turns out to be cancer, treating it early is extremely important.

When to Be Concerned About a Black Toenail?

Just because your toenail is black does not always mean something is wrong. But there are times when it should be taken seriously.

Ask yourself the following:

• Did the toenail turn black without any injury?

• Is the dark spot not going away or getting larger?

• Is the nail lifting, thickening, or changing shape?

• Is the dark color spreading to the skin around the nail?

If any of these are true, it is a smart idea to have the toenail checked by a doctor. A black toenail with no injury could be a sign of an underlying condition.

How Can You Prevent Black Toenails?

Keeping your toenails healthy is often as simple as taking a few precautions.

• Wear shoes that fit well. Too-tight shoes can press on your toenails and cause injury.

• Keep your feet dry. Fungus grows in damp places, so dry your feet well after showers.

• Trim your toenails straight across. This helps avoid ingrown nails.

• Use antifungal sprays or powders. It is helpful if your feet usually sweat a lot.

• Protect your toes. When lifting heavy things or playing sports, wear closed-toe shoes.

• Watch your toenails for changes. Catching problems early makes them easier to treat.

It is a lot easier to care for your feet now than to treat a black toenail later.

Conclusion

Seeing a black toenail can be a bit of a shock, but it is usually nothing to worry about. Whether it is from a bruise, fungus, or something else, finding the cause is the first step to fixing it. If your toenail turned black and you are not sure why, or if the color does not fade, it is worth having it checked out.

iCliniq Takeaways

1. A black toenail is often caused by trauma, fungus, ingrown nails, medications, or, in rare cases, melanoma. Toenail trauma and runner’s toenail are very common and usually heal with time.

2. A black toenail with no injury could be a warning sign and should be looked at by a doctor.

3. If you notice your toenail is black without any injury you can recall, do not hesitate to consult our dermatologist at icliniq.com to clear your doubt and get the proper management advice if needed.