Black Toenails are a condition that often causes concern for many people. Although it can be frightening, black toenails are usually harmless and can be treated well if the cause is properly identified.
Black toenails are a condition in which the toenails change color to black or dark. This color change can occur on the top of the nail, the tip of the nail, or even the entire surface of the nail. Black toenails can be caused by various factors, ranging from physical trauma to fungal or bacterial infections.http://keliknews.com
Causes of Black Toenails
Black Toenails. There are several causes that are generally associated with the occurrence of black toenails, including:
- Physical Trauma: Physical trauma or injury to the toenail, such as kicking something or getting caught in a door, can cause bleeding under the nail. Blood trapped under the nail can cause the nail to turn black.
- Fungal Infections: Fungal nail infections, called onychomycosis, can cause discoloration of the toenails, including turning black or bluish. Fungal nail infections are usually caused by the growth of fungus under or around the nail.
- Subungual Hematoma: A subungual hematoma is a condition in which bleeding occurs under the nail, usually as a result of trauma or injury. The blood trapped under the nail can cause the nail to appear black or bluish.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the nerve that runs through the wrist becomes pinched or compressed. It can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, or a burning sensation in the hand, and in some cases can affect the growth of toenails.
- Subungual Melanoma: Although rare, subungual melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs under the nail. One symptom is a change in the color of the nail, including turning black or bluish.
Symptoms of Black Toenails
Symptoms of black toenails can vary depending on the cause, but some common symptoms that sufferers may experience include:
- Change in nail color to black or bluish.
- Pain or discomfort around the nail.
- Swelling or changes in the shape of the nail.
- Discharge of fluid or blood from under the nail.
- Changes in nail texture or hardness.
Risk Factors for Black Toenails
Some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of someone experiencing black toenails include:
- Physical activities or sports that involve excessive pressure on the feet or nails, such as long-distance running or playing soccer.
- Wearing inappropriate or uncomfortable shoes, especially shoes with toes that are too tight or narrow.
- Medical conditions that can affect blood circulation or nail growth, such as diabetes or peripheral circulatory disorders.
- Repeated exposure to water or moisture can trigger the growth of nail fungus.
Black Toenail Treatment
Treatment for black toenails depends on the cause. Some treatment options your doctor may recommend include:
- Monitoring: If the blackening of the toenail is caused by minor physical trauma or a mild fungal infection, your doctor may simply recommend monitoring the progress of the nail.
- Topical Medications: For mild cases of yeast infections, your doctor may prescribe topical medications such as antifungal creams or ointments to treat the infection.
- Nail Removal: If the black toenail is caused by severe physical trauma or a chronic fungal infection, your doctor may recommend removing part or all of the nail to allow for new nail growth.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Light Therapy: Ultraviolet light therapy may be used as an adjunct treatment for chronic fungal nail infections.
- Surgery: If your black toenail is caused by skin cancer such as subungual melanoma, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cancer and prevent it from spreading.
Prevention of Black Toenails
To reduce the risk of this happening, there are several preventive steps that can be taken, including:
- Wearing Proper Shoes: Make sure your shoes fit well and are comfortable, especially in the toenail area.
- Maintaining Foot Hygiene: Be diligent in cleaning your feet and make sure they stay dry after bathing or doing activities in the water. Also, make sure to dry completely between your toes to prevent the growth of fungus.
- Avoiding Physical Trauma: Avoid activities that risk injury or trauma to the toenail, such as kicking something hard or wearing shoes that are too tight.
- Avoid Wearing Shoes That Are Too Tight: Shoes that are too tight or narrow can increase the risk of pressure on the toenails, so it is best to choose shoes that fit your feet.
- Avoiding Excessive Exposure to Water or Moisture: Excessive exposure to water or moisture can lead to the growth of nail fungus. Be sure to dry your feet thoroughly after water activities and wear shoes that can absorb sweat well.
- Maintaining Nail Health: Be diligent in caring for your toenails by cutting them regularly and maintaining cleanliness around the nails. Avoid cutting nails too short or too close to the skin, as this can increase the risk of infection.
- Consult a Doctor: If you experience suspicious symptoms that do not go away, consult a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Black toenails are a common and usually harmless condition, but they can be a sign of an underlying health problem. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and risk factors associated with them, and taking the right preventive measures, we can help reduce our risk of developing this condition and maintain healthy toenails. Stay alert to changes in your toenails and consult your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about your foot health.
