If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. Black toenails can be unsightly and sometimes painful. While there are several potential causes of black toenails, many are easy to treat or may clear up on their own. In this article, we look at six potential causes of a black toenail, in addition to treatment options and tips for prevention. It is important for a person who develops a black toenail to understand some of the potential causes. When in doubt, it is a good idea to be examined by a medical professional who can diagnose the problem and develop an effective treatment plan. When a person wears poorly-fitting shoes, they may be at risk of developing black toenails due to repetitive trauma.
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Both a bane to runners and—in some strange way—a badge of honor, the black toenail, or subungual hematoma, is actually blood collecting underneath your nail. It can occur from acute or chronic injury, explains Jordan Metzl, M. The chronic repetitive trauma can range from mild think: a small, painless, black-and-blue discoloration beneath the nail to severe large, bloody blisters between nail and nail plate , adds podiatric surgeon Jacqueline Sutera, D. The most common culprit for black nails is repetitive trauma, which can result from running or from wearing any type of ill-fitting footwear. If a black nail crops up shortly after a workout or a day spent in too-tight or too-loose shoes, this is likely the cause. Repetitive trauma ranges from mild think: a small, painless, black-and-blue discoloration beneath the nail , to severe large, bloody blisters between your nail and nail plate , explains Sutera. Dropping a heavy object say, a dumbbell onto your foot can burst the blood vessels under your nail bed and cause blood to pool underneath, too. This range in color is unique to fungus, as is the presence of subungual debris—a chalky white substance that lines the nail bed and often carries a funky odor.
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Toenails are naturally white in color. Sometimes discolorations can occur from nail polish, nutritional deficiencies, infection, or trauma. Black toenails are attributed to a variety of causes, some of which resolve on their own. Knowing the cause can help you make this decision. However, if you also have diabetes, you should see your doctor for treatment. A dermatologist can also help diagnose and treat black toenail. It can also cause permanent nail damage. Fungal infections of the toes are relatively treatable at home when caught early.
If you are looking for some new nail designs, then why not try black nail designs. There are many ways in which you can do your nails. Nails are one of the epitomes of fashion. When women think about beauty and design, nail art is all part of that. There are many different styles out there to choose from and black has always been a popular one. What do you think of the new black nail trend? Black nails designs can be combined with white or even different colors to create great designs. It can be a classic and elegant design that can be used for any event.
