What can cause a black toenail? Fungus? Injuries?
A lot of people have had to deal with black toenails. There are a few common causes of black toenails. Trauma is a very common cause of darkened toenails, and trauma can occur when a toe is slammed in a door or stubbed against a hard surface.
The medical name for blackened toenails is subungual hematoma. The name implies that a mass of blood has accumulated under a toenail. Aside from turning the nail black, the blood can also increase pressure and cause severe pain.
Anyone can end up with a black toenail, and although it’s commonly caused by trauma, it can also be caused by fungus. Athletes are also at an increased risk for developing black toenails. The majority of cases that involve black toenails are caused by toenail fungus. However, there are five common causes.
Trauma or Injury
A lot of people stub their toe or drop something heavy on it. Some people open their household freezer to food falling out and landing on their toes.
When a toenail is injured, blood accumulates in the nail bed, and it causes the toenail to become blackened. The nail bed might also turn blue or red.
Repetitive Trauma
This cause is a repetitive form of trauma. Athletic activities can be a cause.
Instead of a single event or injury, repetitive trauma takes place over a period of time. This is caused by constant running, stopping or jumping.
Tight Shoes
As hard as it might be to believe, something as simple as ill-fitting shoes can cause toenails to turn black. If shoes are too tight, they place an enormous amount of pressure on toenail cuticles. This can result in blackened toenails.
Cutting Nails Too Short
Many people make the mistake of cutting their toenails too short. Blood can flood into the nail bed, which is the result of excessive damage to the nail cuticle.
Once enough blood is in the nail bed, it will start to turn a blackish color, and this is what causes the appearance of a black toenail. To avoid this problem, toenails should only be cut about two centimeters away from the edge.
Fungus
Black toenail fungus is very common, and virtually anyone can get it. People who have diabetes are more likely to develop toenail fungus.
It’s important to understand that nail fungus consists of microorganisms. These critters don’t need sunlight to live. They actually thrive in the dark, moist environment inside of a shoe.
At first, toenail fungus is usually yellow or white. As the fungus infection worsens, it begins to turn dark green or black. Toenail fungus is the most common cause of black toenails. Fortunately, it’s treatable with a laser. In fact, laser treatment is able to completely eliminate the fungus.
