There are various black toenails causes, although the most common reason for discoloration is usually attributed to trauma. Discoloration can be caused by heavy pressure or weight on the nails, cuts, abrasion and sometimes fungal infection. This type of discoloration occurs in individuals who may be immuno-compromised or have a pre-existing condition where melanocytes, cells with dark pigmentation, are present. Let’s take a look at how black toenails happen and what can be done to treat them.
Injury
Nails are made from keratin, a hard material that protects the skin. If the toenails are exposed to enough force, the skin beneath the nails may be damaged and become bruised, forming what is known as subungual hematoma. Bruising is the result of blood vessels that get torn or ruptured due to the pressure. The toenails then appear purplish black. In most cases, the discoloration goes away in time as the body heals and is not cause for concern. Immediately after the injury, however, an ice pack may be applied on the affected toes in order to reduce the bruising.
Repeated Trauma
Black toenails can also appear in individuals whose feet are constantly exposed to repeated force due to frequent use. Athletes, for example, often use their feet in performing their sports. As a result, there is a risk of exposing feet to repeated trauma due to running, jumping and kicking. This explains why many soccer players often have black toenails. Wearing protective gear will help reduce the bruises and prevent toenail discoloration.
Ill-Fitting Footwear
Tight shoes, when worn repeatedly for extended periods of time can constrict the flow of blood to the lower extremities. Without proper blood circulation and with too much pressure on the toenail area, blood vessels may rupture, causing discoloration.
Fungal Infection
Fungi are so tiny that they can find their way under the toenails to infect the skin underneath. Although conventional treatments using topical medications work for most cases of fungal infection, infected skin under the nails is extremely difficult to treat. Prevention can help but if infection has already set in, the only possible treatment that could work is laser.
Treating Black Toenails Causes With Laser
Laser consists of pulses of light that target a specific area. It can pass through the nails without damaging them and treat the underlying skin. Direct contact with laser can kill the fungi and thus eliminate the problem completely. One session of laser treatment at Clear Toes Clinic only lasts for a few minutes. The procedure is also painless and patients who have undergone it report no discomfort or side effects. Although the discoloration takes a few weeks to disappear, the root cause of the fungal infection will have already been eliminated. Laser remains the best solution for one of the most common black toenails causes that is often difficult to treat conventionally.
