Why Do Toenails Get Black?

A black toenail is unsightly and painful. It's an affliction that can occur in multiple ways, but a black toenail can easily be remedied and prevented in the future no matter what the cause.

Causes

• A black toenail may be caused by blunt trauma to the tip of the toe, such as dropping a heavy object on it or running in ill-fitting shoes, which creates bruising and bleeding underneath the nail. Another common cause is a fungal infection, which can sometimes be the result of the nail having become ingrown.

Treatment

• If caught early, toenail fungus is easy to treat with a topical antifungal cream. However, the thicker the toenail has become from the fungus, the more difficult it will be for creams to penetrate the nail. If this is the case, you may need to get a stronger prescription medication from your doctor. If your black toenail has been caused by trauma, an easy home remedy is to heat up a sewing needle and push it through the blackened area of the toenail. It should penetrate the nail easily and will release the blood that has collected underneath. After the blood has been drained, clean the toenail with an antiseptic and cover it with a bandage.

Prevention

• Avoid dropping heavy objects onto your toes and always wear properly fitting shoes, particularly when engaging in athletic activity, to avoid injury to your toenails. To prevent fungus, be sure to regularly trim your toenails and check them to ensure that they aren't becoming ingrown. If you begin to see any discoloration, treat it promptly with an antifungal medication before it worsens.