Black toenail
A discolored toenail, usually black, purple, or dark brown is commonly noticed after trauma to the nail. This discoloration is due to bleeding between the nail and the nail bed (where the nail adheres). Depending on the severity of the initial injury the discoloration can involve part of the nail or the whole nail. Occasionally there may be an associated fracture of the bone under the nail.
When the lesser toes (second, and third) toenails are involved, this is commonly known as “runners’ toe”. Commonly this occurs because 1) nail is slightly too long or 2) shoe is too tight or too loose. It is important to make sure the nails are too long prior to running and the shoes are well fitted.
Occasionally black toenails can be caused by fungus infections, chronic ingrown nails or other health problems affecting the body. In rare occasions, a black toenail is caused by cancer growth underneath the nailbed known as malignant melanoma. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for good prognosis.
Black toenails can be caused by quite a few different causes, it is important that all black toenails be further evaluated by a foot and ankle specialist.
A discolored toenail, usually black, purple, or dark brown is commonly noticed after trauma to the nail. This discoloration is due to bleeding between the nail and the nail bed (where the nail adheres). Depending on the severity of the initial injury the discoloration can involve part of the nail or the whole nail. Occasionally there may be an associated fracture of the bone under the nail.
When the lesser toes (second, and third) toenails are involved, this is commonly known as “runners’ toe”. Commonly this occurs because 1) nail is slightly too long or 2) shoe is too tight or too loose. It is important to make sure the nails are too long prior to running and the shoes are well fitted.
Occasionally black toenails can be caused by fungus infections, chronic ingrown nails or other health problems affecting the body. In rare occasions, a black toenail is caused by cancer growth underneath the nailbed known as malignant melanoma. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for good prognosis.
Black toenails can be caused by quite a few different causes, it is important that all black toenails be further evaluated by a foot and ankle specialist.