What makes toenails turn black?

Are you tired of hiding your feet because of unsightly black toenails? Worry no more, my friend! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various causes and treatments of black toenails. So sit back, relax those toes, and let’s dive in.

The Basics

Before delving into the specifics of why toenails turn black, it’s important to understand some basic nail anatomy. Each nail is made up of several layers – the matrix (the root), bed (underneath the visible part), plate (visible part), and free edge (tip). The color of our nails comes from melanin – a pigment produced by cells in our skin called melanocytes.

But when something goes awry with any one or combination of these layers, that’s when we can see changes like discoloration.

Common Causes

There are many reasons why toenails may turn blackened – here are some common culprits:

Trauma / Injury

Do you remember stubbing your toe on furniture or maybe dropping something heavy on it? That trauma could be what caused your nail to turn black. Something as seemingly insignificant as an accidental bump can cause blood vessels underneath the nail to rupture resulting in bruising under the nail which grows deeper with time.

Fungal Infection

Onychomycosis is a fancy term for a fungal infection affecting both fingernails and toenails. While not all cases result in discolored nails( although people think so) , fungus occasionally stains nails yellowing them out and leading to distortions . As fungi relish moist warm environments inside shoes which hands provide,a few avoidable habits often lead them down this path such as

  • wearing tight-fitting shoes
  • going barefoot around communal showers
  • neglectful hygiene
    You may need antifungal medication or topical therapy if that’s the case.

Medication

Certain drugs have an adverse effect on nail discoloration – antimalarial medication leading the charge here. But other medicines can affect nail pigmentation,( certain antibiotics ,chemotherapy meds / anticancer meditations), so do make sure to report any new blackened nails soon after initiating a course of medications.

Uncommon Causes

While toenails’ blackening or distortion springs up these common causes at heart, there are a few odd reasons behind this phenomenon some may not be as familiar with:

Subungual Melanoma

This rare type of melanoma occurs under nails (most commonly big toes), which makes sense; constant exposure to moisture and skin contact increase its risk . A narrow irregular band starting from one edge stretching all the way towards free end might present even without pain or bleeding, and biopsy would clarify it if suspected. Prompt diagnosis and excision before invasiveness is critical in subungual melanomas cases since prognosis is generally worse than melanomas arising in other sites.

Addison disease

Addison disease poses auto-immune damage towards adrenal glands^(neighboring organ complex above kidney aiding our hormones production). Since pigment creation needs enzymatic activity within cortisol pathways regulated by mentioned glands: chronic addisons disease could lead to nail darkening due hypo-cortitolism consequently lesser enzyme activities available for those roles. Such changes get naturalized gradually over time so considered a long-term sign rather than instant catalyst .

Treatment & Prevention

If you believe your discolored toenail falls into one of above categories like trauma, fungal infection etc exploring following tips could rescue your toe-nail’s beautiful colour.

  • If injury caused your blackened toe : let it rest easy ; dont put undue pressure or tight-shoes and take stock on whether you need OTC NSAIDs/^nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs/
  • Lacking Symptoms for Infection : If you suspect a fungal infection as the basis of blackening make an appointment with dermatologist soon – tropical medicinals or pills could assuage symptoms depending on severity finding early
  • Symptoms Present while preventing reinfections for Yeast & other fungal infections like
    • nail bed reduction (helps provide less hospitable space for fungi)
    • hygiene change-up to dry,frequently washing foot-wear and reducing toenail polish applications

The Bottom Line

Toenails turning black can be caused by several factors, from common injuries and infections to rare conditions. By understanding the causes of discoloration, you may be able to prevent further damage and seek timely treatment when necessary.

So don’t wait till/if it comes down to surgical procedures get yourself checkedup ealry&often. And always consult your physician first before embarking upon any kind of self-treatment plans!

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