Why is my toenail black?

Do you ever look down at your toes and think, “Hmm, that toenail looks a little funny”? Well, if you’ve noticed a black color on one of your toenails (or more), don’t worry – you’re not alone. There are actually many reasons why your toenail could be turning black. Let’s take a closer look!

Trauma to the Toe: Ouch!

One of the most common causes of blackened nails is trauma to the toe. If you’ve recently dropped something heavy on your foot or stubbed your toe hard against something, it can cause blood vessels underneath the nail to break and bleed (gross!). This bleeding can lead to discoloration ranging from reddish-brown bruising to dark black coloring.

If this sounds like what happened to you, don’t panic! Your body will eventually absorb all that old blood and the discoloration will go away on its own in a few weeks’ time.

Fungal Infections: Not Just for Athlete’s Foot

Fungal infections aren’t just limited to athlete’s foot – they can also affect our nails too! One telltale sign of toenail fungus is thickening or flaking of the nail plate along with yellowing and darkening colors (lovely). It’s important when treating these infections; thereare holistic remedies worth exploring among other choices made available in pharmacies today rather than ignoring them.

This type of infection usually starts off as white patches beneath any section(s)of the seemingly symmetrical nail bed which progresses with time into harmful fungal growths capable of infecting nearby areas on surfaces&skin(cellulitis).

Antifungal creams are readily available over-the-counter however where itisserious,itissuggestedtoseekmedicaltreatmentfromadermatologistorthepodiatrist

Pro tip: it’s best to keep your feet dry and clean, wear breathable shoes or open-toed sandals if possible, and avoid sharing towels among others

Bacterial Infections: Yuck!

Just as fungus can cause discoloration of the toenail, so can bacteria. One type of bacterial infection that affects the toes is called paronychia (bear-with-me). This condition often looks like a red, swollen area around the nail – sort of like an angry cuticle.

If left untreated (which doesn’t sound appealing), it can lead to pus-filled blisters and darkening color on the nail plate itself. See your podiatrist for treatment options in case you experience any pain arising from this ordeal due to infections especially cellulitis

Medications Can Do It Too?

Certain medications such as chemotherapy drugs may result in blackened nails duringandthefollowingregimenofchemicalmedicinals-(say-what?).

While less common than other causes listed above, taking certain oral or topical medications has also been known to affect our nails’ coloring. If you’re undergoing chemotherapy treatments for cancer or are on long-term antibiotic therapies like cyclosporine(Avaiable at pharmacies) used by transplant patients,you could be more likelyto notice darker pigments under your bed%nails-&toes.Itisadvised&recommendedtoliaisewitheitheradoctororpharmacistprevioustousinganynotableoraldrugs#

In summary,don’t get caught asleep with both eyes closed when noticing changesinthesymmetryofthenailbedespeciallybecausesuchcouldbesignsofunwantedintrudersinfectingit(s), don’t hesitate! Visit medical professionals when necessary .

Whether caused by trauma, infection(s),(mostlikely candida fungal overgrowth OR bacterial), medication use (including chemotherapy treatment), or anything else, blackened toenails are more common than you might think. Keep your eyes peeled on prevention as much as possible when treating them but most importantly have FUN training with correct and safe practices in your sports activities involving your toes 🙂

Dane Raynor

Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!