Black Toenails
Black or darkened toenails can result from a variety of things. Athletes will often encounter a problem with their toenails turning dark. Darkened nails often occur from the toe hitting the end or the top of the shoe toe area. The darkened nail is essentially a bruised nail. Sometimes, the bruise can lead to a fungal nail infection. If you are a diabetic, any change in the color of your toenail should be evaluated. Contact our office to set up an appointment. The pressure, which caused the bruising of the nail, can cause a small sore under the toenail, and the sore can become infected.
Patients with diabetes should not treat this condition themselves and should contact our office.
Why Is My Toenail Black?
Some possible causes of Black Toenail include, but are not limited to:
- Fungal infection
- Tight Shoebox (bad shoe fit)
- Injury (to Toe or to Nail)
- In some cases, Malignant melanoma (extremely rare)
Can Black Toenails Be Prevented?
Here are some tips to help you prevent black toenails:
Trim toenails correctly (avoid cutting too short or straight across)
- Avoid walking or working barefoot- more susceptible to injury or trauma.
- Practice good foot hygiene
- Keeping nails clean and dry
- Wear clean socks/shoes
- Air out shoes after use
- Proper & protective shoe fit
- Be proactive with any signs of toe problems (treat early)
- Talk with your podiatrist about additional prevention tips
Our podiatrists provide foot and ankle treatment and surgery to patients in Livonia, Northville, Farmington, Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, Redford, Westland, Garden City, Dearborn Heights, Canton, Plymouth, Wayne, Novi, Southfield, Walled Lake, Wixom, Commerce, Milford, Highland, White Lake, Waterford, South Lyon, Brighton, Howell, Whitmore Lake, Lyon Twp, Oak Park, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Madison Heights, Clawson, Centerline, Lathrup Village, Detroit, Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Twp, Troy Pontiac, Rochester Hills and all other Metro Detroit areas.
