Black Toenails - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Black Toenails can be both painful and unsightly, and their causes, symptoms and treatment are commonly subject to much confusion. Here is a couple of practical advice that will assist you in correct management.

*Causes

Black Toenails (otherwise known as subungual hematoma) are caused by an injury to the toenail. Common examples are stubbing the toe against a hard object or dropping something heavy on it. Athletes, in specific are prone to this sort of injury, especial runners. In specific, this sort of toenail injury can occur if their shoes are too short or by running downhill, thus forcing the toes to continually jam up against the inside of the shoe.

*Symptoms

The black colour is actually caused by blood pooling under the injured nail, pressure will subsequently ensue and pain is frequently experienced. However, most times Black toenails aren't painful, just unsightly.

*Treatment

So what can be done - well, foot specialists recommend that a process that you'll perform at residence to release the pooled blood and therefore relieve the pressure under the toenail. This will require both a constant hand and nerve!

The toenail can normally be saved if the blood is drained. First, clean the foot thoroughly, dry and swab the affected toe with alcohol. Next, heat the end of a thoroughly cleaned needle, with a match until it is red hot. Now, gently pierce your toenail. The heat from the sharp object melts the nail and allows the blood to pass out from beneath it. Remember to bath and disinfect the foot afterwards.

Never perform this type of self-treatment if you have circulatory problems or are diabetic. Equally, if squeamish or just doubtful, then see a health care provider for expert intervention.

*Prevention

In the end prevention is continuously improved than cure so are trying not to drop things on your toes or run into obstacles! Remember also to buy proper fitting shoes. This should include room to wiggle your toes and allows a half inch of space between your toes and the end of your shoes.

Strangely, there is a couple of anecdotal evidence that the incidence of black toenails, may boom dramatically around thanksgiving and Easter holiday times! These are the 2 holidays when persons remove 12-18 pound ( 5-eight kilogram ) frozen turkeys from the freezer, and drop them squarely on their big toe! So, take care when unloading the turkey if you desire to avoid unsightly and painful black toenails!

Categories: healthy