Over-the-counter ointments, creams, and polishes are usually effective. Severe cases may require a prescription antifungal treatment. If a black toenail is caused by an injury, the resulting spot from broken blood vessels will disappear once your nail grows out.
What happens if your nail goes black?
It is common for a nail to turn black after an injury. The black or purple-black color is caused by blood under the nail and will go away as the injury heals. Black, brown, or purple discoloration under a nail that has not been injured may be caused by melanoma.
How long does a fingernail stay black?
The trapped blood will eventually be reabsorbed, and the dark mark will disappear. This can take 2–3 months for a fingernail, and up to 9 months for a toenail.
How long does a black fingernail last?
The discolored nail will eventually grow out — or in some cases it may fall off or need to be removed — and be replaced by a new, healthy one. This could take anywhere from about eight weeks for a fingernail to six months for a toenail.
What do you do if your nail turns black?
Over-the-counter ointments, creams, and polishes are usually effective. Severe cases may require a prescription antifungal treatment. If a black toenail is caused by an injury, the resulting spot from broken blood vessels will disappear once your nail grows out.
What causes nails to turn black?
Some types of bacteria, as well as fungal infection of the nail, can also produce melanin that discolours the nails. Nicotine stains from cigarettes, certain medicated lotions and dirt can also stain our nails. Injuries or ill-fitting shoes can cause bleeding under the nail, making it appear black.
What happens if you leave blood under your nail?
In addition to discoloration, blood under the nail can result in pressure and pain, which can be relieved by a primary care physician or podiatrist (i.e., “foot doctor”). Delayed treatment can result in nail deformity or infection.
What happens if your fingernail turns black?
It is common for a nail to turn black after an injury. The black or purple-black color is caused by blood under the nail and will go away as the injury heals. Black, brown, or purple discoloration under a nail that has not been injured may be caused by melanoma.
Are black nails normal?
Linear melanonychia is considered a normal fingernail color variation. The condition occurs when pigments in the nail known as melanocytes make excess pigment. This causes the nail beds to darken.
How do you get rid of a black bruised nail?
If a black toenail rips off and causes injury, first apply pressure until the bleeding stops. Then apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage to prevent infection. Do this each day after showering until the wound closes up, which should take about one to two weeks.
What disease causes black fingernails?
Melanonychia is caused when the pigment cells, called melanocytes, deposit melanin into the nail. Melanin is a brown colored pigment. These deposits are usually grouped together. As your nail grows, it causes the stripe of brown or black to appear on your nail.
What to do when you smash your fingernail and it turns black?
– Straighten a paper clip, and heat the tip in a flame until it is red-hot.
– Place the tip of the paper clip on the nail and let it melt through. …
– Do not push or apply pressure on the paper clip. …
– Go slowly, and reheat the clip as necessary. …
– As soon as the hole is complete, blood will escape and the pain will be relieved.
What happens when you smash your finger and it turns black?
After a day or two, blood will likely start to build up under your nail. You might see the nail turning color—usually dark blue or black—and feel a lot of pressure. This is what happens when a bruise is contained in the tiny space at the tip of a finger.
What causes fingernails to turn black?
Some types of bacteria, as well as fungal infection of the nail, can also produce melanin that discolours the nails. Nicotine stains from cigarettes, certain medicated lotions and dirt can also stain our nails. Injuries or ill-fitting shoes can cause bleeding under the nail, making it appear black.
Why do nails turn black?
It is common for a nail to turn black after an injury. The black or purple-black color is caused by blood under the nail and will go away as the injury heals. Black, brown, or purple discoloration under a nail that has not been injured may be caused by melanoma.
Will blood under fingernail disappear?
A minor subungual hematoma usually heals over time without treatment. The trapped blood will eventually be reabsorbed, and the dark mark will disappear. This can take 2–3 months for a fingernail, and up to 9 months for a toenail.
Should I go to the doctor if I smashed my finger?
Speak with a doctor or nurse if your smashed finger causes extreme pain or involves more than just the fingertip. You should also seek medical help if: you can’t straighten your finger. the finger is noticeable bent or crooked.
Why do my nails grow dark?
Melanonychia is caused when the pigment cells, called melanocytes, deposit melanin into the nail. Melanin is a brown colored pigment. These deposits are usually grouped together. As your nail grows, it causes the stripe of brown or black to appear on your nail.
Can a smashed finger cause a blood clot?
A blood clot can form after a trauma to the finger damages blood vessels or breaks a bone. Examples include: a heavy object falling on the fingers, like when you accidentally hit your finger with a hammer. a crush injury, such as when you get your finger caught in a car door.
Do black fingernails go away?
It is common for a nail to turn black after an injury. The black or purple-black color is caused by blood under the nail and will go away as the injury heals.
What happens when u bleed under your nail?
Your doctor may call it a “subungual hematoma” if you have bleeding under a fingernail or toenail. It usually happens if the nail gets crushed in an injury. It can cause symptoms such as intense pain and throbbing as blood collects under the nail.