Table of Contents
Why do kids have black toe nails?
Fungal infections Fungal infections are another common problem that can cause black toenails to form. Typically, a fungal infection causes a white or yellowish discoloration. However, debris can build up near the infection, causing the nail to appear black.
Why are my daughters nails black?
Melanonychia is the term for dark pigmentation of the fingernails or toenails. The discoloration can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, but it may sometimes indicate health issues. Melanonychia is a nail condition in which melanin is present in the nail plate.
What deficiency causes black toenails?
Zinc deficiency, which may be due to a lack of zinc in the diet or an underlying medical condition, can cause nail dystrophy. Nail dystrophy is the discoloration and distortion of a person’s nails.
What does darkening of toenails mean?
Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is one of the most prevalent causes of toenail discoloration. The most common organism to cause toenail fungus is called dermatophyte. However, mold or yeast can also infect toenails. Dermatophytes grow by eating your body’s keratin.
How do you treat black toenails?
Soaking your feet in a vinegar foot soak daily can treat black toenail fungus. The ratio can be one part vinegar and two parts of water. If the infection is extreme then a heavy soak is required to reduce the infection.
What causes toes to turn black?
Gangrene is a serious condition where a loss of blood supply causes body tissue to die. It can affect any part of the body but typically starts in the toes, feet, fingers and hands. Gangrene can occur as a result of an injury, infection or a long-term condition that affects blood circulation.
How do you treat black toenails naturally?
Diluted in water vinegar can be used as a foot soak. Soaking your feet in a vinegar foot soak daily can treat black toenail fungus. The ratio can be one part vinegar and two parts of water. If the infection is extreme then a heavy soak is required to reduce the infection.
Can iron deficiency affect nails?
Fingernails: Possible problems Often, spoon nails are a sign of iron deficiency anemia or a liver condition known as hemochromatosis, in which your body absorbs too much iron from the food you eat. Spoon nails can also be associated with heart disease and hypothyroidism.
How do you treat black toenails at home?
Why is my little toenail black?
Black Toenail: Common Causes If your toenail turns black, it’s most likely a bruise under the nail, technically called a subungual hematoma. You can get it from stubbing a toe or from footwear that cram your feet into the front of the shoe.
What does it mean when your toenail turns black?
A trauma, such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it, can cause a black nail. This happens because the force of the object breaks blood vessels under the nail, causing a pooling of blood that appears dark. The toe may also be sore and sensitive to touch.
What is the prognosis of a black toenail?
With black toenail, your outlook largely depends on the root cause of the symptom. Cases related to trauma and fungal infection have the best outlook. In these instances, injured nails grow out, and fungal infections may be treated at home. Black toenail caused by melanoma and other health conditions are symptomatic.
How can I get my black toenails to return to normal?
In most cases, controlling the underlying condition will help the nail to regain its original color. Black toe nails may be a result of repetitive trauma from wearing poorly-fitting shoes. Treatment for black toenails will vary depending on the cause. In cases of blunt force injury, a doctor may make a small hole in the nail using a needle.
Can a black toenail from trauma extend to the lateral nail folds?
A black toenail from trauma doesn’t usually extend to the lateral nail folds and usually goes away without treatment as the nail grows. The takeaway is, if there is any question, seek the advice of a dermatologist. William Morrison, MD Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts.