What is a Black Toe Nail?

How to recognize Black Toe Nails?

If you ever wonder why your toenails turn black or discolored, the reason is you have a black toe nail fungus. The black toe nail fungus could be the reason why your nails turned black, yellowish, become brittle and chipping or easily breaks away. Black toenails can be the result of tight fitting shoes.

Black toe nails are also known as the 'runner's toe'. The black toe nail fungus is one of the most common toenail problems experienced by usually athletes who are running or skating or most of the time use their feet for their sport activities. Their feet are always exposed to moisture within due to the socks and shoes they are wearing. This environment is the breeding haven for microorganisms to grow and that include the microorganisms that may develop into ingrown and black toe nail fungus. Anther cause of black toe nail is the accumulation of blood underneath the nail when a toe is hit or rubbed against the tip of a shoe for a longer period of time.

Black Toe Nail: Treatment & Prevention.

TREATMENT: You can get rid of it in many ways by using over the counter or doctor prescribed topical solutions and creams that when applied to the area should penetrate into the deep layer of the skin. But sometime you treat your Black Toe Nail at home: you need to drain the blood to remove the pressure. To do this, swab your toenail with alcohol. Then take a paper clip or other sharp, narrow object, heat it in a flame and push it through the toenail. Drain the blood, apply an antiseptic and cover the hole with an adhesive bandage.

PREVENTION: The best way to prevent black toenails is to wear shoes that fit properly. The toe box should be wide enough and the length of the shoe long enough so your toes don't bump against the shoe. You should have about a half-inch of space between the end of your longest toe (not necessarily the big toe) and the top of your shoe. Blister-free socks may help prevent friction.

SECTION: NAIL DISORDERS