What Does It Mean When Your Fingernail Turns Black?

A black fingernail can be a distressing sight, but it’s important to stay calm and seek medical advice as soon as possible. While some causes of black nails are harmless, others can indicate a serious underlying medical condition.

Causes of Black Fingernails

Trauma

The most common cause of a black fingernail is trauma. This can occur from:

• Stubbing your toe
• Dropping a heavy object on your finger
• Getting your finger caught in a door
• Hitting your finger with a hammer

Trauma damages the tiny blood vessels under the nail, causing blood to leak out and collect under the nail plate. This can result in a black or purple discoloration.

Fungal Infection

A fungal infection of the nail, also known as onychomycosis, can also cause a black fingernail. The fungus grows under the nail plate, causing the nail to thicken, discolor, and become brittle. In some cases, the nail may even separate from the nail bed.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that can affect the nails. It can cause the nails to become thickened, pitted, and discolored. In some cases, psoriasis can also cause a black fingernail.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can occur under the nail. It can cause the nail to become discolored, thickened, and brittle. Melanoma is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of Black Fingernails

In addition to the black or purple discoloration, other symptoms of black fingernails may include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Bleeding
• Drainage
• Pus

Treatment for Black Fingernails

The treatment for a black fingernail will depend on the underlying cause.

Trauma

If the black fingernail is caused by trauma, the treatment will focus on relieving pain and preventing infection. This may involve:

• Applying a cold compress to the nail
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Cleaning the nail and applying an antibiotic ointment
• Protecting the nail from further injury

Fungal Infection

If the black fingernail is caused by a fungal infection, the treatment will involve taking oral antifungal medications. These medications will help to kill the fungus and clear up the infection.

Psoriasis

If the black fingernail is caused by psoriasis, the treatment will focus on reducing inflammation and improving the appearance of the nail. This may involve:

• Applying topical corticosteroids to the nail
• Taking oral medications to suppress the immune system
• Using phototherapy to expose the nail to ultraviolet light

Melanoma

If the black fingernail is caused by melanoma, the treatment will involve removing the cancerous tissue. This may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Prevention of Black Fingernails

There are a few things you can do to prevent black fingernails, including:

• Wear shoes that fit well and provide support.
• Be careful when handling sharp objects.
• Use tools and equipment properly to avoid accidents.
• Keep your nails clean and trimmed.
• Treat fungal infections promptly.
• See a doctor if you have any changes in the appearance of your nails.

When to See a Doctor

It’s important to see a doctor if you have a black fingernail that is:

• Painful
• Swollen
• Bleeding
• Draining pus
• Caused by trauma to the nail
• Not improving with home treatment

A doctor can help to determine the cause of the black fingernail and recommend the best course of treatment.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can a black fingernail be a sign of a serious medical condition?
A: Yes, a black fingernail can be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as melanoma. It’s important to see a doctor if you have a black fingernail that is painful, swollen, bleeding, or draining pus.

Q: How long does it take for a black fingernail to heal?
A: The healing time for a black fingernail will depend on the underlying cause. If the black fingernail is caused by trauma, it may take a few weeks to heal. If the black fingernail is caused by a fungal infection, it may take several months to heal.

Q: Can I remove a black fingernail myself?
A: No, you should not remove a black fingernail yourself. Removing a black fingernail can damage the nail bed and lead to infection. It’s important to see a doctor to have the black fingernail removed properly.