Toenails turn black when blood collects and settles under the nail because of repeated trauma from friction, rubbing, or contact. Most commonly, running-related black toenails appear slowly over time, but can also develop suddenly after a race or training run.
Runner's toe happens when your toenail turns black from the stress of running. When your toe repeatedly rubs on or slams into your shoe, it can cause stress to your nail. This leads to bleeding under your nail, which starts to look black.
According to a source via German outlet Bild, athletes paint their nails or cover it with a protective layer to prevent their nails from fungi and bacteria. They said: 'Many top athletes do this to protect their nails from fungi and bacteria when they are stuck in sweaty shoes for hours. Even Mike Tyson.
Fungal infections—like athlete's foot—can spread to your toenails and turn them shades of yellow, blue, green, brown, purple and black, explains Sutera. This range in color is unique to fungus, as is the presence of subungual debris—a chalky white substance that lines the nail bed and often carries a funky odor.
Black toenails can result from a trauma, a fungal infection, or pigmentation changes over time. More serious causes include heart disease or melanoma. Changing shoes may resolve it, but some people may need medical treatment.
Firstly, what does black nail polish symbolize? It can mean different things to different people, but generally, this color is said to symbolize strength, confidence, power. These are traditionally seen as “masculine'' traits, so it is not surprising that men choose to wear this color.
Although it is very rare, a more serious cause of black toenails is malignant melanoma. Since early diagnosis and treatment of melanoma improves the chances for a good outcome, it is important that all black toenails be evaluated by a qualified foot and ankle surgeon to rule out this cause.
Runner's Toe can be described as toenail damage, and would occur when the toe is rubbing against the front of the shoe, or toes are rubbing against each other, especially if the shoe is too small, narrow, or too large and there is space in front for the foot and toes to move.
But his striking choice of pedi is nothing to do with fashion and all to do with practicality. Following the example set by MMA fighters, it turns out that painting toenails black can help prevent the nails cracking or splitting during combat, making the choice a functional one rather than aesthetic.
This is because the shoes are pressed against the toes more frequently and with more force. Sports usually require walking, running, jumping, or other activities that can increase the pressure on the toe. Athletes are also prone to ingrown toenails because of the footwear they need to wear.
What is black toenail fungus? If you have a dark, thick toenail, it could be toenail fungus, which is usually caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes. It affects the toenail and the area beneath the nail and causes color changes, thickening, and abnormally shaped nails.
In most cases, you don't need to do anything for a black toenail. Treatment for black toenails caused by running simply depends on how much pain they're causing you. “In mild cases, no treatment is needed at all, and the black nail will simply grow out,” Dr. Lepow explains.
Black toenails will typically go away on their own, but it can take several months. The condition will diminish once new tissue grows completely under the toenail itself. There are several ways to prevent a black toenail from happening in the first place.
In mild cases, no treatment is needed, and the black nail will simply grow out. But if you're in a lot of pain, your doctor can drain the blood from your nail, which relieves the pressure.
Black toenail also develops when you have an underlying ailment such as, Diabetes. Kidney Problems. Heart diseases.
While minor cases of a black toenail will simply grow out, if the toenail is raised it is likely you will lose the nail. It will take a few weeks or months, but as the toenail continues to grow, eventually it shoves out the damaged, blackened toenail.
Black Nails
It is often seen as a normal association with a dark complexion. However, it is also seen with lichen planus. It could additionally indicate a subungual melanoma, or nevus, as well as an adverse effect of some drugs such as psoralens, phenytoin, sulfonamides and antimalarial drugs.
Tight footwear and long toenails are as simple as sustained pressure on the toenail causing damage underneath the nail, causing it to turn black and separate from the nailbed.
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.
Contrary to popular thinking, black nail polish is actually a wonderful NEUTRAL and professional.