What Can Cause A Black Toenail?

Trauma To The Toenail

Any type of trauma to the toenail can cause blood to pool below the nail and make them appear black. This trauma could be anything from blunt force trauma to repetitive trauma. Blunt force trauma to the toe can be caused by dropping a heavy object directly onto the foot. The blood vessels within the nail bed will break, which is what leads to the pooling of blood. This will occur almost immediately following the trauma and can also cause inflammation as well as high amounts of pain. Repetitive trauma usually involves wearing shoes that don't fit properly over a lengthy period. If individuals don't have enough room in the toe area of their shoe, every step may cause more trauma to the toe. Bloody blisters may develop below the nail because of this trauma. While the issue may go away on its own, patients should make sure they obtain medical treatment if the nail starts to detach from the nail bed.

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Diabetes

There are a few underlying medical conditions that can cause a black toenail to form, one of which is diabetes. Diabetes occurs when the body doesn't have enough insulin to process sugar. The levels of glucose in the blood build up because the insulin isn't moving the glucose from the blood to the cells, which use glucose as energy. With type 2 diabetes, cells in the body don't respond well to insulin. When the disease reaches later stages, patients might not create enough insulin. In type 1 diabetes, the body isn't able to create insulin of its own. Diabetes can cause many symptoms. It's common for there to be issues with circulation. Diabetic neuropathy in the feet occurs often.

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