A black nail quite often occurs due to an injury, as a result of which hemorrhage occurs directly under the nail plate. As soon as a hematoma begins, it is necessary to immediately seek help from qualified specialists (dermatologist, oncologist).
It is known that a certain category of diseases of the internal organs is reflected on the nail plate, which is why it is necessary to determine the disease in the initial stages. As a rule, the yellow color of the nails can signal problems with the respiratory tract or in the endocrine system. What can a black nail testify to? This will be discussed in the article.
What does the dark color of the nail signal?
Any damage to the nail under which blood begins to collect is the most common cause of darkening of the nail plate. The hematoma can remain for a sufficiently long period and does not require specific treatment, except when inflammation has begun to progress.
Blackening of the plate may occur as a result of accumulation of melanin. This phenomenon can provoke a number of factors:
- Blackening occurs as a result of nail damage by various fungi: yeast-like, dermatophytes or Proteus.
- Mold can be affected by the blackening of the nail plate - a parasite that can harm the body when the immune system decreases at the time of a lesion.
As soon as nail pigmentation has arisen, it is necessary to immediately seek help from specialists who will prescribe treatment using immunomodulators or antifungal drugs.
Nail plate injury
As a rule, a black nail can be observed due to strong pressure on the finger or physical injury. It is extremely rare that the effect may be due to heat. Most often, the big toe is exposed to injuries. After receiving a strong blow or bruise, the pain sensation can bring anxiety for 14 days, until the death of the nerve endings that are located in the nail. If the black nail on the big toe (or on any other) does not pass more than two weeks, plus everything began to increase in size, you need to urgently consult a doctor. By making a small hole in the nail plate, the liquid that has accumulated will be removed.
Mycosis is a common problem
Mycosis - in other words, a fungal disease. As a rule, nail damage can occur when visiting public places (sauna, bath) or when wearing someone else's shoes. It is completely impossible to cope with the disease on your own due to the fact that only doctors can determine the type of fungus.
Other causes of darkening of the nail plate
The cause of discoloration of the nail plates can be diseases of the internal organs. Qualified doctors note:
- the green color of the plate indicates problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- blue color occurs due to a violation of normal blood circulation;
- brown nails can be a consequence of a disorder of the central nervous system, mainly with changes in the brain.
The most dangerous reason that can provoke black stripes on the nails or their complete blackening is hemangioma. Darkening provokes blood vessels that grow and cause unbearable pain. In certain situations, it occurs before the appearance of a tumor. Determining the tumor will help ordinary pressing on the affected finger. If the dark color changes to white, then there is a neoplasm.
How to deal with a problem
If, in addition to the dark color of the nail plate, constant discomfort, severe pain was added, this is a signal that there is a lot of pressure under the plate, and you can’t do without the help of doctors. Since it is impossible to replace the nail plate, doctors recommend simply removing the nail, and then undergo a series of special procedures that will help eliminate pain.
The actions of doctors are based on the fact that they pierce the plate. After this procedure, the nail dies within one month, and a new one begins to grow in its place. If you do not remove the damaged nail plate, it can impede the growth of a new one, or they will merge.
Ways to speed up the healing process
If you do not conduct timely treatment of nails, their restoration can take a long time or lead to more serious problems. In order to significantly speed up the healing process of the nail plate, it is necessary to include foods that contain a large amount of calcium in the diet and constantly make baths with salt. They normalize the pressure in the area of the bruise, and the blood will gradually begin to come out from under the nail. To speed up the process of rejection of a damaged nail plate, you can smear it with iodine. A healthy nail will grow in place of a dead nail, unless it is repeatedly prone to injury.
To prevent the formation of a hematoma, it is necessary to water your finger with cold water or apply ice after an impact.
When to worry
In a situation where after a certain time, a nail injury continues to be very disturbing, you should not take measures on your own. You need to use the help of a doctor who will open the nail and remove the blood.
Symptoms of a more serious situation:
- swelling;
- deformation of the phalanx;
- limitation of motor function.
If a fungus provoked pathology, self-medication is contraindicated, only a physician can help. As a rule, the treatment of nails affected by the fungus is effective with timely medical attention. He will prescribe special procedures, medications and a wellness manicure.
As soon as it was discovered that the nail has moved away from the surface of the finger itself, it is necessary to carefully examine everything. Anxiety can cause a specific smell, which comes from a damaged nail plate, the presence of purulent discharge, shooting pain.
Recommendations for preventing blackening of the nail
Blackening of the nail plate can be avoided if the following rules are observed:
- The right shoes. It is always necessary to buy good, high-quality and comfortable shoes. The size must match, the material must be natural. When choosing sports shoes, please note that there should be some free space in front of the thumb.
- Proper care When visiting public places, you should always take your shoes and a foot towel. It is strictly forbidden to walk on the floor with bare feet.
- Caution. The slightest damage to the nails is a consequence of a person’s mistake. You must always follow the rules of caution in any situation, whether it is sports, manipulation of objects and more.
In order to prevent the occurrence of the above pathology due to severe ailments, it is necessary to constantly use well-cooked meat, vegetables, fruits. Nutrition should be complete and balanced. Do not ignore the appearance of a black nail. In any situation, it is necessary to appear to a specialist to determine the cause and prescribe the necessary treatment.
Be healthy!