Black Spot Under The Toenail
A black spot under the toenail is usually caused by one of four common problems: Learn what to do below!
Black Spot Under The Toenail Causes:
There are four common causes that I have seen of a black spot under the big toenail, here they are listened in order from most common to least common:
1) Jogger’s Toe (Subungual Hematoma).
Jogger’s toe is essentially just “overuse toe”.
- The trick with this one is it sneaks up on people without any pain!
- Be aware that you can still have bleeding underneath your toenail and it doesn’t have to be extremely painful.
- For example I just saw a woman had a scary black toenail without any cause.
- But the more I talked to her I realized she bought new shoes and started Zumba classes.
- She was exercising more, had small shoes and was not suffering from any pain!
Diagnosis:
- Sometimes no pain.
- Small shoes.
- New shoes.
- New exercise regimine.
- Heavy running or work.
- Traumatic injury.
- Dropping something on your foot.
- It will grow out over time.
- It will not get bigger over time.
2) Subungual Melamona (Black Streak or Mole).
This is as a result of a mole!
- These can appear underneath your toenail or around the toenail.
- The first step is to keep an eye on these and see if they are getting bigger.
- These can be dangerous, so if they are getting bigger or growing into the skin- go see a podiatrist or foot doctor immediately!
Diagnosis
- No Pain.
- It is getting bigger.
- It has been there a long time.
- No cause for its appearance.
- It may be growing into the tissue.
- See our “Is it dangerous guide?“
3) Pseudomonas Bacterial Infection.
This is different than toenail fungus- this is an bacterial infection.
- This means it comes quick and strong, then gets cured for good once you see a podiatrist.
- This goes against toenail fungus which is very slow and resistant.
- Pseudomonas is a bacteria that loves oxygenated moist environments like wet mud and pond water.
- If you have been around any of these recently and you start getting greenish-black toenails, it may be this!
- You should go see your podiatrist or foot doctor for some antibiotics!
- It can also be confirmed by it’s sweet smelling grape-like odor.
Diagnosis:
- No Pain.
- Greenish-black.
- Appears quickly.
- Sweet, grape-like odor.
- History of swimming in pools or ponds.
4)Toenail Fungus Can Cause Black Streaks:
If the above does not sound like your situation, consider toenail fungus as well.
- Toenail fungus is associated with 80% of all toenail problems.
- It usually manifests as thick yellow toenails, but there can be brown and black marks as well.
Toenail Fungus Is Associated With 80% Of All Toenail Problems:
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus:
- Thick yellow toenails.
- Crumbling debris underneath the toenails.
- Incurvated or possibly ingrown toenails.
- Discoloration or streaking.
Click on this link to our comprehensive nail fungus home treatment guide. Always be sure to see a podiatrist if you are ever unsure!
Diagnosis
- Thick Toenails.
- Yellowish-green.
- Crumbling toenails.
- Discolored.
- Appear slowly and last forever.
- No Pain.
- Usually associated with older age, smoking and diabetes.
Discolorations Of The Toenails:
Consider these other toenail color distortions: