Toenail Pain (Toenail Fungus, Ingrown Toenails, Discolored Toenails)
Black Toenail Treatment: [Causes, Symptoms & Remedy!]
Make 100% sure you are getting the proper diagnosis before you start your black toenail treatment! There are 4 major causes with different treatments!
Look:
- Red & black toenail pain can be improved with a few simple treatment changes.
- We are foot doctors & we see this problem get better almost every day.
- The goal is to solve this problem without medication or surgery if at all possible.
So, let’s GO!
Why is my toenail black treatment video:
Why is my toenail turning black causes?
Red or Black Toenail Picture & Photo Gallery:
Look:
- A red toenail generally means fresh blood or a fresh injury.
- This can be called a toenail hematoma or fresh blood from repetitive irritation.
- A black toenail is generally more dried blood that has crested underneath the toenail.
- Very infrequently, can a black toenail be something more dangerous like melanoma?
- It is also possible for your toenail to the infected with toenail fungus. This can also then result in rubbing and bleeding after the toenail fungus.
- If there is toenail fungus, this is usually more of a brown or yellow color.
- A toenail falling off is a widespread problem as well.
Please click on the photo gallery for descriptions & full-size photos!
Black Toenail Overview:
- If it is a thick black line, it may be dangerous. This can be a melanoma!
- But if it is a black spot under the nail, then it is most likely blood.
- This is most commonly due to injury or improper shoes during exercise.
- But don’t worry, it’s rarely dangerous.
Why Is My Toenail Black?
- The #1 cause for your toenail turning black is a subungual hematoma.
- This is simply blood underneath the toenail.
- This can happen in either a severe injury or even just light, painless rubbing during walking.
- It can be scary if it just appears for no reason, but usually tight shoes or new shoes can be to blame!
- Treatment involved mainly just getting a good pair of new shoes.
- I’ll show you how to do that!
- If the toenail is loose, don’t worry. It will basically always grow back.
- But be warned, toenails grow back slow- up to 1 year sometimes!
Black Toenail Causes:
- The most common cause is an injury to the big toe.
- The second most common cause is a runner’s black toe.
- A runner’s black toe is due to constant rubbing in the shoe. This may even be painless!
- The third most common cause may be black toenail fungus.
- This may be a misconception. Toenail fungus is almost always thick yellow toenails.
- The fourth most common cause is the most dangerous; A mole that may be suspicious.
- If you have a black mark or black line that has been there for months or years, make sure to analyze it!
- This could be black toenail melanoma.
Big Toenail Turning Black Symptoms:
- Black and blue toenail discoloration.
- Black toenail after running.
- The black line in toenail (consider black toenail melanoma).
- Black dot under the toenail.
- Pain after black toenail injury.
- Possible bleeding from under the black toenails.
Black Toenail Treatment:
The most common causes of a toenail turning black are injury, runners black toenail, black toenail fungus, and a black mark on toenail due to melanoma:
1) Black Toenail Injury:
- This is by far the most common cause of a black and blue toenail.
- This is usually obvious when it happens because something falls or stubs your toe!
Black Toenail Injury Treatment:
- There is nothing really do here except wait for the toenail to grow back.
- It can take up to 1 year to have it grow back!
Check out our toenail falling off guide!
2) Black Toenail Running:
- A black runner’s toe is possible in two ways: long distances and improper shoes!
- It is usually some combination of both that leads to this type of toenail.
- Also, consider this if you have black toenails on both feet.
Black Toenail Running Treatment:
- Use a Brannock device to measure your shoes.
- Make sure there is enough room at the big toe and the pinky toe.
- These two spots are the most important!
3) Black Toenail Fungus Treatment:
- Toenail fungus is usually yellow, thick, and crumbly.
- But if you have thick black toenails, it may be a combination of both.
Black Toenail Fungus Treatment:
- There are many home remedies available for the treatment of black toenail fungus.
Check out our complete toenail fungus guide!
4) Black Line In Toenail:
- A black line in the toenail may be a melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
- But don’t worry, this is very rare.
- Most lines are not dangerous.
BlackLine In Toenails Treatment:
Some things to consider:
- The thickness of the black line.
- Any extension from the toenail into the skin?
- Any toenail deformity?
- Any bleeding or non-uniform changes?
Jump To The Black Streaks In The Toenail Page.
Best Toenail Fungus Products:
- These are our favorite products to treat toenail fungus at home.
- Keratin Granulations are very easily taken care of through moisturizing your nails with cuticle wax, oils and simply avoiding nail polish for a little while.
- It is not necessary to buy anything expensive or online; it is fine to simply use a product like Vaseline or any other petroleum oil in most circumstances.
- So get yourself some petroleum jelly at your corner store and apply it to your nails at night when you won’t be using your hands. In 2 weeks, you should be in great shape!
- Make sure you read the reviews and see if it is good for you!
How to fix toenail fungus:
- There are many different types of toenail damage.
- In our experience, about 90% or more is related to toenail fungus.
- The key to toenail fungus is to trim it as much as possible and file that nailed down.
- These products are not meant to replace prescription drugs or medical treatment equipment.
- If you can do that, you have to make sure you can kill fungus the rest of the way.
- The best way to do that is to soak exfoliate the affected toenail skin. So, consider foot soaks.
- At the same time, you have to apply antifungal medication such as these medications recommended here or the toenail repair pens.
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Best Toenail Repair Pen.
Top Choice For Direct Toenail Application.
Great Option For Foot Soak.
Price:
$19.99
$26.88
$17.97
Overview:
4 Pens with quick dry application that leaves a sealing lid on top. Easy to store and apply. Key is still to trim/file the toenail first!
All natural option that is toxic to fungus. This is similar to tea tree oil in that respect but can be more effective. You still need to exfoliate dead skin and trim thick toenails.
Safe, cost effective and relaxing all at the same time! This needs to be used in a 20 minute foot soak. Works well for exfoliating loose skin/toenail as well as softening.
Pros:
Easy to use, quick drying. This fills into the cracks and seals them with minimal mess. This is great for sealing even dehydrated keratin granulations.
All natural, relatively cost effective. 1,000s of reviews with excellent results. Very clean and quick drying, easy to apply.
Very safe, little risk, low cost and very effective if used correctly. The key is to use it as an aid to soften and exfoliate loose/dry dead skin and toenail.
Cons:
0% chance of working if your toenail is loose and has no blood supply. Make sure you trim and file any loose finger or toenail. Otherwise “0% CHANCE OF WORKING!” You cannot restore a dead toenail without blood flow.
Small amount and a little more expensive than some other options. Once more has 0% chance of working if your goal is to heal a dead, detached toenail or dry skin. Are you noticing this is a trend? This is really the key!
It once more has 0% chance working if you are trying to save loose and dead crusty skin. Fungus will always grow on this if no blood flow. It can not regenerate dead skin, only exfoliate it.
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Best Toenail Repair Pen.
Price:
$19.99
Overview:
4 Pens with quick dry application that leaves a sealing lid on top. Easy to store and apply. Key is still to trim/file the toenail first!
Pros:
Easy to use, quick drying. This fills into the cracks and seals them with minimal mess. This is great for sealing even dehydrated keratin granulations.
Cons:
0% chance of working if your toenail is loose and has no blood supply. Make sure you trim and file any loose finger or toenail. Otherwise “0% CHANCE OF WORKING!” You cannot restore a dead toenail without blood flow.
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Top Choice For Direct Toenail Application.
Price:
$26.88
Overview:
All natural option that is toxic to fungus. This is similar to tea tree oil in that respect but can be more effective. You still need to exfoliate dead skin and trim thick toenails.
Pros:
All natural, relatively cost effective. 1,000s of reviews with excellent results. Very clean and quick drying, easy to apply.
Cons:
Small amount and a little more expensive than some other options. Once more has 0% chance of working if your goal is to heal a dead, detached toenail or dry skin. Are you noticing this is a trend? This is really the key!
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Great Option For Foot Soak.
Price:
$17.97
Overview:
Safe, cost effective and relaxing all at the same time! This needs to be used in a 20 minute foot soak. Works well for exfoliating loose skin/toenail as well as softening.
Pros:
Very safe, little risk, low cost and very effective if used correctly. The key is to use it as an aid to soften and exfoliate loose/dry dead skin and toenail.
Cons:
It once more has 0% chance working if you are trying to save loose and dead crusty skin. Fungus will always grow on this if no blood flow. It can not regenerate dead skin, only exfoliate it.
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Fungus Clippers & Files:
- These are some great value heavy-duty clippers and sets. This is something you have to be careful using at home, and deftly don’t use these if you have dangerous health conditions.
- –
- The key is to cut straight across and file the nail down from the top to prevent impinging in the corners.
- It is also important to make sure all dead, dry skin is removed surrounding the foot.
- This is where you should really see your podiatrist if you have any concerns or are worried about cutting or hurting yourself.
- This is something covered, so don’t take chances with your health!
Best Grooming Supplies
Best Value Clipping Set
Best Value Heavy Duty Clipper Set
Heavy Duty Non-Scissor Clipper
Price:
$6.79
$21.99
$22.99
Overview:
This is the Amazon best overall rated value set: Great Reviews and cost.
Value heavy duty clipper, nail file and currette for scooping under the nail.
Great alternative choice for heavy duty clipper if difficulty cutting with the other one.
Pros:
4.4/5 ratings at almost 800+ ratings. Multi-tool set that should be adequate for most people.
4.7/5 reviews with 200+ reviews. Strong clipper with files and currette, everything you need!
Excellent reviews, 4.8/5 with 600+ reviews. Some people prefer this grip
Cons:
It won’t work for heavy duty thickness. It can be dangerous clipping if you have health conditions.
It is still not perfect if you can’t reach your foot. See your podiatrist if health conditions.
No currette and no nail file, so you may need this.
Crucial Tips:
If your toenails are too thick and if you have dangerous health conditions, see your podiatrist for your toenail fungus!
If you have health conditions, be very safe at home, this can be a risky treatment! Be very safe.
Make sure to see your podiatrist if you have metabolic or blood flow conditions! Be safe if you can’t reach.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Grooming Supplies
Best Value Clipping Set
Price:
$6.79
Overview:
This is the Amazon best overall rated value set: Great Reviews and cost.
Pros:
4.4/5 ratings at almost 800+ ratings. Multi-tool set that should be adequate for most people.
Cons:
It won’t work for heavy duty thickness. It can be dangerous clipping if you have health conditions.
Crucial Tips:
If your toenails are too thick and if you have dangerous health conditions, see your podiatrist for your toenail fungus!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Grooming Supplies
Best Value Heavy Duty Clipper Set
Price:
$21.99
Overview:
Value heavy duty clipper, nail file and currette for scooping under the nail.
Pros:
4.7/5 reviews with 200+ reviews. Strong clipper with files and currette, everything you need!
Cons:
It is still not perfect if you can’t reach your foot. See your podiatrist if health conditions.
Crucial Tips:
If you have health conditions, be very safe at home, this can be a risky treatment! Be very safe.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Grooming Supplies
Heavy Duty Non-Scissor Clipper
Price:
$22.99
Overview:
Great alternative choice for heavy duty clipper if difficulty cutting with the other one.
Pros:
Excellent reviews, 4.8/5 with 600+ reviews. Some people prefer this grip
Cons:
No currette and no nail file, so you may need this.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to see your podiatrist if you have metabolic or blood flow conditions! Be safe if you can’t reach.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Antifungal Moisture Wicking Socks:
- These are some great options for moisture-wicking socks.
- We tried to focus on budget value stocks that are not too expensive.
- Sure there are better stocks out there, but these are great socks for a great price for most people.
- If you have diabetes, focus on getting yourself some diabetic socks.
Best woman’s antifungal socks:
Best Women’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Great choice for women’s running socks with moisture wicking design.
Best Seller & Most Reviewed Crew Socks
Best Overall Women’s Dress Sock
Great reviewed crew length bamboo sock.
Price:
$14.23
Price not available
$19.37
$14.99
Overview:
Ankle height socks, great for running with moisture wicking design, great company.
This is a great reviewed budget crew sock. It has more cushion and bulk than the running sock.
Great overall full length dress socks, great reviews and good overall price.
This is a great alternative to the other crew sock. Great reviews.
Pros:
4.7/5 reviews with over 5,000+ reviews! Great reliable company with great reviews.
The best seller for moisture wicking women’s socks. Great reviews at 4.2/5 with over 3,000+ reviews.
Great reviews 4.4/5, which suprisingly is better than most dress socks. Excellent overall choice.
Very well reviewed sock: 4.4/5 rating and over 700+ reviews.
Cons:
These are thinner and more likely to curl/fall apart.
Not the world’s most expensive socks. Main complaints are the durability long term.
Dress socks are less durable than crew socks. They can work well.
Not much downsides. Good overall sock.
Crucial Tips:
Not as well cushioned as other socks. Make sure to combine with a good supportive orthotic and breathable sock.
These are great everyday socks. Combine with good breathable shoes and orthotics for best results.
Make sure to get a good 3/4 length dress orthotic or dress shoe orthotic with a good shoe.
Make sure to combine with a good breathable shoe and supportive orthotics.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Women’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Great choice for women’s running socks with moisture wicking design.
Price:
$14.23
Overview:
Ankle height socks, great for running with moisture wicking design, great company.
Pros:
4.7/5 reviews with over 5,000+ reviews! Great reliable company with great reviews.
Cons:
These are thinner and more likely to curl/fall apart.
Crucial Tips:
Not as well cushioned as other socks. Make sure to combine with a good supportive orthotic and breathable sock.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Women’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best Seller & Most Reviewed Crew Socks
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This is a great reviewed budget crew sock. It has more cushion and bulk than the running sock.
Pros:
The best seller for moisture wicking women’s socks. Great reviews at 4.2/5 with over 3,000+ reviews.
Cons:
Not the world’s most expensive socks. Main complaints are the durability long term.
Crucial Tips:
These are great everyday socks. Combine with good breathable shoes and orthotics for best results.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Women’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best Overall Women’s Dress Sock
Price:
$19.37
Overview:
Great overall full length dress socks, great reviews and good overall price.
Pros:
Great reviews 4.4/5, which suprisingly is better than most dress socks. Excellent overall choice.
Cons:
Dress socks are less durable than crew socks. They can work well.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to get a good 3/4 length dress orthotic or dress shoe orthotic with a good shoe.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Women’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Great reviewed crew length bamboo sock.
Price:
$14.99
Overview:
This is a great alternative to the other crew sock. Great reviews.
Pros:
Very well reviewed sock: 4.4/5 rating and over 700+ reviews.
Cons:
Not much downsides. Good overall sock.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to combine with a good breathable shoe and supportive orthotics.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best men’s antifungal socks:
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best Budget & Well Reviewed Moisture Wicking Socks
Best ankle sock length Men’s running socks, moisture wicking.
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
These have a HUGE amount of great reviews, great cost men’s work socks.
Great overall budget reviewed choice for running socks at the ankle level.
Pros:
21,000+ reviews at 4.7/5! Excellent reviews at a great cost, you can’t go wrong.
2,500+ reviews at 4.5/5! Excellent reviews and specifically designed for moisture wicking, great company.
Cons:
Not much downsides, some durability concerns, but these seem to be overblown.
Shoe ankle socks can curl. Fabric is thin.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to keep your shoes clean as well with antifungal sprays. Combine with clean shoes.
This is thin fabric, while is does wick moisture well, this can make it fall apart faster. It also gives less cushion.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best Budget & Well Reviewed Moisture Wicking Socks
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These have a HUGE amount of great reviews, great cost men’s work socks.
Pros:
21,000+ reviews at 4.7/5! Excellent reviews at a great cost, you can’t go wrong.
Cons:
Not much downsides, some durability concerns, but these seem to be overblown.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to keep your shoes clean as well with antifungal sprays. Combine with clean shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best ankle sock length Men’s running socks, moisture wicking.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great overall budget reviewed choice for running socks at the ankle level.
Pros:
2,500+ reviews at 4.5/5! Excellent reviews and specifically designed for moisture wicking, great company.
Cons:
Shoe ankle socks can curl. Fabric is thin.
Crucial Tips:
This is thin fabric, while is does wick moisture well, this can make it fall apart faster. It also gives less cushion.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Recommended foot fungus products:
- It is also essential to fix your foot fungus.
- Even if you cure your toenail fungus, keep your toenails trimmed in healthy: your foot fungus can spread back into toenails.
- It’s not a far journey from skin fungus to jump onto your toenails again.
- So make sure you treat your foot fungus, as well as your toenail fungus.
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Foot Powder Option For Shoes.
Best Shower Body Wash
Best choice for Foot Bath Mix
Best & Most Cost Effective Foot Soak Tub.
Price:
$26.31
$18.04
$13.46
$18.97
Overview:
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Great cost effective shower wash.
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Over 5,000 5 star amazon reviews. Great reviews, medically proven component in tea tree oil. All natural with excellent results.
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Can be more expensive than regular soap. It may not be enough by itself without soaking or especially further toenail treatment.
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Not much downsides, it’s a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Foot Powder Option For Shoes.
Price:
$26.31
Overview:
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Pros:
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Cons:
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Shower Body Wash
Price:
$18.04
Overview:
Great cost effective shower wash.
Pros:
Over 5,000 5 star amazon reviews. Great reviews, medically proven component in tea tree oil. All natural with excellent results.
Cons:
Can be more expensive than regular soap. It may not be enough by itself without soaking or especially further toenail treatment.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best choice for Foot Bath Mix
Price:
$13.46
Overview:
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
Pros:
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Cons:
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best & Most Cost Effective Foot Soak Tub.
Price:
$18.97
Overview:
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
Not much downsides, it’s a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Get The Best Shoes:
- You definitely want to get great shoes and sandals for your toenail fungus and foot fungus.
- Specifically, when you are in a communal shower or pool, you want to get a good pair of sandals. We compiled a great list of our recommended orthotic flip-flops.
- You also want to get new breathable shoes that are not covered in sweat and mesh around the toes.
- Specifically, good pairs of running shoes have a mesh where your toes are. This prevents your toenails from rubbing and prevents them from dreaming on the front of the foot.
- Click on the below link to see which shoes we recommend for your toenail fungus and foot fungus.
Toenail Pain (Toenail Fungus, Ingrown Toenails, Discolored Toenails)
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-qualified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon serving Southeast Michigan at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. A Michigan native, Dr. Biernacki earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed a three-year comprehensive surgical residency in foot and ankle surgery in the Detroit metro area.
Dr. Biernacki specializes in the treatment of heel pain, bunions, hammertoes, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, flatfoot correction, and minimally invasive foot surgery. He is dedicated to providing evidence-based, patient-centered care that helps people of all ages stay active and pain-free.
He sees patients at multiple convenient Metro Detroit locations and is committed to community education through the MichiganFootDoctors.com resource library. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA).