Black nails can be caused by a variety of things, from bacterial infections to certain diseases. Although it looks mild, this condition should not be taken lightly. Therefore, it is important for you to know the various causes of black nails, so that this condition can be treated properly.
Basically, the color of healthy fingernails and toenails is clear white. However, for some conditions, the nails can turn black. There are black nails that can heal on their own, but there are also those that do not fade or disappear.
Some Causes of Black Nails
Changes in nail color to black need to be watched out for as a symptom of certain diseases. The following are some of the causes of black nails to watch out for:
1. Infection
Black nails can be caused by fungal and bacterial infections that attack the fingernails, toenails, or the skin under the nail surface. There are several conditions that can make a person more at risk of developing black nails due to infection, including:
- Diabetes
- Smoking habits and consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Weak immune system, for example due to malnutrition or HIV/AIDS infection
Nail discoloration due to fungal and bacterial infections is not only black, but can also be pale white, yellowish, or greenish. In addition, nail infections can also make nails brittle and fall off on their own.
If not treated properly, black nails due to infection can lead to various complications, such as cellulitis, paronychia, or bone infection (osteomyelitis). Therefore, nail infections need to be treated appropriately by a doctor.
2. Injury to the nail
Black nails can also be caused by an injury from hitting a heavy object, such as a hammer or getting caught in a door. In medical terms, this condition is also known as a subungual hematoma, which is bleeding that occurs under the surface of the nail.
This condition occurs when a blood vessel under the nail bursts, causing blood to clot and causing the nail to appear black. In addition, injuries can also make nails and fingers painful and swollen.
Mild subungal hematomas generally do not require special treatment. However, in more severe nail injuries, medical attention may be required.
To treat black nails due to severe nail injuries, doctors can perform decompression with electrosurgery (cautery) or special needles to destroy blood clots and improve blood flow to the nails.
3. Melanoma
Melanoma is a skin cancer that occurs in areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, back, legs, and arms. However, in certain cases, melanoma can also appear under the nails.
Melanoma skin cancer of the nail can cause symptoms in the form of the appearance of a thick black or brown line on the nail, usually from the base to the tip of the nail. This condition can also cause dark or brown spots under the nails.
4. Drug side effects
Black nails can also be caused by the side effects of some medications, especially drugs used in high doses or long-term. Some types of drugs that can make nails black are:
- Antivirus, such as zidovudine
- Psoralens
- Hydroxyurea
- Antibiotics, such as sulfonamides and cloxacillin
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Dapsone
- Retinoids
In addition to the various medical conditions above, black nails can also be caused by various diseases or other medical conditions, such as kidney disease, heart disease, anemia, and frostbite or damage to body tissues due to extreme cold temperatures.
How to Treat Black Nails
Proper treatment of black nails must be adjusted to the causative factor. For example, black nails caused by a fungal infection may need to be treated with an antifungal cream or ointment.
Meanwhile, black nails due to injury can be overcome with the following tips:
- Cold compresses on the blackened fingers and nails for 15 minutes, then position the black nails higher than the chest.
- If bleeding occurs, use a clean cloth to apply pressure to the nail to stop the bleeding.
- Clean the nail with warm water, then apply an antiseptic ointment and cover it with sterile gauze or cotton.
- Take pain relievers, such as paracetamol, to relieve the pain that appears.
Black nails from injuries usually heal in about 1 week. However, if the black nail doesn't go away or gets worse, you should see a doctor for proper treatment.