Black Toenail Fungus Treatments and Home Remedies that Work!

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Black toenails can be a frightening sight. Not only can they cause embarrassment, but it shows that there is 'something' wrong with the nail or underneath it. If your toenail is turning black, it's vital to find out why right away. Black toenail fungus can end up creating significant problems if it isn't treated quickly. But, there are symptoms you can look for to determine why your toenail is turning black, and what you can do about it.

It doesn't matter if it's your big toe or pinky toe, a nail that turns black is problematic and needs to be treated. The good news is that many of the potential causes of black toenails can be addressed quickly. Black toenail treatment depends on what's causing the problem. If you have a black fungus under the toenail, there are different treatments to consider. You do need to rule out other nail conditions first.

So, what are the causes of a black toenail? That's a critical question to answer. Some reasons are harmless, and may even clear up on their own. What you should keep in mind, though, is that toenail fungus never goes away on its own!

If your nail has turned black due to a fungal infection, the sooner you treat it, the better. But, lots of causes of a black nail have different symptoms. Knowing the differences between those signs can help you determine if it is a fungus, or something else, such as an injury.

What Does It Mean When Your Toenails Turn Black?

This guide will cover different things that can make your toenail turn black. We'll also go over what you can do to clear up each of these problems. The primary focus, though, will be on toenail fungus and the ugly symptoms it can cause. If a toenail fungus causes your nail to turn black, it may need intense treatment.

There are several ways to remove toenail fungus, including home remedies. Once you're sure it's a fungal infection and not something else, the sooner you treat it, the less severe it will continue to become.

So, let's look at some of the possible reasons for a black toenail, and what you can do to resolve each of these conditions.

Trauma or Injury to the Nail

There are two types of trauma your toenails can experience by wearing shoes that don't fit: repetitive trauma and blunt force trauma.

Repetitive trauma occurs when someone wears shoes that don't fit right. If your shoes are too tight, it can create constant pressure each time you take a step. Think about your toes 'jamming' against the inside of the shoe with every step you take. Not only can it be uncomfortable, but it can lead to a lot of problems. You may even experience a blood blister underneath the nail, which can cause a black toenail with pain.

Repetitive trauma to the nail that causes injury or causes it to turn black is also called runner's toe. It occurs most frequently in athletes or runners. But, it can happen to almost anyone. If you have a job that causes you to walk around a lot during the day, or just keeps you on your feet, you could be more prone to this type of trauma.

Blunt force trauma refers to a one-time injury. You can't always protect your toes from accidents. Blunt force trauma to the toes usually occurs when something heavy is dropped on them. Your body will react almost instantly to something like this. If the object is strong enough, it will cause the blood vessels in your nail bed to break. This will cause blood to pool under the nail.

In severe cases, the blood can build up so much under the toenail that the toe itself can become swollen. A doctor may need to drain the blood.

Melanoma

It's rare, but sometimes you can get a melanoma underneath the toenail. This is a form of skin cancer and can become aggressive. The most evident symptom of this condition comes in the form of dark patches of skin. Sometimes, this can occur underneath the toenail. If your toenail is black but doesn't hurt, it could be a sign of something like this.

Unfortunately, melanoma grows slowly and doesn't usually come with any other symptoms. So, it can be hard to recognize in the early stages, especially under the nail. But, if you let it go for too long cancer will have a chance to progress and become worse.

The best thing you can do is to continue paying close attention to your toenails. If you have any sudden discoloration or dark patches underneath them, consult with your doctor.

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Sometimes, discoloration or darkening of the nail can be nothing more than changes in your skin pigmentation. Remember, there is skin underneath the nail. It can change color just as easily as anywhere else on your body.

The pigmentation of your skin can change over time. It may happen slowly, so it's harder to recognize. But, the skin underneath your toenail is no exception to these changes.

A shift in pigmentation can happen to anyone, but it occurs more frequently in people of color.

How can you tell if what you're experiencing is just a change in your skin tone and not something more serious? One of the main telltale signs is to look at your fingernails. If you're starting to see the same discoloration, it's likely just a change in pigmentation.

These changes are also usually symmetrical. For example, if you're experiencing discoloration on one big toe, you'll probably see the same on your other big toe. In rare cases, these changes can be malignant, but they are usually harmless. If you still aren't sure whether you're experiencing changes in skin tone or something more severe like melanoma, have the color change checked out by a podiatrist.

Other Health Conditions

There are conditions to be aware of that may contribute to your toenail turning black.

Some of the most common conditions associated with such a problem include:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Anemia

Each of these health problems has other symptoms. If you already know you're dealing with one of these health problems, the best thing to do is to continue treating it. If an underlying health condition is causing your toe to turn black at the cuticle, you have to address the issue itself before treating the toe.

When you have specific conditions like diabetes, it's especially important that you pay attention to your toes. People with diabetes often have poor foot circulation. You may not notice foot conditions until they become severe and hard to treat. By paying attention to your toes, you should be able to see discoloration at the early stages, so you can track and treat it as needed.

Do I Have Black Toenail Fungus?

One of the leading causes of black toenails is toenail fungus. Fungal infections are common under toenails because we often create an ideal environment for fungus to grow. It's important to know the difference between black toenail fungus or melanoma, or other possible conditions.

Let's look at some signs of toenail fungus. In most cases, you can treat the condition before it becomes extreme. But, that requires you to be aware of the symptoms of toenail fungus. The best way to know if you're dealing with a black fungus and not toenail trauma or something else is to check any other signs you're experiencing.

Some of the common symptoms of toenail fungus include:

• Foul odor
• Brittle nails
• Deformation
• Toenail is black and lifting from the toe itself

The early signs of toenail fungus can consist of a white or yellow spot in the center of the nail. But if it's left untreated, severe cases can cause the toenail to turn black. As you might expect, you must treat a fungal infection for it to go away. Otherwise, it will keep getting worse.

Is Black Toenail Fungus Dangerous?

Getting a fungal infection isn't as scary as getting melanoma. But, the dangers of toenail fungus shouldn't go unnoticed. The longer you ignore it, the more you're putting yourself at risk of more significant problems. If your nail has already turned black, there's a good chance you've been dealing with a fungus for a long time and needed to seek treatment right away.

Some of the potential dangers that come from ignoring a fungal infection are:

• Foot pain – If your toenail is black and thick from the fungus, it could make it difficult to walk. Wearing socks and shoes might start to feel impossible. Your toes might be incredibly tender, or you may experience a constant dull pain.
• Infection – If you have diabetes or another condition that weakens your immune system, a robust toenail fungus can be a huge problem. If it is ignored, it can lead to widespread infection elsewhere on your body. If it spreads to your skin, it can cause it to crack open and allow different types of bacteria to get in. The most common condition that occurs when this happens is called cellulitis. Cellulitis can cause your skin to become swollen and red, and may even affect your bloodstream.
• Lifting nail - In some cases, the toenail may start to lift from the nail bed. This is due to a buildup of the infection underneath it. In these cases, you should see a doctor. The nail may have to be removed for it to heal. If you continue to ignore it, a loose part of the nail may fall off on its own. That can cause even more pain.

Is Toenail Fungus Contagious?

Another danger is that toenail fungus is contagious. Even when you're treating a fungus, it can grow and spread to other people, or even other areas of your body. If a fungus spreads to the surrounding skin on your foot, for example, it can cause a condition known as athlete's foot. This can cause your skin to crack and become red and itchy.

A fungus can also spread to other people if they are exposed to it. In fact, that’s how many people contract toenail fungus in the first place. If your feet are exposed in areas like public showers or pools, you could pick up the infection from someone else who has been walking around with bare feet. Because fungus loves moist environments, these areas are breeding grounds for them to spread.

If you have toenail fungus or live with someone who does, you should be extra careful to avoid spreading it around. Never share things like nail clippers, nail polish, or anything else that might touch the toes. Even towels used to dry off your body after a shower should be off limits when it comes to sharing.

Toenail fungus is contagious at any stage, whether it's just starting out, or even if the nail has turned black. Keeping it contained is one of the most important factors in treating it. It can become much harder to treat if it spreads to other nails or other areas of the body.

How to Treat a Black Toenail

There are many remedies for black toenails caused by toenail fungus. It's important to note that the sooner you start treating a fungal infection, the better. So, pay attention to the early symptoms like slight discoloration or a strange odor. But, if your nail has already turned black, there is still hope.

In severe cases, you may want to get a podiatrist to look at the infection. Sometimes, nail removal isn't avoidable and is the best way to begin the healing process. But, most people want to be able to treat the problem in the comfort of their own home. If you're ready to stop dealing with the pain and embarrassment of a black nail, you can usually treat it with an antifungal agent. Let's look at a few different options for treating a nail fungus at home.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Most over-the-counter treatments for toenail fungus have antifungal formulas. Antifungal creams and ointments like Lamisil are known for their effectiveness. Antifungal creams like this work by breaking down the cell structures of a fungal infection. They get underneath the nail and destroy the cells that are creating the nail fungus.

Not only will this help to stop the fungus in its tracks, but it will keep it from growing and spreading. When holes form in the fungus' cells, it can no longer thrive. The cells will continue to become weaker, and the fungus will eventually die off.

There are rarely any severe risks to using over-the-counter creams and ointments unless you are allergic to one or more of the ingredients. If you experience any redness, itching or burning from a topical cream, stop using it immediately.

Foot Soaks for Toenail Fungus

Another at-home treatment for toenail fungus is foot soaks. There are many varieties of foot soaks you can try, including homemade recipes. But, one of the best on the market is the [easyazon_link identifier="B00PWYG4X6" locale="US" tag="yellowtoenails-20"]Purely Northwest Toenail Fungus System[/easyazon_link]. This is a three-part system and foot soak designed to get rid of even severe cases of toenail fungus naturally.

The potent ingredient in the Purely Northwest system is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a strong antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial agent. It has been used for years as a treatment for different skin conditions.

The Purely Northwest system contains an antifungal soap, a renew nail solution, and a foot soak that is a blend of tea tree oil and Epsom salt.

Even if you don't use this particular foot soak, almost any soak can be beneficial in your treatment process. Soaking your feet can soften up your nails. One of the symptoms of a nail fungus is a hardening of the nails. This can make them difficult to clip or clean, and gives the fungus a chance to keep growing. When a foot soak softens your nails, they can be easier to clip. This will create a more difficult environment for the fungus to grow. Cut nails can also allow other treatments (creams, etc.) to get underneath the nail easier.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy for toenail fungus used only to be offered by doctors and podiatrists. Now, manufacturers are creating laser treatments you can use at home. They are safe, easy to use, and are effective at getting rid of fungus quickly.

One of the most popular products for laser treatment at home is the [easyazon_link identifier="B0764F3P5K" locale="US" tag="yellowtoenails-20"]Cure Ex Fungus Treatment Laser Device[/easyazon_link]. It works by penetrating through the nail. The laser light targets fungus and kills it at the core. It's a much more practical option than going to the doctor for laser therapy, and won't cost you thousands of dollars.

Often, these devices can get rid of toenail fungus in nearly half the time as creams or other topical agents. But, a black toenail may take longer to clear up and be restored to its natural color.

Home Remedies for Black Toenails

Because toenail fungus is so common, people have discovered many different home remedies to help treat it. Some DIY solutions work better than others. So, it's important to be able to weed out which ones are most effective. Here are some of the best home remedies for getting rid of a black toenail:

• Essential oils: Certain essential oils work well at fighting fungus and clearing up the surrounding skin of your feet. The best oil for treating this condition is [easyazon_link identifier="B00GF1NZLY" locale="US" tag="yellowtoenails-20"]Apothecary tea tree oil[/easyazon_link]. Other popular essential oils for healing toenail fungus include thyme, manuka, oregano, and lavender. Most of these oils are quite potent and need a neutral carrier oil, like olive oil, to be applied safely.
• Baking soda: Baking soda won't kill the fungus itself. But, it can help with specific symptoms and be used along with other treatments. It will help to dry up excess moisture from underneath your toes. This will create a more difficult environment for the infection to thrive. It will also help to get rid of the foul odor coming from the nails. You can make a paste with baking soda and water and rub it on the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing away and drying your feet.
• Apple cider vinegar: This is commonly used to get rid of toenail fungus at home because of its acidic properties. It helps to balance out the pH levels of your skin and can kill bacteria and fungi. It will help to prevent the fungus from spreading to other toes or areas of the body. To use, spray a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water onto the toenails and leave for about 30 minutes. Then, rinse away and dry your feet thoroughly.

How Quickly Do Treatments Work?

If your toenail has turned black because of fungus, it may take time to clear up. Some treatments are stronger than others. For example, an over-the-counter antifungal cream may work faster than a home remedy. But, some people don't want to use chemicals or medications that may cause side effects. Natural remedies are usually safer but may take longer to work.

No matter what type of treatment you use, it could take weeks for a toenail fungus to clear up. In some cases, it can even take months. The longer you've let your infection go, the harder it is to treat it. The most important thing is never to stop a treatment early.

If you start to notice, the normal color coming back to your nail or other symptoms going away, keep treating it. Toenail fungus is resilient. If it isn't adequately treated, it can come back. If it does, you'll have to start the treatment process all over again. Keep treating it until it's completely cleared up, and even for a few weeks afterward to ensure it's gone.

How to Cover Black Toenails

Black toenails can be embarrassing. While the health concerns that can come with a fungus are worrisome, most people want to treat the problem quickly, so they don't have to look at their unsightly toes. So, it's no wonder many people want to be able to cover up their nails.

One of the most popular ways is covering toenails with nail polish. Unfortunately, using regular nail polish when you have a fungal infection isn't a good idea. You may be able to cover up your discolored nail, but you're also blocking it from getting any air. Polishing an infected nail helps to seal in the infection. When no air flow can get through, it creates an even more ideal environment for the fungus to thrive. Your nails need a chance to breathe.

Additionally, if you touch a nail polish brush to an infected toe and then dip it back into the bottle, you could contaminate the entire thing. When you pull it out again to polish your next toe, you could be spreading the fungus without even realizing it.

A safer way to polish your toenails if you have a fungus is to use an antifungal polish. Certain polishes, like [easyazon_link identifier="B06Y5T6QRL" locale="US" tag="yellowtoenails-20"]Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish[/easyazon_link], contain antifungal ingredients that can help to treat the infection. They are designed to deal with symptoms of toenail fungus while covering up discoloration with beautiful colors.

If you want to use a nail polish to cover up an unsightly black toenail, use an antifungal polish. Be sure to give your toenails time to breathe for a few days between each application.

Can Black Toenails Be Prevented?

Whether a black toenail can be prevented depends on what caused it. If it's been caused by trauma to the toe, make sure you're wearing shoes that fit properly. This can help you to avoid repeated banging of the toe against the inside of the shoe. Unfortunately, accidents happen. Blunt trauma to the toe is less preventable because you never know when it may happen.

If you have a black toenail due to fungus, it's also not entirely preventable. Again, toenail fungus is highly contagious. There isn't a way to protect yourself all the time from possibly getting it.

But, there are some things you can do to lower your risk:

• Keep your toenails trimmed. If your nails become hard and thick, you may have to buy a pair of toenail clippers for thick nails. By keeping your nails trimmed closely, the treatment you use can get underneath them easier. It also gives the fungus less of a comfortable environment to grow.
• Keep your feet dry: Moisture is a fungus' best friend. What better place for an infection to grow than underneath a toenail that's inside of a dark and moist shoe or sock all day? Keeping your feet dry is extremely important. If you have sweaty feet, take extra precautions. Change your socks throughout the day, and alternate which shoes you wear so every pair has a chance to air out.
• Give your feet time to breathe: Besides making sure your feet are dry, they should also have time to 'breathe.' It's not safe to walk around barefoot in public places. But, try doing it in your home as often as possible.
• Avoid contamination: One of the best things you can do to protect yourself is to avoid places and situations where it's easy to get a toenail fungus. If you go to public pools or showers, wear flip-flops on your feet to protect your toes. You should also try to avoid getting a pedicure at a nail salon. If they don't properly sanitize their tools, a fungus could be spread from a previous customer on to you.
• Practice good foot hygiene: Making sure your feet are always taken care of is a great general rule for preventing fungal infections. Keep your feet clean and dry them off after you take a shower. It's also a good idea to keep them moisturized to help prevent cracking.

One of the easiest ways to protect your toenails from becoming black is to pay close attention to them. We often ignore our feet until they start to cause us pain or the nails become too unsightly to handle. Try to examine your feet daily. The more you know about the early signs of fungus, the easier they will be to spot. If you notice these symptoms early on, the infection will be easier to deal with and could go away faster.

Should I Be Concerned That My Toenail is Turning Black?

Because there are different possibilities for your toenail(s) turning black, don't panic right away. Pay attention to any other symptoms you might be experiencing. If they go along with some of the conditions listed above, you'll have a better idea of what to do to treat them.

Should you have the symptoms of toenail fungus, a black nail can be an extreme form of discoloration. If your nail has gotten black, the infection is likely pretty severe. It's important that you start a treatment solution right away. You don't necessarily have to be worried about it as long as you're treating it. But, if your toenail fungus has started to cause pain or the nail has pulled away from the nail bed, it could cause problems.

We hope this guide has given you some peace of mind about why your toenail might be turning black. In most cases, treating the conditions listed here is easy even though it can take weeks or months for them to clear up. If you have a toenail fungus, using [easyazon_link identifier="B00PWYG4X6" locale="US" tag="yellowtoenails-20"]Purely Northwest Toenail Fungus System[/easyazon_link] will help to restore your nail to its natural color, and the rest of the negative symptoms should go away over time.