Black Toenail Fungus is an infection that envelops the nails of your toes. When you suffer from this fungal infection, the natural color of your toes changes form white/off-white to black.
Even before you start to panic, ensure that you are consuming a nutrient dense diet. It could also be a resultant of a recent nail polish that you used on your toe nails.
It is best to wait and watch your fungus black toenail for a week to see if it changes back to its original color or not. If it remains the same or deteriorates, it is time to take action.
What does it Mean when Toenail Fungus Turns Black?
There could be a myriad of reasons behind your fungal infection. Here are a few common reasons for the same:
>>> Your Organs are Not Functioning Well Enough: This is undoubtedly the first tell-tale sign of such a fungal infection. It is highly likely that your toes are turning black because you are a diabetic or your kidneys are not functioning optimally. An underlying heart disease or anemia is also a cause for the same.
>>> You Have Suffered an Injury: If your toe has been recently injured then, it is highly likely that your toe shall turn black in color. When you hit your toe on a hard surface, the blood vessels underneath your nail tend to rupture. This leads to blood loss and discolors your nail (black fungus under toenail).
>>> Covid 19 Infection: It has been reported that men and women that have suffered viral infection (covid 19) suffer from fungal infection in their toes.
>>> You Often Suffer from Wet Feet Syndrome: If you are habitual of wearing socks on wet feet or you refrain from drying them, fungal infection sets in. Moreover, if you stay in a warm climate that has high humidity levels, you may develop fungal infection in your toes.
>>> Skin Cancer: This is also a reason why your toe nails are turning black in color. The lack of optimal pigmentation caused by skin cancer leads to this phenomenon.
How to Cure Black Toenail Fungus?
The cure to black fungus under toenail differs from one individual to another and is based on the causes behind this phenomenon. Here is how I can explain this:
>>> In case you have suffered an injury and your toe has turned black then, there is nothing much to worry. Your blood vessels shall heal over time and your toe shall regain its original color.
>>> If you have an underlying medical condition then, you might have to get yourself analyzed by a trained medical examiner. He or she shall reveal the next course of action to improve your current fungal infection.
>>> If you suffer from a severe condition then, you might need to opt for ‘over the counter’ fungal medicines. Use of these medicines as well as topical ointments may also help.
Home Remedies for Black Toenail
>>> Cold Compress: You can try and compress your injured toe or black colored toe in a small plastic bag containing crushed ice cubes. You can apply this ice pack for 20 minutes, twice a day for best results.
>>> No Movement: You should avoid walking, running, jogging or indulging in rigorous physical activity. If you do need to move, be careful on your foot.
>>> Over the Counter Nail Fungal Medications: If your black toenail tends to pain then, you could opt for ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen. Taking these shall reduce the swelling and ease your pain. Lamisil is also a good OTC medicine to treat black toenail fungus.
>>> Soak Your Foot in Vinegar: In two mugs full of water pour one mug filled with vinegar. You need to use water that has a temperature higher than normal room temperature. Soak your foot for 20 minutes before drying your feet. You can repeat this process 2 to 3 times daily.
>>> The Shoe & Sock Quality: To avoid black toenail fungus from doing further damage to your nails, wear socks that absorb sweat. You should also wear a shoe that is a size larger than your normal one. This shall avoid your toe from rubbing when you walk/run/play.
>>> Wear Protective Gear: It is a good idea to cover your black colored nail with toe caps. Over this, you should wear a pair of thick socks to offer more protection.
>>> Use Anti-Fungal Cream: Urea 40+ and Lotrimin AF are two ointments that help cure your fungal infection. Medicated nail polish is also a wise option.
Conclusion:
Your toenail tends to collect debris, which causes fungal infection. Discoloration of nails (yellow, black, pale yellow) is a clear sign that your toe is infected. Your nail may emit foul odor or your nail might become brittle. So, always keep your toes clean and dry. You can also take herbal pills that improve nail health and kill toenail fungus naturally.
