Why Are My Toenails Turning Black, Painful, and Falling Off?

Why Do Toenails Turn Black, Hurt, and Fall Off by Themselves?

In daily life, some people may find that their toenails have turned black and are very painful, but they will fall off by themselves after a while. Many people do not know what causes this. Could it be onychomycosis or paronychia? When this happens, it is important to find out the cause in time and take corresponding measures for treatment. Especially for diabetics, extra attention should be paid. So, what is the reason for toenails turning black, hurting, and falling off by themselves?

Most cases of black toenails with pain are caused by trauma, such as women wearing uncomfortable high heels for a long time, playing football, or getting hit on the toenail. These can cause toenail injury, bleeding under the nail, resulting in blood stagnation and presenting as black nails with pain.

What Should I Do If My Toenails Turn Black, Hurt, and Fall Off by Themselves?

1. Ice Pack Relief: Ice packs can reduce vascular permeability, constrict blood vessels in the injured area, reduce local congestion, and thus reduce local extravasation and prevent the spread of local hematoma. Therefore, within 24 hours after the toe is pinched, an ice pack or cold water can be used for icing.

2. Heat Treatment: After 24 hours of hematoma caused by the toe being pinched by a door, a warm towel or hot water bag can be used to apply heat to the hematoma site to promote local blood circulation and dissipate the hematoma.

3. Automatic Healing and Growth: If there is no pain or infection in the toenail, and the hematoma is not severe, just a simple hematoma under the nail, it can be allowed to grow automatically. Observe for a period of time. If the hematoma in the nail dissipates, there is no need to worry. Trim the nails weekly, eat high-protein foods, and let the nails grow quickly. The hematoma will disperse soon.

4. Drainage of Hematoma (Professional Operation Required): This method requires the assistance of a professional and should not be handled casually. It involves using a red-hot fine needle to "burn a hole" in the hematoma site, allowing the hematoma to come out. However, this method should generally be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

5. Removal of Toenail in Severe Cases: For severe toenail hematomas, the toenail may need to be removed to quickly remove the hematoma. However, this method is not recommended as it involves enduring the pain of toenail removal and may cause secondary injury to the finger due to nail removal.

6. Seek Medical Attention as Needed: If the hematoma caused by the door pinching the toe turns black, is accompanied by severe pain, and there are signs of inflammation or other discomfort, it is important to seek medical attention for examination and treatment promptly.