Whether or not your black toenails need treatment largely depends on why they are black, and whether or not they are painful. Nails that are black because of a type of fungus or some melanoma underneath the hard keratin will definitely need treatment. If your nails are dark because you’ve bruised them—whether by running, stubbing a toe, or dropping something heavy on your foot—you might not need extra care.

Bruised nails are dark because small amounts of blood leak under your keratin and stain it black. The discoloration will grow out as your nail does. Too much blood pooled under the nail, however, can cause painful pressure. This does need treatment to alleviate your discomfort. Dr. Darren Silvester and our team at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic can help with this by draining the pooled blood, or even by removing the damaged nail. Don’t wait until you can’t stand it anymore to get help. Call our Pleasanton, TX, office at (210) 375-3318 to get an appointment.