Get Answers on Toenail and Foot Skin Conditions in our FAQ

The sudden black discoloration is likely due to trauma to the nail bed that causes bleeding beneath the nail. The trauma is normally due to repetitive stress to the nail from a tight gym shoe. If the nail is loose or more than 50% of the nail is black, it is best to visit a podiatrist.

The most common reason people experience recurrent ingrown toenails is due to the shape of the big toe and the underlying bone position. Other factors that increase frequent ingrown nails are ill-fitting shoes. Make sure to keep your toenails at a healthy length and cut the nail with a very slight curve.

Toenail fungus is notoriously hard to cure. Both oral and OTC anti-fungal medications take time to reach the fungus under the nail where it lives. Also, once the medication kills the fungus, it won’t improve the look of the infected nail right away. As the new, healed nail grows out, the thick, discolored nail is trimmed away. It may take 6-9 months for the new nail to grow all the way out.

Having a thick or damaged toenail removed will probably not result in a healthier nail. Once the nail matrix (nail growth center) is damaged, it typically will continue to produce an altered nail.

These are two likely signs of infection, especially if the nail’s protective cuticle was cut or pushed back during the pedicure. Another cause of these symptoms is an allergic reaction to products used during the pedicure (nail polish, creams, instruments used). If you continue to experience these symptoms, it is best to seek medical treatment.

Toenail fungus is a slow-growing infection underneath the nail. The most common signs of fungal infection are a thickening of the nail, yellow or brown discoloration, change in nail texture, and flaky debris under the nail.