Woodbridge Office

14010 Smoketown Rd., Suite 103
Woodbridge, VA 22192
(703) 583-5959
 (703) 583-5995

Loudoun Office

46440 Benedict Dr., Suite 209
Sterling, VA 20164
(703) 444-9555
(703) 444-1190

Crofton Office

1657 Crofton Blvd., Suite 201
Crofton, MD 21114
(410) 721-4505
(410) 721-2394

Annapolis Office

43 Old Solomons Island Rd, Suite 102
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 263-3100
(410) 263-7380

White Plains Office

4475 Regency Pl., Suite 204
White Plains, MD 20695
(301) 645-1406
(301) 645-0997

Woodbridge Office
(703) 583-5959
Chantilly Office
(703) 490-5599

Black Toenails

A black, purple, or brownish discoloration under or involving a toenail is frequently due to trauma to the toe nail, such as when something is dropped on the toe. The color results from a blood clot or bleeding under the nail, and may involve the entire nail or just a small portion of it. This can be very painful when the entire nail is involved, and may need medical attention to relieve the pressure caused by bleeding under the toenail.

Although it is very rare, a more serious cause of black toenails is malignant melanoma. Since early diagnosis and treatment of melanoma improves the chances for a good outcome, it is important that all black toenails be evaluated by a qualified foot and ankle surgeon to rule out this cause.

Other rare causes of black toenails include fungal infections, chronic ingrown nails, or health problems affecting the rest of the body.