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The nail turns black without an identifiable injury.
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The discoloration keeps getting darker or larger.
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The nail repeatedly cracks or crumbles.
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The nail separates significantly from the nail bed.
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There is persistent pain or swelling.
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The skin around the nail becomes red or warm.
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Pus or other drainage appears.
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The nail develops a new unusual dark streak.
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The problem doesn't improve as the nail grows.
A healthcare professional can determine whether the problem is related to trauma, infection, inflammation, pigmentation, or another condition.
Don't Try to Fix a Black Nail Yourself
One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to puncture or remove a damaged nail at home.
Don't drill into the nail, burn a hole through it, aggressively pull it off, or use harsh chemicals to try to remove the discoloration.
If blood trapped beneath the nail is causing significant pressure and pain, a healthcare professional can determine whether treatment is necessary.
Likewise, if an infection is suspected, the appropriate treatment depends on the actual cause.
Sometimes the Explanation Is Surprisingly Simple
A dramatic-looking nail doesn't necessarily indicate a serious health problem.
A single accident can cause a nail to become almost completely black.
Repeated pressure can make the nail brittle.
A fungal infection can gradually cause thickening and crumbling.
Even cosmetic treatments and everyday habits can contribute to nail damage.