Black Toenails

[MargoTester]

The tips of both my big toenails are beginning to go black. I haven't bumped or bruised them - any thoughts please?

[dannyk13]

Some info here Margo:-
https://www.runnersworld.com/black-toenails/5-causes-of-black-toenails-and-how-to-id-the-harmless-from-the-harmful

[Flonska]

Dye from wet socks?
Polish soaked through?

[MargoTester]

Thanks both :-)
Definitely not through running Danny, I struggle to walk sometimes?
Flonska I never wear socks. The black is actually under the nail I think.

[bookbinder]

I had exactly the same thing happen to only one of my big toenails, about 2 years ago. It began to go black, and it eventually became black all over. I saw my GP, and he said that I should send some clippings for analysis, which I did. Result: no infection in the nail. I had no other symptoms, and there was no apparent cause. I had no pain, no red skin, nothing else. I did nothing about it, didn't apply cream or anything. After almost exactly 12 months to the day, the blackness grew out. I have not had black toenail since.

[MargoTester]

Thanks bookbinder,same here really no pain, no red skin. I'll see how it goes. Trying to get an appointment with my doctor is like asking for gold, which was why I asked here.

[Flonska]

If it is not just "dirt" or from an external source have a look at some alternative suggestions:-

https://www.healthline.com/health/black-toenail

[MargoTester]

Thanks again

[Tilly2]

Margo, what happens when you cut your toenails? If you cut off the black part, does it become black again as they grow?

[hellywelly4]

I had this some years ago when I wore high heeled shoes. It was bruising from walking too far in them.

[MargoTester]

Tilly it's only happened in the last couple of days - I'll get the garden shears out and see what happens!
Helly, I'm a flat shoes gal these days :-)