My big toenail turned completely black after playing basketball.
Jan 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Introduction
In general, a completely blackened thumbnail after playing basketball may be caused by factors such as trauma, paronychia, onychomycosis, nail matrix nevus, or subungual melanoma. Patients should promptly seek medical attention at a正规 hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. During treatment, it is essential to maintain regular lifestyle habits and avoid intense physical exercise as much as possible.
Generally, a completely blackened thumbnail after playing basketball may be caused by factors such as trauma, paronychia, onychomycosis, nail matrix nevus, or subungual melanoma. Patients should promptly visit a正规 hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Trauma
A completely blackened thumbnail may result from physical injury sustained during basketball, such as impact, compression, or other forms of mechanical damage. In such cases, small blood vessels beneath the nail bed may rupture and bleed, leading to discoloration. The patient may also experience local swelling and pain. Treatment may include medications such as Huoxue Zhitong Capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, or ibuprofen tablets, taken under medical guidance.
2. Paronychia
This condition may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, or excessive nail trimming. It can alter the color of the toenail, and prolonged basketball playing may worsen the condition, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. If left untreated, it may even lead to a sensation of nail detachment. Patients may use fusidic acid sodium ointment, amoxicillin capsules, or cefixime capsules as directed by a physician.
3. Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a nail plate disorder caused by fungal infection. Fungal invasion can change the nail color to black or brown, often accompanied by itching, scaling, and nail deformation. If this condition already exists, it may easily trigger the described symptoms. Patients should follow medical advice to take antifungal medications such as terbinafine hydrochloride tablets, itraconazole capsules, or fluconazole capsules.
4. Nail Matrix Nevus
A nail matrix nevus is a pigmented mole located on the nail. It typically appears as one or more longitudinal streaks on the nail, which may gradually widen over time. Symptoms may become more noticeable after playing basketball, manifesting as the aforementioned discoloration. Generally, no treatment is required unless for cosmetic reasons, in which case surgical removal may be performed under medical supervision.
5. Subungual Melanoma
Subungual melanoma is a disease caused by excessive or malignant proliferation of melanocytes. When melanoma develops under the nail, it may lead to the black discoloration described, along with symptoms such as pain, swelling, and pus discharge. In severe cases, prompt medical intervention is necessary, including biopsy, excision of the primary lesion, or palliative surgery, depending on the situation.
During treatment, patients should maintain regular lifestyle habits and avoid intense physical activities, as these may interfere with local recovery.
