Learn about Black Toenail Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Black Toenail and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Black Toenail

A black toenail, medically known as subungual hematoma, is a common condition where blood pools under the toenail, often due to trauma or repetitive pressure. While it can resolve on its own, a dermatologist may perform a procedure to relieve pain and pressure. The most common intervention is nail trephination, a minor in-office procedure where a small hole is drilled or a heated instrument is used to create an opening in the nail plate. This allows the trapped blood to drain, providing immediate pain relief and preventing potential complications like infection or permanent nail damage. In cases of severe trauma or suspicion of melanoma, a partial or complete nail removal (nail avulsion) may be necessary for further examination or treatment. These procedures are quick, effective, and crucial for both comfort and accurate diagnosis.

Key Highlights

    Provides immediate relief from pain and pressure under the nail.Quick, in-office procedure typically completed in minutes.Helps prevent potential complications like infection or permanent nail deformity.Can be diagnostic, allowing visualization of the nail bed to rule out serious conditions like melanoma.Minimally invasive with no sutures required for simple drainage.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Significant pain or throbbing due to blood accumulation under the nail (subungual hematoma).
  • Trauma to the toe, such as from dropping a heavy object or stubbing it.
  • Repetitive pressure from ill-fitting shoes or athletic activities (e.g., runner's toe).
  • Suspicion of a fungal infection presenting as a dark discoloration.
  • Need to rule out subungual melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer under the nail.
  • Recurrent black toenails that do not resolve independently.

How to prepare

  • The dermatologist will review your medical history and any medications, especially blood thinners.
  • A visual examination of the toenail will be performed to assess the extent of the hematoma.
  • The toe will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution to minimize infection risk.
  • Local anesthesia (a numbing injection) may be administered at the base of the toe for procedures like nail avulsion.
  • No special fasting or major preparation is required for this minor procedure.

Risks & possible complications

  • Mild pain or discomfort during the local anesthetic injection or procedure.
  • Risk of infection at the procedure site, though this is low with proper sterile technique.
  • Temporary or permanent nail deformity or ridging as the new nail grows in.
  • Minor bleeding during or after the procedure.
  • Recurrence of the hematoma if the underlying cause (e.g., tight shoes) is not addressed.
  • Allergic reaction to the local anesthetic (rare).

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Keep the area clean and dry for 24-48 hours as advised by your dermatologist.
  • Apply an antibiotic ointment and a bandage if instructed.
  • Wear open-toed or roomy shoes to avoid pressure on the treated toe.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can manage any residual discomfort.
  • Monitor for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.
  • The existing discolored nail will gradually grow out and be replaced by new nail growth over several months.
  • Follow up if you experience severe pain, fever, or the toe does not seem to be healing.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 days for pain relief; 6-12 months for complete nail regrowth

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering black toenail in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for black toenail compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 1.5 Thousand – 8 Thousand 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 1-2 days for pain relief; 6-12 months for complete nail regrowth Know More
Turkey TRY 5.25 Thousand – 28 Thousand 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 1-2 days for pain relief; 6-12 months for complete nail regrowth Know More

Top hospitals for Black Toenail in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated dermatology teams and experience managing patients undergoing black toenail.

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Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

Emily Khan, a 32-year-old marathon runner...

Emily Khan, a 32-year-old marathon runner and graphic designer, developed a painful, throbbing black toenail after her last race. She'd had 'runner's toe' before, but this was different, intensely painful, swollen, and with a small amount of clear drainage. It was keeping her from training. Her dermatologist diagnosed it as a subungual hematoma complicated by a secondary fungal infection and possible early paronychia (nail fold infection). The doctor recommended trephination: draining the built-up blood to relieve pressure and pain. Emily was anxious about the needle but desperate for relief. The doctor cleaned the area, applied a topical numbing spray, and then used a sterile heated needle to painlessly puncture the nail, releasing a jet of dark blood. Immediate pressure relief was dramatic. She was given antifungal medication and care instructions. Within days, the pain and swelling subsided. The black discoloration remained but was no longer painful. Emily felt a mix of embarrassment for letting it get so bad and immense physical relief. She's since invested in better running shoes and pays closer attention to foot care, returning to her training schedule with renewed appreciation for her body's signals.

Dermatologists for Black Toenail

Explore experienced dermatologists who regularly perform black toenail and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Khushboo Jha
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shruti Lakhanpal Tandon
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. KUNA RAMADAS
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. Sugandhan S
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shazia Zaidi
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Himani Mavi
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Alia Abbas Rizivi
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

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Dr. DEEPIKA J SANBAL
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. Vindhya Raparla
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. S. SUSHMA SUKRUTHI
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. Sushmitha Asokan
  • 3 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. SK MD Amanur Rahaman
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Ashwini K C
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Imran Wali
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

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Dr. Gargi Taneja
  • 5 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

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Dr. Aishwarya Devaraj
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

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Dr. Shankar D Desai D
  • 40 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 650
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Pankaj Kanti Jha
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

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Dr. Col. Aradhana Sood
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore

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Dr. Alok Kumar Roy
  • 43 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated