About Black Toenail
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
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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.
Popular choices for black toenail in India include Manipal Hospital Jaipur, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform black toenail. MediFyr helps you compare dermatologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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.
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.
- 32 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 21 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 6 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 3 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 5 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 40 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 26 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata