Should we see a podiatrist about a black toenail caused by neuropathy?
1 answer
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Last updated: Jun 28, 2011
Q
There is a 85 year old female with neuropathy that has a black toenail. What can I do to help this? Her doctor hasn't done anything, so we are switching doctors. Should she go to a podiatrist? Or will her new doctor be able to help her?
A
Jane Andersen, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist in private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She provides surgical and nonsurgical foot and ankle...
100% helpful
Black toenails are usually caused by a collection of blood under the nail. If it's a recent event, the blood can and should be drained. If not, the black discoloration will slowly grow out over time.
She should absolutely see a podiatrist! Her podiatrist can confirm the cause of the discoloration. He or she can make the determination if the nail needs to be drained or removed, or if the situation can just be monitored.
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