hello - my 21 month old son dropped his full sippy cup right on his big toe this morning. The toenail is now black, and he has been whimpering, crying and uncomfortable all day. He won t let us touch the toe, and it is swollen a bit but he was able to walk on it. However tonight he does not want to walk on the toe, although he does not flinch or cry out when we touch the tow itself. Should we do anything to alleviate the selling or address the toenail being black now?
Hello, thank you for posting your question. Blackening of a toenail after an injury is most likely due to local bleeding. In this case associated swelling and pain may also be there. Here painkillers and rest should relieve the condition in a few days. Another rare reason that could cause blackening of the toe is the arrest of the blood supply to the tip of the toe, due to the injury. In this case pain would be severe, and your child would be completely unable to move or use the toe. This should be considered as an emergency and be attended immediately. In any case attending a doctor would be the next logical step. If you need any more assistance kindly write back.