Q: This may seem minor but has anyone experienced blackened toenails from taking remicade or arava?
that's really hard to answer without knowing the cause of your blackened toenails. I looked it up and found a lot of references to "runner's toe" - apparently the constant rubbing of the toenail against the shoes when you're running can cause a blood blister to form under the toenail. The first question for you is therefore about your shoes - does your toes rub up against the tip of them? It could be as simple as that. However, I'd recommend that you go to your family doctor to get checked out and to find out why your toenails are turning black. Is it related to footwear or perhaps an infection or something else entirely? If it's an infection, it could be related to your medication - as you probably know when you're on the Biologics, you are more susceptible to infection. You can also call your rheumatologist to discuss the issue with them.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Please let us know what your doctor(s) say?
could be a fungal infection. Your PCP might be a better person to consult initially to see what's going on with your toe and possibly get some treatment for it. Talk to them about being on an immunosuppressant and what you need to do to monitor possible infections, etc.
Thanks! will do. Also may just drop the pedicures for a while.
Lois
ah. Might've been too much for your toes. Or a dirty tool.
Lois,
First of all, I do NOT think this is minor. I have never heard of this, but I think you should call your rhematologist and see what he/she says. Please share if you learn the answer, as it might help someone else. Sorry you have to deal with this, but with RA, seems there is always something new popping up.
Hugs,
V
I had a pedicure last month and noticed it when my toes were getting polished. Had never noticed it before. I wondered if I was suseptible to a fungal infection because of the lowered immunity caused by the Remicade and Arava. I'll contact my physician and let you know if anything is relevant. Thanks for listening.
Lois
I have taken both of these meds and I did not experience this. Please have this checked. I did have a blackened toenail one time, but chalked it up to the way my toes curl and the shoes fit.
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Thanks, I wasn't sure if I was getting a fungal infection due to the lowered immunity from the aforementioned drugs. I will talk to my Rheumatologist...will let all of you know if it is something relevant.