Discolored Toenails

Discolored toenails can be the result of a fungal infection, which makes your toenails appear white, yellow, or greenish. This can be very embarrassing and can prevent you from exposing your feet freely in the warm summer days. They also become thicker than usual and ragged. Toenail fungus is responsible for this condition in almost 90% cases.

• Trauma:
  There can be several causes for discoloration of toenails. Although the most common cause is a fungal infection, it can also be caused by damage or injury. A blow to the tip of the toe can cause bleeding and blackening under the nail.

• Collection of blood under the nails, or hematoma, can make them appear red or even black.

• Poor Health:
  Another cause can be inadequate nutrition and ill health. Certain medical conditions also affect the appearance of the nails. Specific colors to the nails can be caused by liver, kidney, or heart disorders.

• It can also be suggestive of chronic medical conditions, like diabetes or bronchitis, and that is the reason why doctors check the nail coloration during a routine physical examination.

• Toenail Fungus:
  Discolored and thick toenails are a clear indication of a fungal infection.

• The common fungi that are present in the air, dust, and soil invade the nails and cause discoloration. There are many species of fungi which can affect the toenails, the most common being Trichophyton rubrum.

•  It is known as a dermatophyte because of its tendency to infect the skin. These dermatophytes are yellow, mahogany brown, or reddish in laboratory culture. However, they produce a yellow, brown, or black color when growing on the nail.

• A yellowish tinge is seen in the early stages of infection and the color develops as the fungus spreads and matures on the nail. The nails can also become flaky or distorted if the infection is too severe and is not treated properly.

• Genetics:
  Discolored toenails can also be associated with genetics.

Yellow nail syndrome, which is an inherited condition, results in slow growth and discoloration of nails. It is related to lymphedema, in which accumulation of fluid causes swelling of tissues. A rare cause of nails appearing lightened or whitish yellow in color is onycholysis, which results from separation of the nail from the nail bed.

• Nail fungus has a tendency to grow in moist places, like public showers, pools, and gyms. Make sure to wear closed sandals at these places to avoid a fungal infection.

• Keep your feet dry, as sweaty shoes can also act as breeding grounds for fungi. Wear thick absorbent socks if you sweat too much.
• Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight. They exert pressure on the toes and toenails, which may cause discoloration. Do not share your footwear with others, as this can spread the infection very easily.

• Avoid cutting your toenails too short, as this can expose your feet to fungal invasion. Moreover, cutting them too short may also increase the chance of the toenails getting injured, resulting in discoloration.
• Consume a healthy diet rich in all the necessary nutrients, and maintain proper health.

Discolored toenail is a condition many people tend to ignore, but the condition may worsen and can be difficult to treat if the infection becomes too severe. Hence, it is very important to start the treatment as soon as you notice any discoloration.

If it is due to a fungal infection, it requires to be treated with tropical antifungal medications. There are several products available in the market to effectively treat discolored toenails. However, the prescription drugs are quite expensive and many people go in for natural treatment, which includes the use of tea tree, lemon grass, and vitamin E oils.

Before you go for any treatment, make sure to clean the surface of the toenail so that it will absorb the treatment easily. This can be done by soaking your feet in a mild detergent and then cleaning the debris under and around the sides of the nail using a nail file.

Apply an antiseptic lotion once the area is scrubbed and filed, and then start your topical antifungal treatment.

This condition can turn nasty if not treated in the early stages. So, as soon as you see your toenails of a different color than normal, get them treated immediately.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.