4 Conditions That Discolor Your Toenails

You want your toenails to look healthy, with normal shape and coloration. Normal toenails are semi-transparent, appearing a little lighter than your skin tone. But sometimes, your toenails become discolored.

Several foot and nail conditions can result in toenail discoloration. Your nails might appear yellow, green, purple, or even black. When you notice toenail discoloration, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a podiatry professional like Dr. Leonard Greenwald of San Jose, California.

Here are four common reasons you may be experiencing toenail discoloration and how Dr. Greenwald can help restore the health and appearance of your nails.

Nail fungus

If you develop a fungal infection in one or more of your toenails, medically known as onychomycosis, discoloration may result. Fungal infections can enter your body through tiny cracks in your nails or skin. Discoloration due to nail fungus is most likely to affect your big toe first. Your nail may appear yellow, uneven, or thickened.

Fungal infections can be tricky to treat at home, as an infection is often stubborn and may reoccur. Dr. Greenwald offers professional-grade antifungal remedies to effectively clear up the problem. Once the infection is gone, your affected nails should return to their normal color.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis affects your skin cells and can often result in changes to your nails. If your nails are affected by nail psoriasis, you may notice discoloration, nail thickening, nail crumbling, or your nail pulling away from the nail bed.

Strong corticosteroid medication typically works to address nail psoriasis. Other medications can help as well. You may need to keep applying treatments for several months to fully eliminate all discoloration. Dr. Greenwald prescribes medication for nail psoriasis and makes sure you understand what to expect from your treatment.

Trauma or injury

Your nails can change color due to a physical injury. Stubbing your toe very hard or dropping something heavy on your toe may result in a subungual hematoma and toe discoloration, resulting in your nail looking red or purple and feeling tender. This can also be caused by wearing overly tight shoes.

This type of injury often heals with rest in just a few days. Ice pack therapy can help reduce pain and accelerate healing. If the injury doesn’t heal, or if you notice signs of infection like red streaks on your skin, seek care from Dr. Greenwald right away.

Diabetes

People living with diabetes often experience poor foot health due to related circulation issues. Lack of blood flow to your lower extremities means podiatry problems like fungal infections and toenail discoloration are more common.

If you have diabetes, it’s important to seek professional diabetic foot care when you notice early signs of potential issues. If you notice nail discoloration, contact Dr. Greenwald promptly for a checkup and any needed treatment.

With the right care, you can keep your toenails healthy, strong, and looking great. For help with your nail care, schedule an appointment with Dr. Greenwald today. Book your appointment online or over the phone today.