Why Is My Toenail Yellow and Crumbly?

Foot problems can be especially distressing, affecting how your feet look, feel, and sometimes affecting your ability to stand and walk. Toenails that are dry and crumbly can look very unattractive, can cause bothersome symptoms, and often need professional treatment to get better. This condition is typically caused by a type of fungus that can grow on your foot.

Leonard Greenwald, DPM, is a highly skilled and respected podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon with a medical practice located in San Jose, California. Dr. Greenwald, supported by his friendly and experienced staff, provides a full range of food care, from treating sports injuries to diabetic foot care. He has extensive experience in providing effective treatments for many types of toenail fungus.

Do I have a toenail fungus?

If you are having any issues with your feet, it’s important to have them checked out by a qualified podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. It’s best to schedule an appointment as soon as you notice an issue, rather than waiting until the problem gets much worse.

A yellow and crumbly toenail is typically an indication that you have a type of fungus on one or more of your toenails. Sometimes it starts as a small yellow or white spot that eventually spreads across the entire nail, causing it to thicken and crumble. 

What are the symptoms?

Depending on the severity of the infection and how many nails are affected, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Thickened toenails
• Distorted toenail shapes
• Foul odor
• White or dark yellow toenails
• Brittle or crumbly toenails
• Tender and inflamed toenails

In some mild cases, a toenail fungus may go away on its own. If it progresses, however, professional treatment is often necessary and helps to prevent the fungus from returning. 

How is it treated?

After hearing you describe your symptoms, Dr. Greenwald reviews your medical history and current list of prescriptions before completing a physical exam. He orders any tests that might be needed in order to give you an accurate diagnosis. 

Typically, toenail fungus is treated with an antifungal medication that kills the fungus and restores your toenails to a healthy state. Dr. Greenwald may need to remove some or all of your toenail for the treatment to be completely effective.

If you think you may have a toenail fungus, or for any other foot health concerns, call our office to set up an appointment. You can also text us, or use our convenient online booking system to set up your appointment any time.