Ava Monroe
Toenails can often look weird after removing nail polish due to a condition called keratin granulations, which is caused by the dehydration of the toenail plate. This occurs when the nail polish and nail polish remover contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and acetone, which can dry out and damage the nail. As a result, white clouds, spots, or marks may appear on the toenails, which can be a sign of nail fungus or dehydration. While often harmless, discolored toenails can sometimes indicate deeper nail health issues, such as fungal infections, dehydration, or lack of oxygen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White clouds, stains, yellow, discoloured, flaky, dry, bruised |
| Causes | Nail polish, nail polish remover, nail trauma, fungal infection, dehydration, harmful chemicals, keratin granulations |
| Solutions | Non-acetone nail polish remover, moisturise, coconut oil, vitamin E oil, gentle filing, cuticle oil, jojoba oil |
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What You'll Learn
Toenails may be stained by dark-coloured pigments in nail polish
To prevent staining, it is recommended to use a base coat, as this creates a barrier between the nail and the nail polish. It is also important to give your nails a break from polish, allowing them to be exposed to air and keeping them healthy. Foot specialist, Dr. Joy Rowland, recommends leaving nails unpainted for a few weeks after having nail polish on for a few weeks.
If your toenails are stained, you can determine if the stain is from the nail polish by observing if your natural nail colour is growing out from the cuticle. The stain should fade over time and eventually grow out. Toenail growth is approximately one millimetre per month, so you may need to be patient. During this grow-out period, it is advised to avoid using nail polish and to keep your feet dry by wearing cotton socks and shoes made of breathable materials, such as leather or cotton.
To help restore your nails to health, you can apply vitamin E oil or coconut oil to the nail and nail bed, gently rubbing it in. You can also try non-acetone-based nail polish removers, as acetone can dry out your nails and make them more susceptible to bacterial or fungal infections.
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Dehydration and damage from nail polish and remover can cause white spots
Toenails can become discoloured due to the prolonged use of nail polish. This discolouration is often harmless and cosmetic, but it can sometimes indicate deeper nail health issues, such as dehydration, fungal infections, or a lack of oxygen.
Nail polish and nail polish remover can cause dehydration and damage to the nail due to their toxic chemical compounds. Formaldehyde, toluene, and acetone are all chemicals found in nail polish and nail polish remover that can contribute to nail discolouration. This creates a "white-chalk-like" substance called keratin granulations, which is essentially the biomechanical and biochemical destruction of the top layers of the nail. The nail plate is made up of a substance called keratin, and when it becomes dehydrated, it can cause the toenail to dry out and curl.
To prevent and treat nail discolouration and dehydration, it is important to give your nails a break from nail polish and allow them to heal. Foot specialist Dr. Joy Rowland recommends leaving polish on for a few weeks and then going without for a few weeks to allow the nails to breathe and stay healthy. During this time, you can apply vitamin E oil or coconut oil to the nail and nail bed to help nurse them back to health.
Additionally, when choosing nail polish and nail polish remover, opt for less-toxic brands that do not contain acetone or other harsh chemicals. Keeping your nails well-moisturized with cuticle oil or pure jojoba oil can also help rehydrate them and prevent discolouration.
In some cases, discolouration that doesn't fade or is accompanied by thickening, odour, or crumbling could indicate a fungal infection or nail trauma, and it is recommended to consult a podiatrist for persistent issues.
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Nails need to breathe and be moisturised
Toenails can often look weird after removing nail polish because they need to breathe and be moisturised. While toenails do not get oxygen directly from the air, they do need a break from polish to avoid the harmful chemicals in polishes and removers, which can seep into the bloodstream. These chemicals can include formaldehyde, toluene, and acetone, which can cause dehydration and damage to the nail.
Leaving nail polish on for too long can lead to discolouration, staining, and a white, cloudy, or chalky appearance. This is due to the nail polish seeping into the porous nail plate, causing a condition called keratin granulations, which is the biochemical destruction of the top layers of the nail. This can make the nails appear white and dry, similar to nail bruising, and can cause the nails to curl.
To restore nail health, it is important to give your nails a break from polish for a few weeks and to keep your feet dry during this time by wearing cotton socks and shoes made of breathable materials. You can also apply vitamin E oil, coconut oil, or cuticle oil to the nail and nail bed to rehydrate and moisturise them, helping to nurse them back to health.
During the healing process, it is recommended to avoid nail polish and remover to allow the nails to recover. While discolouration will eventually fade, it can take months for nails to grow out, so patience is required. In addition, it is advised to use non-acetone-based nail polish removers and less toxic brands of nail polish to minimise further damage.
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Toenails may have a fungal infection
Fungal infections can cause the nail to become white, yellow, or even darker in colour, and may be accompanied by a foul smell. The nail may also crumble or break easily, and the skin around it may become painful and swollen if the nail breaks off. Toenail fungus can be treated with daily cleansing and over-the-counter antifungal agents, but it is important to seek professional treatment as soon as possible to increase the chances of clearing the infection.
To prevent toenail fungus, it is recommended to keep your toenails unpolished for a few weeks after removing nail polish. This allows the nails to breathe and stay healthy. During this time, you can apply vitamin E oil or coconut oil to the nail and nail bed to rehydrate and improve their appearance. It is also important to keep your feet dry during the day by wearing socks and shoes made of breathable materials, such as cotton or leather.
Additionally, proper toenail care is essential to prevent fungal infections. Trim your toenails straight across, disinfect nail-cutting instruments, and avoid excessively tight hosiery to reduce moisture. If you suspect a fungal infection, it is best to refrain from applying nail polish and seek advice from a pharmacist or podiatrist. They can recommend appropriate treatments and provide guidance on managing your nails to prevent the recurrence of fungal infections.
If you notice any unusual changes in your toenails, such as persistent discolouration, thickening, or brittleness, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. They can examine your toenails, determine the underlying cause, and provide effective solutions to restore the health and appearance of your toenails.
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Nail health issues can be caused by harmful chemicals in nail polish
Toenails can become discoloured due to the prolonged use of nail polish. This discolouration is caused by dark-coloured pigments seeping into the porous nail plate, especially if a base coat wasn't applied. Over time, this can leave behind yellow, brown, or cloudy stains. Nail polish and nail polish removers can also dehydrate and damage the nail due to their toxic chemical compounds, such as acetone, formaldehyde, and toluene. This creates a "white-chalk-like" substance called keratin granulations, which is essentially the biomechanical and biochemical destruction of the top layers of the nail.
While nail discolouration is often harmless and cosmetic, it can sometimes signal deeper nail health issues like fungal infections, dehydration, or lack of oxygen. For example, if the discolouration doesn't fade or is accompanied by changes such as thickening, odour, or crumbling, it could indicate a fungal infection or nail trauma. In such cases, it is important to give your nails a break from polish and use gentle nail treatments. Persistent issues should be evaluated by a podiatrist or doctor.
To prevent and address nail discolouration and health issues, it is recommended to give your nails a break from nail polish for a few weeks at a time. During this break, you can apply vitamin E oil or coconut oil to the nail and nail bed to help nurse them back to health. It is also important to keep your nails well-moisturized and clean. Additionally, when getting a pedicure, ensure that the salon sterilizes all tools and cleans the foot bath between clients. You can also request less toxic brands of nail polish or bring your own.
Overall, while nail polish can enhance the appearance of your toenails, it is important to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with prolonged use. By giving your nails breaks, moisturising them, and choosing less toxic options, you can help maintain their health and avoid issues like discolouration and fungal infections.
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Frequently asked questions
Toenails may develop white spots or a cloudy appearance due to dehydration caused by nail polish and nail polish remover. This can be addressed by rehydrating the nails with vitamin E oil, coconut oil, or cuticle oil.
Dark-coloured pigments from nail polish can seep into the porous nail plate and cause discolouration. This can result in yellow, brown, or cloudy stains that usually fade over time as the nails grow out.
Regular use of nail polish can lead to staining or discolouration of toenails. This is often harmless but may indicate underlying nail health issues such as fungal infections, dehydration, or lack of oxygen. It is recommended to give your nails a break from polish and allow them to heal.
