Ava Monroe
Toenails are usually semi-transparent, but they can sometimes turn purple, black, green, or yellow. Several factors can cause toenail discolouration, ranging from minor injuries to potentially severe health conditions. Stubbing your toe, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or participating in sports that cause your nails to hit the top of your shoe can lead to toenail trauma. This can cause blood vessels under the nail to break and leak blood, resulting in a black toenail. Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is another common cause of discolouration. Fungal infections can usually be treated at home with over-the-counter ointments, creams, and polishes. However, severe cases may require prescription antifungal medication. In rare cases, toenail discolouration can indicate a more serious underlying health condition, such as melanoma or diabetes. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if discolouration persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Color | Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black |
| Causes | Nail fungus, Subungual hematoma, Trauma, Injury, Melanoma, Fungal infection, Medication, Cosmetics, Mycotic nails, Onychomycosis, White superficial onychomycosis, Proximal subungual onychomycosis, Yellow nail syndrome, Subungual melanoma, Paronychia, Beau lines, Washboard nails, Clubbing, Onychotillomania, Nail biopsy, Toenail discoloration |
| Symptoms | Dark band of color, Red or purple nails, White spots, White streak, Thick nails, Fragile nails, Cracks in nails, Discolored nails, Curved nails, Deep grooves in nails |
| Treatment | Oral vitamin E, Antifungals, Ice pack, Rest, Debridement, Soaks, Antibiotics, Moisturizer, Breathable shoes, Moisture-wicking socks |
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What You'll Learn
Trauma or injury
Toe trauma can also cause white streaks on the toenail, which may go unnoticed by the individual. This can occur when wearing shoes that are too small and tight, causing the toe to hit the front of the shoe. Additionally, fungal infections can develop following an injury to the toe or nail. These infections can cause toenail discoloration, with the color varying depending on the type of fungus involved. For example, yeast onychomycosis, often caused by Candida, may affect the toenails and cause a brownish or blackish color. Another type of fungal infection, white superficial onychomycosis, can turn the toenail white or cause large powder-like patches. It is important to seek medical attention for persistent or concerning toenail discoloration, as it can be indicative of an underlying condition or injury that requires treatment.
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Underlying health conditions
While toenail discoloration is not always a cause for concern, sometimes it can indicate an underlying health condition.
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common cause of discolored toenails. It can cause the toenail to thicken and become fragile, with cracks in the keratin. This infection can spread to other parts of the foot and body if left untreated.
Toenail discoloration can also be a symptom of a subungual hematoma, which is a bruise under the nail caused by stubbing your toe or wearing tight shoes. This usually heals on its own, but it can take 6 to 9 months for the discolored nail to completely grow out.
In some cases, toenail discoloration can be a sign of something more serious, such as subungual melanoma, a rare form of skin cancer. It often appears as a dark black, vertical band in a single toenail and can be confused with other conditions like bacterial and fungal infections or nail injuries. Other warning signs of subungual melanoma include a change in the shape or texture of the nail, such as thickening or roughness.
Yellow nail syndrome is another rare condition that causes toenails to turn yellow. It is often associated with other medical conditions, such as lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis, and can cause the nails to thicken and stop growing.
Additionally, toenail discoloration can be a side effect of certain medications or the overuse of nail polish. In these cases, addressing the underlying issue or discontinuing the use of certain cosmetics can help prevent further discoloration.
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Fungal infections
Toenail discoloration can be caused by several factors, including fungal infections. Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection that occurs when fungi grow underneath the nail. The most prevalent organism responsible for toenail fungus is called dermatophyte, but mold and yeast can also be the culprits. These organisms feed on the body's keratin, leading to discoloration and other changes in the nail.
Toenail fungus typically develops gradually and may go unnoticed for years due to the absence of pain. However, the infection leads to noticeable changes in the toenail's quality and color, which can be unsightly and embarrassing. White marks or streaks frequently appear on the nail plate, and debris may collect beneath it. In some cases, the nail may thicken, becoming challenging to trim and causing discomfort when wearing shoes.
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Nail polish staining
Toenails are usually a clear, translucent colour, but they can sometimes appear yellow, green, blue, purple, or black. Toenail discolouration, also known as chromonychia, can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from minor injuries to more severe health conditions.
One common cause of toenail discolouration is a fungal infection. Toenails can become infected by dermatophytes, mould, or yeast, which feed on the body's keratin. This can lead to discolouration under the tip of the nail, which spreads as the infection grows. Fungal infections are a common cause of yellow toenails, along with overuse of nail polish and certain medications.
Another cause of toenail discolouration is trauma or injury to the toe, such as stubbing the toe or wearing tight shoes. This can result in a subungual hematoma, which can make the nail appear red, purple, brown, or black. In some cases, the nail may detach from the nail bed and require medical treatment.
Additionally, certain types of cancer, such as subungual melanoma and melanoma, can cause discolouration of the toenails. Subungual melanoma often presents as a dark black vertical band on a single toenail, while melanoma can cause dark, irregular patches on the skin or beneath the nail bed.
Nail polish can also cause toenail staining, especially if the polish is red, orange, or another dark shade with a high level of pigment. This is because nails are porous and can absorb the pigments in the polish. To prevent staining, it is recommended to use a protective base coat, such as a clear nail polish, before applying coloured polish. Some people also suggest using two layers of base coat or using base coats from different brands for added protection. Avoiding highly pigmented polishes and choosing lighter, more neutral shades can also help reduce the risk of staining.
If nail polish staining occurs, there are a few remedies that can be tried. Soaking the nails in lukewarm water with denture tablets or using a cuticle remover can help lighten the staining. However, it is important to note that some harsh chemicals, such as peroxide and bleach, can damage the nails and should be avoided.
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Medication side effects
Certain medications can cause onycholysis, which is the lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed, causing nails to appear white, yellow, or brown. Drugs that can cause onycholysis include sodium valproate (an anticonvulsant). Additionally, damage to the nail folds (the skin folds that frame and support the nail) is associated with the use of retinoids, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, methotrexate, ciclosporin, and antiretroviral medications.
Chemotherapy medications can also cause nail discolouration and other nail-related side effects. For example, wearing frozen gloves and socks may help prevent nail changes while receiving infusions of taxane chemotherapy medications. Antibiotics can also cause cosmetic changes in nail colour, and in rare cases, more serious nail changes such as nails separating from the skin after exposure to sunlight. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), and tetracyclines, such as doxycycline, have been associated with these rare side effects.
It is important to note that nail problems are not a common occurrence with most medications and are mostly linked to a select few. If you notice any nail-related side effects from your medication, you should consult your healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication regimen.
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Frequently asked questions
Yellow toenails are often caused by a fungal infection. Other causes include the overuse of nail polish, or an underlying medical condition such as lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
Black toenails are usually caused by a bruise under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma, which can be the result of stubbing your toe or ill-fitting footwear. Black toenails can also be caused by a fungal infection, bacterial infection, or a vitamin B12 deficiency. In rare cases, it could be a sign of melanoma.
Brown toenails are usually the result of melanonychia. They can also be caused by fungal infections, bacterial infections, or trauma to the toe. In rare cases, brown toenails could be a sign of melanoma.
