Tag: toenail fungus

Toenail discoloration can be as frustrating and painful as dealing with blisters on your feet. Discolored nails can appear white, green, yellow, brown, or even black. While toenail fungus is the most common culprit, other conditions like bacterial infections, medication side effects, and even melanoma can cause discoloration.

Understanding the causes, knowing how to prevent issues, and seeking the right treatment can restore your toenails to health. Let’s explore everything you need to know about toenail discoloration and how a podiatrist can help.

What Causes Toenail Discoloration?

Toenail discoloration has several potential causes, with fungal infections being the most common. Here’s a breakdown of the main culprits:

1. Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
   Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, occurs when dermatophytes (a type of fungus) get under the nail. This often results in yellow or brown nails that become thick, misshapen, and may emit an unpleasant odor. Fungal infections thrive in moist, warm environments and can be found in dust, soil, surfaces, and the air.
2. Bacterial Infections
   Bacterial infections can cause green or green-black discoloration of the toenails.
3. Melanoma
   A rare but serious cause, melanoma (a type of skin cancer) can lead to brown or black streaks under the toenail.
4. Medication Side Effects
   Certain medications can cause blue or dark discoloration of the nails as a side effect.

How to Prevent Toenail Discoloration

Preventing toenail discoloration, especially from fungal infections, is easier with proper foot care and hygiene. Follow these tips to keep your nails healthy:

1. Keep Toenails Clean and Dry

Fungal infections are always present in the environment and on the skin, waiting for an opportunity to thrive. Wash your feet daily with antibacterial soap, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

2. Avoid Walking Barefoot

Walking barefoot in public places like gyms, locker rooms, or pools increases the risk of picking up fungus. Always wear sandals or shoes to protect your feet.

3. Trim Toenails Properly

Keep your toenails short and clip them straight across. Long nails can rub against shoes, causing friction blisters. Blisters, if not properly treated, can create openings that invite fungal infections.

How to Treat Toenail Discoloration

The right treatment for toenail discoloration depends on the underlying cause, and because nails grow slowly, improvements take time. Here are common treatment options:

1. Over-the-Counter Treatments

For mild fungal infections, antifungal creams or nail lacquers may help.

2. Prescription Medications

For more severe cases, podiatrists often prescribe medications such as:

• Efinaconazole
• Itraconazole
• Terbinafine
• Ciclopirox

3. Nail Debridement

This involves trimming and thinning the nail to reduce its thickness and remove infected portions.

4. Advanced Treatments

• • Laser Therapy: Targets and destroys the fungal infection without damaging surrounding tissues.
  • Steroid Injections: Help reduce inflammation near the nail.
  • Phototherapy: Uses light therapy to combat infections.

5. Chemical Nail Removal

In severe cases, non-surgical removal of the nail may be necessary to treat the infection effectively.

When to See a Podiatrist

Toenail discoloration isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can signal underlying health concerns that require professional attention. Make an appointment with a podiatrist if you notice:

• • Thickened toenails that are difficult to trim.
  • Unexplained discoloration in one or more nails.
  • Tenderness, swelling, or pain around the nail.
  • Nails separating from the nail bed.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to further complications, such as the infection spreading to other nails or surrounding skin.

Final Thoughts on Toenail Discoloration

Toenail discoloration is often caused by fungal infections, but it can also result from bacterial infections, medications, or more serious conditions like melanoma. While discoloration may not always cause physical discomfort, it can affect your confidence and overall foot health.

If you’re dealing with discolored nails, don’t wait to seek help. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause, recommend the right treatment, and help restore your toenails to their natural state. Take the first step by booking an appointment today and give your feet the care they deserve.

Nail fungus is a common disease. It starts with a white and yellow spot under the tip of a fingernail or toenail and gradually the fungal infection spreads. With the increasing rot of the nail due to fungus, it may discolor the nail; thicken it to crumble at the edges. It may spread to other nails as well. We often ignore such nail fungus and if it is not bothering, we do not opt for any treatment. But if it turns out to be painful and has developed thickened nails, self-care and domestic medications might help. But even though the treatment helps it recover, there is always a chance of nail fungus to come back. Toenail fungus is seen more often than in fingernails. The disease of nail fungus is also called Onychomycosis.

Causes of nail fungus:

As the name suggests, fungus infection develops due to infection by a fungal organism (fungus). The most common form of fungi that cause nail fungus is known as a dermatophyte. Yeast and molds are other variables that cause fungal infection in nails. It is most commonly seen in older adults but does not imply it won’t occur in younger people. As the nail gets old, it becomes brittle and dry which results in the formation of cracks in nails. These cracks allow room for fungi to enter. Other causes of developing nail fungus can be- Reduced blood circulation to feet and a weak immune system.

Sometimes, nail fungus can also develop from an athlete’s foot. It spreads from one nail to another. But it occurs very rarely to get the disease from an affected person.

The chances of developing nail fungus occur when:

• Old age
• Reduced blood flow
• Sweating heavily
• Unhealthy conditions that allow fungi to grow
• Athlete’s foot
• Walking barefoot in damp areas such as swimming pools, bathrooms, etc.
• Having an unattended skin or nail injury or in case of a skin condition such as psoriasis.
• Suffering from diabetes
• A problem in proper blood circulation
• The weakened immune system of the body

Symptoms of nail fungus:

You might have developed a nail fungus if you observe the following symptoms growing in your nails:

• Thickened
• White nails start changing to yellow-brown
• Brittle, crumbled or ragged
• Distorted shape
• Develops a dark color due to debris building up under your nail.
• Foul smell.

If the domestic nail fungus cures are not improving the situation, you may want to consult a nail fungus doctor at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center. When the nails become extremely discolored, thickened or darkened, it is advisable not to ignore it anymore and consult a foot doctor urgently to get the best treatment for a fungal toenail. If you are already suffering from diabetes, it is a must to get treated by a physician.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.