Why are my toenails becoming discolored?
Causes of Nail Discoloration Dirt, poor hygiene, and living in a humid area are all causes of a fungal infection in your toenails. Fungal toenail infections can cause discoloration, making your nail appear any of these colors: Yellow. Red-brown.
Can toenails show signs of illness?
Your nail may even turn a purple color, meaning you have a circulatory issue. Black toenails indicate an injury beneath your nail, but it can also be a symptom of a bacterial infection, a deficiency of Vitamin B12, or anemia. In extreme instances, black toenails can be a sign of cancer or liver or kidney disease.
What diseases affect your toenails?
Toenail abnormalities causes and symptoms
- Toenail fungus. Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition.
- Ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails are one of the most common and most painful toenail problems.
- Toenail trauma.
- Clubbed nails.
- Discoloration of the nail plates.
- Nail-patella syndrome.
- Leukonychia.
Can fungal nail infection spread to mouth?
In some people, the infection can also affect the mouth and throat. The infection tends to itch and feel uncomfortable, but treatment can relieve the symptoms.
What can your toenails tell you about your health?
Yellow Toenails Your toenails tell a lot about your overall health. A fungal infection often causes thickened yellow toenails. Thick, yellow nails also can be a sign of an underlying disease, including lymphedema (swelling related to the lymphatic system), lung problems, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
What does nail color say about your health?
Synopsis: The nail color of fingernails and toenails can reveal certain severe health conditions. For instance, white nails may be indicative of kidney or liver disorders or anemia. Healthy fingernails and toenails should be white as it grows off the nail bed and the nail plate a pinkish color.
What illness shows in your nails?
Changes in Nail Shape Ripples on nails or pitted nails may be caused by a skin disorder, psoriasis, eczema, or arthritis. Nail clubbing is when a nail curves under at the tip of the finger. It could indicate heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lung disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, or HIV/AIDS.
Can toenail fungus affect your whole body?
But it can spread to other parts of the body. Goad says. In some people, the fungus can also spread to the surrounding skin, causing athlete’s foot. Sometimes the fungus can be passed to the genitals (jock itch) when underwear is pulled on over infected toenails.
What happens if you don’t treat toenail fungus?
If you have toenail fungus and it goes untreated, you may experience: Pain in your feet and toes due to thickened, distorted toenails. Spread of the fungus to your skin, causing athlete’s foot. Infection of the surrounding areas, causing cracked skin, and increasing bacterial spread.
Can liver disease affect your nails?
Fingernails: Possible problems Terry’s nails can sometimes be attributed to aging. In other cases, Terry’s nails can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as liver disease, congestive heart failure, kidney failure or diabetes.
What color are Covid toes?
In skin of color, COVID toes can cause a purplish discoloration, as the toe circled in red shows. You may also see swelling and round brownish purple spots (B). What you may see with COVID toes: The condition may develop on your toes, fingers, or both.
What causes nail discoloration and how to treat it?
Fungal toenail infections can cause discoloration, making your nail appear any of these colors: If a fungal infection is causing your nail discoloration, you may have success treating it with an over-the-counter antifungal cream.
What are the symptoms of discolored nail beds?
Other than the discoloration, there aren’t usually any other symptoms associated with discolored nail beds. Nail-patella syndrome is a rare condition that affects an estimated one in 50,000 people. It causes changes in the nails, kneecaps, hip bone, and elbows. The most common symptom is underdeveloped or missing fingernails and toenails.
Why are my toenails turning yellow?
Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disorder that can cause yellow toenails, breathing problems, and swelling in the legs. Learn more about yellow nail syndrome here. Nail polish can also cause toenail discoloration if the polish penetrates deep into the keratin layers in the nail. The discolored nail eventually grows out, although it can take time.
Can diabetes cause discoloration of the toenails?
People with diabetes are more vulnerable to fungal infections than the general population, so toenail discoloration can be a warning sign of the condition or a complication in someone with a confirmed diagnosis. Poor circulation and reduced sensation in the feet often accompany diabetes.