Toenail Discolorations – Could It Be Something Serious?

Your toes get a lot of abuse. You put them in shoes that don't fit correctly, subject them to scary fungi left behind on locker room floors, and accidentally bang them into doors or furniture. Discovering a green, black, or yellow toenail can be cause for concern. Beyond the nasty appearance, discolored toenails may be a sign that you have a serious problem that needs to be addressed by a foot specialist.

Common Causes of Discolored Toenails

What causes toenail discoloration? A few of the common causes of toenail discolorations include:

• Trauma – Toenail discoloration may occur due to a bruise beneath the toenail. If you notice discoloration, think about whether you dropped something on your toe, banged it into a piece of furniture, or injured it in some other way. If you've injured your toenail, it could be more susceptible to infections, but in most cases, the bruising will go away on its own.

• Fungus – The most common cause of toenail discoloration is a fungal infection, and fungal infections cause around half of all nail conditions. Since your toes spend a lot of time in shoes and socks, that warm, moist, dark environment offers a great place for fungi to thrive. A fungal infection can result in crumbling, thickening, and discoloration of your toenail.

• Melanoma – A less common cause of discolored toenails is melanoma. It's possible for melanoma, a type of skin cancer, to occur underneath your toenail. It may result in a streak of color on the nail. While melanomas can usually be treated effectively, they are serious and should be treated quickly.

Tips for Preventing Discolored Toenails

What can you do to prevent toenail discoloration? Here are a few tips that may help.

• Avoid going barefoot to reduce the risk of injury to your foot.
• Keep toenails and feet dry and clean.
• Allow shoes to air out before wearing them again.
• Wear shoes that fit properly so toes are not cramped.
• Be careful if you're moving heavy objects.
• Protect the feet from the sun.
• Wear flip flops in gym locker rooms.

When Should You Talk to Your Foot Specialist?

If your toenail discoloration is due to trauma, you may be able to allow the toe to heal on its own. However, if excessive swelling, redness, or severe pain is present, it's best to see a physician. Some fungal infections respond well to over-the-counter treatments. However, if these remedies fail, it's essential to see a foot specialist. Toenail fungus may begin causing more serious problems, such as swelling, redness, pain, and oozing pus. Failing to treat a fungal infection may be dangerous and could result in permanent loss of the toenail. If you have an unexplained discoloration, see a physician to rule out a melanoma. To find out more about the feet, speak with someone like Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle.