Nail discoloration and discolored toenails can be a source of embarrassment and shame, although the truth is that they can be treated. Everyone wants pretty feet, although our toenails go through a lot of abuse. We ram them into furniture, stuff them into shoes that don’t fit, and subject them to the creepy fungi that are left behind on the locker room floor at the gym.
Causes of Discolored Toenails
Nail discoloration can be caused by a number of different conditions and infections, and can result in the nails taking on a white, yellow, or even green appearance. Most people don’t know they have a problem until they notice that their nails are discolored. Some of the most common causes for discolored toenails include:
– Fungus. In around half the cases, a discolored toenail results from an infection with fungus. Your toenails and toes spend most of their time inside your socks and shoes. This provides the perfect environment for fungi to thrive. Dark, moist, and warm. Nails develop onychomycosis, the technical term for toe fungus that results in thickening, brittleness and crumbling.
– Trauma. A bruise beneath your toenail can actually cause the toenail to be discolored. Whether you bump your toe, drop something on it, or incur some other type of injury, an injured toenail is one that is more susceptible to infections than others. In general, however, a discolored nail from bruising will reconcile on its own but may take time. In fact, it may take the better part of a year for the discoloration to clear up.
– Melanoma. One of the most serious reasons that your toenails may be discolored is from melanoma. Melanoma is type of skin cancer that can occur beneath the toenail, resulting in what appears to be a streak in the nail. Suspicious nails should be reported right away to your dermatologist or other healthcare provider.
How to Prevent or Cure Discolored Toenails
You can prevent discolored toenails by guarding against fungal infections, being careful to avoid trauma, and being diligent for signs of melanoma. Treatment for discolored toenails should be based on what is causing the discoloration. If fungus is suspected, there are several over-the-counter remedies and creams that can sometimes be sufficient enough to clear up the problem, but in many cases laser treatment is the easiest and quickest solution. In the case of melanoma, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are fundamental to surviving the disease.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Discolored Toenails
As mentioned above, some conditions that cause discoloration of the nails can be quite serious. See your doctor to rule out any serious problems. If over-the-counter remedies fail, treating nail fungus in Houston may mean seeing an experienced clinician at a clinic such as the Clear Toes Clinic to get rid of your discolored toenail trouble once and for all.
