There are various causes of toenail discoloration. Most commonly, however, the nails start to take on a different hue when they have developed a fungal infection. The nails can be affected by many different species of fungi that are present in dust, soil, the air and other places. In fact, nearly 50% of all people who suffer from nail discoloration; do so as the result of a fungal infection. It is important to note, however, that this development can also signify the presence of a more serious illness.
Assessing Toenail Discoloration
There are many different colors that the nails can turn to and these often indicate the presence of a specific health issue. One type of bacteria that is capable of permeating the nail bed, Pseudomonas, causes the nails to look greenish. Given that bacteria can often be treated with topical or internal antibiotics, the necessary treatment for a bacterial infection is usually quite different from treatments for nail discoloration caused by fungi.
Fungal Infections That Affect The Feet
Trichophyton rubrum is the most common type of fungi affecting the feet. Given its ability to impact the skin as well as the nail bed, this fungus is referred to as a dermatophyte. It will normally cause the nails to take on a yellowish, unhealthy hue and can cause cracked, split skin around the cuticles and toes.
Although yellow toenails tend to be most commonly associated with fungal infections, there can be secondary symptoms or behaviors that allow for a more definitive diagnosis. For instance, chronic smokers can have yellowing of the fingernails and toenails, however, this is usually due to the presence of nicotine in the system. It is also important to note that yellowish nails can be indicative of lung disease and lymphodema, even when no fungal infections are present.
Other causes of yellow nails include the regular use of nail polish and polish remover, a genetic disorder called Yellow Nail Syndrome, poor immune functioning, poor circulation and diabetes. Thus, people with a yellowish coloration to their nails should not automatically assume that they have fungal infections.
Black Toenails
Feet that have experienced trauma may sport nails that have red or block spots on them. This type of discoloration is referred to as a hematoma. A hematoma is simply a small collection of blood that has collected in the area of impact due to the trauma. Hematomas can also develop as the result of ingrown toenails and will usually dissipate over time.
In every instance of toenail discoloration, it is important to pay attention to the color of the nails. The most common reason for this development is fungal infection, however, there can also be a serious health issue as the cause. This is why it is important to pay close attention to the condition of the feet and to discuss changes in nail color with your doctor.
