Toenail Discoloration and What it Means

What color are your toenails? No, we’re not talking about the newest spring shades of nail polish, but rather abnormal discoloration of the toenails. Usually, your nail changing colors is an indication of a disorder within the body or the nail itself. At Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle, we encourage our patients to do periodic self checks on their feet and ankles. A change in nail color is one of the things to be on the lookout for. Here are some possible causes behind discoloration:

Black toenails—a trauma to the toe, such as severely stubbing it or dropping a heavy object on it that results in a blood vessel breaking or bleeding under the toenail

White toenails—white spots or lines on toenails can actually be due to several factors:

• White lines within the nail can be a sign of a recurring pressure or trauma. Runners who consistently wear shoes that are too small, for example, may see these because the toe repeatedly hits the end of the shoe.
• A trauma caused by something heavy being dropped on the toe that caused an injury but not one severe enough to break blood vessels
• Illness in other parts of the body can cause protein deposits in the nail bed that will show up as white line
• Fungal toenail infection

Yellow toenails—the most common reason for a yellow discoloration is a fungal toenail infection; however, it can also be caused by diabetes mellitus and lymphedema of the legs

To know for sure what is behind toenail discoloration, it’s best to schedule an appointment at either our Waldorf or Clinton office. Our board certified podiatrist, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss, will examine your toenails and also take a complete medical history to uncover the condition that is causing the discoloration. Once a diagnosis is reached, the appropriate treatment can begin. Unsightly nails are not only embarrassing; they can be the signal that you have a medical problem that needs attention. Don’t put off getting them checked. Make an appointment today by calling: (301) 868-3899 or (301) 843-9581.