Why Are Your Toenails Discolored and What You Can Do About It?
Discolored toenails can occur throughout your life for a number of different reasons. You could have had nail polish on them for too long and the color caused them to yellow with time, or they could have discolored because you bruised your toenail after you dropped something on it. You could also have discolored toenails because of a medical issue. Read on for reasons why your toenails may be discolored and what you can do about it.
You Have a Bruise
If your toenail was struck by something, such as you dropped something on your toenail, your toenail may discolor due to a bruise below your nail. When this happens, your nail will turn black and blue, and with time, the nail may simply grow out and the bruise will eventually disappear as you clip your nail, or you could lose your entire nail depending on the severity of the injury.
If you have a bruise, you just have to wait it out to see what happens with your nail. You can hold the nail in place with a bandage in the meantime if it gives you any problems or starts to catch on things. Keep the nail trimmed, and if you notice any issues, make an appointment with the podiatrist.
You Have Nail Fungus
If you have nail fungus, your nails may have turned a yellow or green color. If you have a fungus, you may also notice your nails are thicker than they once were. You can apply an anti-fungal to your nail and continue to apply it until your nail clears up. Prevent nail fungus in the first place by keeping your toes and nails clean and dry. Wear shoes in all public places to prevent fungus and to protect your feet.
If you continue to have an issue with nail fungus, it could be due to a medical condition such as gout or diabetes and you should make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.
You Have a Medical Condition
If you have a medical condition that is discoloring your nails or is causing your nails other concerns, such as thick nails, you should make an appointment with the podiatrist to have your nails clipped and maintained. Some medical conditions require that you have your nails clipped and maintained by your podiatrist, as somewhere such as a salon can cause problems for you including infections.
If your toenails are discolored, it could have been due to a number of reasons. If your nails are continuing to give you problems, you should make an appointment with the podiatrist for treatment options.