Discolored toenails are a common problem that can affect people of all ages. They may not always be a serious health concern, but they can be unsightly and cause embarrassment.
When toenails start to look odd, they may indicate an underlying health concern or just a cosmetic problem. Our toenails are there not just for beauty, they have a vital role to play in shielding our toe tips from injury and infection.
It is important to keep them healthy. This article will discuss various causes of discolored nails and their solutions.
Causes of Discolored Toenails
Numerous causes can make your toenails discolored. Let us consider some common ones:
Fungal Infection
The main reason behind the occurrence of discolored toenails is a fungal infection. Also referred to as onychomycosis, this kind of infection changes the color of the nail turning it yellow or brown, even leading to thickness and crumbling at times.
Fungi flourish easily in the warm moist environment inside shoes that provide a convenient manure place for fungal infections in the toes rather than fingers.
Toenail fungal infections can be contracted from public places such as pools, gym locker rooms or beauty parlors where moisture is high and people walk without shoes. It may also spread by direct contact with diseased nails from one person to another.
Bacterial Infection
Like fungal nail infections, bacterial infections can also result in discolored nails. These infections usually occur due to injury or breakage around the skin near the nail that allows bacteria entry into the site causing infection at times. The affected part may appear yellowish greenish blackish with a bad smell. We can also state that as nail psoriasis.
Vitamin Deficiency
Certain vitamins and minerals are required by our fingernails for them to grow properly. Therefore lack of vitamins or weakened immune systems might be causes of toenail discoloration. Lack of Enough iron or vitamin b12 results in yellowish nails. The nutrients are responsible for keratin which makes up our fingernails.
Trauma/Injury
A blunt force trauma or repetitive pressure on the toenails can cause bruising, which may result in a dark purple or black discoloration of the nail. This type of discoloration is usually seen under the affected area and may take several weeks to grow out, it is a severe fungal infection.
Medical Conditions
In addition, medical conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, poor blood circulation, lung disease or lichen planus may also change the color or result in nail fungus. These ailments cause nails to become red, white, or yellow patches and in some cases also thicken up or detach from the nail bed.
Solutions for Discolored Toenails
Having known common causes that result in discolored toenails; we are now going to see the solutions to this problem:
Antifungal Medications
If fungus infection is responsible for your nail discoloration, then your doctor might suggest you take antifungal treatment options. These drugs come in various forms including oral tablets, topical creams, and nail lacquers among others and they destroy fungi causing infections.
It is worth noticing that it will take a few months for antifungals to completely get rid of the infection and allow fresh healthy nails to grow.
Antibiotics
Treating underlying causes can be done by use of antibiotics if bacterial infections are involved. To prevent recurrence of infections you must complete the whole dose prescribed by your doctor. Furthermore, keeping the infected region clean and dry will curb any further spread of bacterial infection.
Supplements
In case you have a vitamin deficiency, taking supplements might be recommended by the doctor to induce the nutrients needed in your body. When it comes to vitamins and minerals, biotin and other treatments are known to improve nail health and strength.
Proper Foot Hygiene
To prevent those fungal or bacterial infections from happening at all, proper foot hygiene is essential. This may include regular washing and drying of feet, especially after being barefoot in public areas. It is also important for example to cut across nails straightly avoiding instances where tight shoes can put pressure on toes.
Medical Treatment for Underlying Conditions
If there is a medical issue that has caused your toenails to change color then you must get treatment for this condition. For instance, if you have psoriasis, a topical cream or oral medication may be prescribed by your physician to manage the rare condition and improve nail health.
Manage Toenail Fungus with EZ Clear Nails
EZ Clear Nails is an effective solution for treating toenail fungus since it’s a tropical treatment specifically designed to kill the fungus as well as grow healthy nails.
Ingredients such as iodine give this product access to the interior layers of your nails thereby eliminating the infection.
A toe pan used for soaking plus an applicator that sprays nails afterward makes up part of the product for preventive care and long-term maintenance.
One alternative way through which discolored toenails due to fungal infections can be eliminated safely without side effects is by using EZ Clear Nails.
This option does not pose any danger hence making it safe and efficient even when one wants to eliminate discolored toenails associated with fungal infections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Discolored Toenails
Are there any home remedies for treating discolored toenails?
There are natural treatments that involve the use of tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, or a paste made from baking soda. However, it’s always better to consult a doctor before attempting any homemade remedy.
Can wearing nail polish cause discoloration of my toenails?
Yes, consistent usage of nail polish on toenails can lead to discoloration and damage. It is recommended that you sometimes leave your nails unpainted and always apply a base coat under the color.
Are there any medications I should avoid if I have discolored toenails?
Certain medications such as chemotherapy drugs or antibiotics may contribute to changes in nail color. Talk to your doctor about any side effects or concerns you may have regarding medication and your nails.
Is it safe to get a pedicure if I have discolored toenails?
It is important to inform the technician about nail issues before getting a pedicure. Make sure the tools used are properly sanitized and if you have a fungal infection, it is best to avoid getting a pedicure until it is fully treated. Also, consider bringing your nail kit for added precaution.
Conclusion
In conclusion therefore discoloration of toenails can be attributed to different causes including nutrient deficiencies, trauma, or underlying medical conditions like fungal or bacterial infections. Therefore, identification of what exactly leads to these stains can help one find a cure.
If you notice that your toenails have changed color or appearance, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional to treat discolored toenails. But they can be kept healthy and pretty with the required treatment.
Don't let discolored toenails keep you from enjoying life to the fullest. Take action now to get back on your feet and conquer the world with confidence! The end is never the end, it's just a new beginning. Keep walking towards healthy feet and nails.
Happy toes mean a happy life!
