Are Your Toenails Sending You Signals?
Our bodies send us messages all day long - your stomach growls when you’re hungry, your armpits sweat when you’re hot, your mouth puckers when you’re thirsty. Did you know that your toenails have their own signals too? Colors! When your toenails change colors, it’s typically their way of telling your that something serious could be going on internally.
What color change in your toenails can mean
Of course there are some innocuous colors, not all of them are life-threatening issues. For instance, if you leave your nail polish on your toes for more than a week, it can penetrate and stain your toenails as it hits the layers of keratin. That’s not necessarily good for your toenails, but over time the stain will clear up. However, there are some color changes that need to be addressed immediately with your podiatrist.
Here are some things that color changes can mean:
Toenail fungus: This is the most common cause of color changes that we see here in the office. A fungal infection will appear most often as yellow. It can also appear green, brown, reddish, or even black. Fungal infections are typically also accompanied by dryness, brittleness, or crumbling.
Psoriasis: This condition affects multiple areas of your body causing itching, flaking, swelling, and discoloration. On your skin it can create a reddish hue. On your toenails, however, it can look yellowish brown and will appear as spots under your nail.
Pseudomona infection: This is a bacterial infection that causes a very noticeable change in color. Your toenails will turn a very noticeable shade of green. Pseudomona is a tough bacteria that can survive harsh conditions and will spread quickly, so it’s important to get it treated as soon as possible.
Injuries: A subungual hematoma - meaning a traumatic injury occurring in the nail bed under the nail itself - will result in a red, purple, brown, or black color in the nail. Depending on the severity of the injury, you could even lose the toenail (don’t worry - it will grow back!).
If you notice any color changes in your toenails or any sudden changes anywhere in your feet and ankles, get in touch with a podiatrist. At Precision Foot and Ankle Centers, our team of podiatrists understand how startling it can be to discover your toenails changing colors. With the guidance and treatment of our foot doctors, Dr. Eric Feit, Dr. Alona Kashanian, and Dr. Roohbakhsh Maher can help you achieve healthy, clearer nails!
Book an appointment at any of our offices in Los Angeles, Torrance, or San Pedro today!