If your toenail turns black, it’s most likely a bruise under the nail, technically called a subungual hematoma. You can get it from stubbing a toe or from footwear that cram your feet into the front of the shoe.
What can your toenails tell you about your health?
Your toenails tell a lot about your overall health. A fungal infection often causes thickened yellow toenails. Thick, yellow nails also can be a sign of an underlying disease, including lymphedema (swelling related to the lymphatic system), lung problems, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
What are discolored toenails a sign of?
Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is one of the most prevalent causes of toenail discoloration. The most common organism to cause toenail fungus is called dermatophyte. However, mold or yeast can also infect toenails. Dermatophytes grow by eating your body’s keratin.
What causes darkening of nails?
Drugs, infections, and diseases can cause discoloration of the nails (chromonychia). For example, infection with Pseudomonas bacteria can cause a greenish discoloration (see Green Nail Syndrome). The doctor can often make the diagnosis of nail dystrophies caused by a fungus by examining the nails.
Why are my toenails dark?
Black Toenail: Common Causes If your toenail turns black, it’s most likely a bruise under the nail, technically called a subungual hematoma. You can get it from stubbing a toe or from footwear that cram your feet into the front of the shoe.
Why do nails turn brown?
The brown discoloration is due to a condition called “melanonychia,” which occurs when the nail has excess melanin, a dark brown or black pigment that colors the hair, skin and iris of the eye.
What causes brown finger nails?
The brown discoloration is due to a condition called “melanonychia,” which occurs when the nail has excess melanin, a dark brown or black pigment that colors the hair, skin and iris of the eye.
What disease causes black fingernails?
Melanonychia is caused when the pigment cells, called melanocytes, deposit melanin into the nail. Melanin is a brown colored pigment. These deposits are usually grouped together. As your nail grows, it causes the stripe of brown or black to appear on your nail.
What are bad toenails a sign of?
Primarily, fungal infections affect a person’s toenails. A type of fungal infection called onychomycosis is one of the most common causes of thick nails. Fungal infections often grow in toenails because they thrive in warm, moist environments.
How do you get rid of brown nails?
To use white vinegar to get rid of the stain, in one cup of warm water add one teaspoon to one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar. Soak your nails for about eight minutes and then rinse your hands under lukewarm water. After patting your hands with a clean towel apply a dollop of moisturizing cream or lotion.
Why are my toenails turning dark and thick?
Over time, debris builds up beneath the nail, causing it to darken. Nails can grow brittle, crumbly, or ragged. Toenails are an ideal environment for fungal infections because they are moist and warm. A fungal infection can also cause your toenails to thicken or become distorted.
What does a bad toenail look like?
You may first notice a white or yellow spot under the tip of a toenail. As the fungal infection makes its way deeper into the nail, your nail will become discolored and thicken. Your nail may also crumble and become jagged at the edge, and spread to other toenails.
Why are my fingernails turning brown?
The most common causes of yellow or brown fingernails are the frequent use of nail polish and cigarette smoking. Taking a break on the polish or quitting smoking may allow the dark nail to grow out as the new nail comes in.
Can your feet tell you about your health?
Your feet can tell you a lot about your general health condition or warn you of underlying health conditions. From pesky foot pain to more serious symptoms, such as numbness, your feet often show symptoms of disease before any other part of your body.
What causes nails to turn black?
Some types of bacteria, as well as fungal infection of the nail, can also produce melanin that discolours the nails. Nicotine stains from cigarettes, certain medicated lotions and dirt can also stain our nails. Injuries or ill-fitting shoes can cause bleeding under the nail, making it appear black.
How do I fix my bad toenails?
– Clean the affected area with soap and water daily.
– Groom your nails regularly. …
– Apply an over-the-counter fungal treatment after you gently file your nails.
– Apply Vicks VapoRub on your toenail each day.
What are dark toenails a sign of?
A black toenail may be caused by: An underlying medical condition: This may include anemia, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease. Fungal infections: While these often look white or yellow, fungal infections can sometimes cause black toenails from debris buildup.
What do the soles of your feet mean?
FMA. 25000. Anatomical terminology. The sole is the bottom of the foot. In humans the sole of the foot is anatomically referred to as the plantar aspect.
What vitamin deficiency causes black lines on nails?
Nail color changes. Nail plate discoloration can result from several nutritional deficiencies. Research has shown vitamin B12 deficiency to cause brown-gray nail discoloration.
What color should healthy toenails be?
Overview. Typically, toenails should be more or less a clear, partially translucent color. But sometimes, they can appear yellow, green, blue, purple, or black. Several things can cause toenail discoloration (also known as chromonychia).
How do you treat black nails?
Over-the-counter ointments, creams, and polishes are usually effective. Severe cases may require a prescription antifungal treatment. If a black toenail is caused by an injury, the resulting spot from broken blood vessels will disappear once your nail grows out.