How to take care of your nails: +Dos and Don’ts
Discover essential nail care tips with key dos and don’ts to keep your nails strong, healthy, and looking their best every day.
Toenail Discoloration: Possible Causes, Treatments & Prevention
Toenail discoloration is a common problem that could potentially signal anything from minor injury to serious infections.
There are many possible causes, from accidents, trauma, and fungal infections to poor nutrition and nail staining. Whatever the cause, it’s best to find effective treatments and solutions quickly. Options include antifungal medication, trimming your toenails properly, and maintaining good foot hygiene at home.
In this informative guide, we’ll discuss common causes of toenail discoloration and share tips to help you find the best treatment options to restore your nails and prevent problems in the future.
What Causes Toenail Discoloration?
There are several possible causes of toenail discoloration. Whether you’re looking for information about big toenail discoloration, or you’ve noticed your toenails look more brown or yellow in color than normal, here are some of the most common causes of discolored toenails:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your enamel
- Brush in gentle motions, not back-and-forth
- Set a timer for two minutes to ensure a thorough clean
1. Accidents, injuries, and trauma
If you’ve ever banged or stubbed your toe or kicked something hard, you may have developed a discolored toenail. Accidents, injuries, and trauma are common causes of dark, discolored toenails. In most cases, the toenail will look dark brown, black or purple due to bruising.
Treatment
- Let the nail grow naturally.
- If painful or if you notice an infection growing, seek professional help.
- Avoid additional or repetitive trauma
2. Fungal nail infections
Fungal nail infections are the most prevalent cause of yellow discoloration on the toenails. In some cases, people have brown discoloration on their toenails. Fungal infections also cause thick toenails, and they can increase discomfort. Less commonly, you may notice green or white toenail discoloration.
Treatment
- Topical antifungals (like the Swissker Anti-fungal Stick)
- Oral medications for severe cases
- Trim and disinfect regularly.
3. Taking certain medications
Medications can cause side effects, including discolored toenails. If you’re taking medication and your nails change color, this is probably due to the drugs rather than an infection or injury. Examples of drugs that can cause yellowing of the nails or blue or black discoloration include chemotherapy drugs and anti-malaria medicines.
Treatment
Usually, when stopping medication, the side effects disappear.
4. Underlying health issues
Symptoms that affect your toenails, including discolored and thick nails, can be caused by underlying health issues. You may be more prone to toenail discoloration if you have psoriasis or diabetes, for example.
Treatment
To treat nail conditions from underlying health issues, the health issue needs to be addressed and treated. When treated, the nails should return to healthy levels shortly after.
5. Bacterial infections
Fungal infections are most commonly associated with discolored toenails, but it is also possible to develop bacterial infections. If you have a bacterial infection in the nail bed, your nails may have a green or black tinge.
Treatment
The first step would be to remove false nails (if applicable). After that, use an antibacterial soak (e.g., vinegar + water, or a better solution such as the Swissker Antifungal stick) and make sure to dry nails thoroughly.
6. Poor nutrition
Your diet can impact all aspects of your health, including your foot health. Nutritional deficiencies can cause toenail discoloration. The most common examples include folic acid and vitamin C deficiency and low-protein diets.
Treatment
Diets can be trickier to treat, as you need help from a medical specialist.
7. Staining
Many people like to wear nail polish on their toes. If you paint your nails regularly, especially with dark colors, the nails can become stained.
Toenail Discoloration Treatment: How to Fix Toenail Discoloration
It’s important to address toenail discoloration, as it is often a sign of conditions or infections that need attention. The best treatment option for toenail discoloration will depend on the cause. Examples of ways to treat discolored toenails include:
- Treating underlying health problems: Underlying health problems should be treated as a priority. If you have other symptoms that affect your toenails, such as pain, you may be advised to use targeted foot care treatments and remedies alongside treatments for the primary health issue.
- Treating fungal nail infections: Common treatments for fungal nail infections include oral and topical medications. Using heavy-duty nail clippers and anti-fungal nail care kits can also help to ease symptoms and make it easier to maintain good foot hygiene.
- Treating bacterial infections: If you have a bacterial infection, treating the root cause is key. Antibiotics are commonly used to target bacterial infections.
- Improving nutrition: Improving your diet and adding key nutrients can help to boost overall health and lower risks of toenail discoloration.
- Using a base coat nail polish: Using a clear base coat under your nail polish can prevent staining.
Preventing Toenail Discoloration
The best ways to prevent toenail discoloration are:
1. Maintain good foot hygiene at home
Maintaining good foot hygiene is the best way to keep infections at bay. Wash your feet and change your socks daily, wear socks with shoes, always dry the skin between your toes thoroughly and avoid sharing shoes, socks, and towels and walking in public places with bare feet.
2. Make sure your shoes fit comfortably
Ill-fitting shoes can put pressure on your toes and toenails, increasing the risk of discomfort, pain, and discoloration. Always try shoes before you buy.
3. Trim your toenails frequently
Trimming your toenails frequently keeps them short and even. Cut across the top of the nail before smoothing the edges with a nail file. If you have thick toenails, consider using heavy-duty toenail clippers.
4. Use effective home remedies
Using an effective home remedy for toenail discoloration can prevent minor symptoms from getting worse. Soaking the nails in tea tree oil, giving your feet time to breathe, and wearing fresh, comfortable socks made from natural fibers are good examples.
5. Seek medical advice
If you notice changes in the appearance of your toenails, or you experience discomfort, seek medical advice. It’s best to get symptoms checked out as early as possible.
Additionally, you can also:
- Keep toenails trimmed straight across
- Disinfect nail tools regularly
- Avoid tight-fitting shoes
- Use antifungal sprays if feet sweat a lot
- Don’t share pedicure tools or socks
The Last Line on Treating Toenail Discoloration
Toenail discoloration can be caused by many factors, from fungal or bacterial infections to sports injuries, trauma, and poor nutrition. If you have discolored toenails, it’s crucial to care for your feet properly, take advantage of treatments and home remedies, and seek medical advice if your symptoms get worse or they’re linked to underlying health issues.
Taking good care of your feet with Swissker’s fantastic range of foot and nail care tools can help you keep your toenails healthy and fungus-free.
- Wearing a custom-fit mouthguard for football, hockey, or martial arts
- Using a nightguard if you grind your teeth during intense training
- Avoiding hard candy or chewing ice before and after games
- Checking teeth after any collision for hidden damage
FAQs
What causes yellow toenails?
The most common cause is fungus, but there are a lot more possible causes (poor nutrition, bacterial infections, injuries, and in some cases, medication). The correct diagnosis is the path to the correct treatment.
Is toenail discoloration always a fungus?
Not always, but it is the most common cause.
How can I treat toenail discoloration at home?
Creams such as the Swissker antifungal stick, vinegar soaks, and proper trimming can help in mild cases.
Adrian Fuentes
Lead Product Engineer
With a strong background in engineering and a passion for creating user-focused solutions, Adrian leads the Swissker development team with precision and innovation. Over the past decade, he has helped design and refine tools that combine cutting-edge technology with everyday practicality. Adrian is dedicated to improving quality of life through well-engineered, safe, and effective solutions, backed by rigorous research and a deep understanding of user needs. When not in the lab, he stays current with emerging trends in personal care, wellness, and health-tech innovation to ensure every product meets the highest standards.
Table of Contents
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