Full Answer
What causes your toenail to turn purple?
Purple Toe Syndrome
- Peripheral Artery Disease. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a similar condition that may also cause purple feet or toes. ...
- Kidney Disease. Severe kidney damage can induce the conditions of anoxia (a deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues) and ischemia (an inadequate blood supply to the organs) in the body.
- Melanoma. ...
- Toe Trauma. ...
- Anemia. ...
- Chilblains. ...
Why is my big toe nail turning purple?
Why Are My Toenails Changing Color?
- Overview. Typically, toenails should be more or less a clear, partially translucent color. ...
- Nail fungus. Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is one of the most prevalent causes of toenail discoloration.
- Injuries. ...
- Health conditions. ...
- Nail polish. ...
- Yellow nail syndrome. ...
- Medication. ...
How do you fix discolored toenails?
How do you treat discolored toenails at home? Vinegar is an antifungal ingredient that can be mixed with water to create a foot soak. It’s acetic acid component helps to whiten discolored toenails and stop the spread of the infection to other toes.
How to clear up dark toenails?
- Oral: Oral medications have been proven effective, but they take time to work. ...
- Topical: Topical treatments (like amorolfine and ciclopirox) can help with minor toenail fungus. ...
- Natural/Homeopathic: Natural preventative measures can be effective, but once fungus sets in, your best bet is a research-backed and FDA approved oral antifungal. ...
How to get rid of discoloration on toenails?
Why is my toe nail purple?
What causes toenail discoloration?
How to treat subungual hematoma?
Why is my nail black?
How long does it take for a discolored nail to grow out?
What color are toenails?
See more
About this website
Do purple toenails heal?
Black or purple toenails If they are severely painful, that could be an indication of a broken toe. Often these color changes improve on their own as the new nail grows out. In cases where there is excessive bleeding under the nail, the nail may loosen to the point where it falls off.
Why is the underneath of my toenail purple?
Subungual hematoma is bruising under the nail bed, which can have a bluish-purple color. When you experience trauma to your toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it, small blood vessels can bleed underneath the nail. This can result in discoloration.
How do you get rid of toe discoloration?
Most of the time, discolored toenails can be treated with over-the-counter medicines or items you already have at home. However, you may need to make an appointment with a dermatologist if you suspect a severe fungal infection or have other symptoms besides toenail discoloration.
How long does it take a purple toenail to heal?
The discolored nail will eventually grow out — or in some cases, it may fall off or need to be removed — and be replaced by a new, healthy one. It could take anywhere from 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow out or 12 to 18 months for a toenail, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
How do you get rid of blood under a toenail?
To remove blood from under a nail:Straighten a paper clip, and heat the tip in a flame until it is red-hot.Place the tip of the paper clip on the nail and let it melt through. ... Do not push or apply pressure on the paper clip. ... Go slowly, and reheat the clip as necessary.More items...
How do you get rid of purple toenails?
It's particularly important to visit your podiatrist if your nail has turned purple or black, and you don't remember injuring it. In many cases, you may simply need an anti-fungal medication to treat a fungal infection, but it's always a good idea to rule out more serious disease and conditions, such as cancer.
What is the best treatment for discolored toenails?
One of the most common prescription antifungal medications is ciclopirox 8 percent solution, which is applied to the nails like nail polish. Other medications that can help cure yellow toenails include applying vitamin E, zinc, and a topical corticosteroid with Vitamin D-3.
How do I get my toenails back to normal color?
All-yellow Toenails Try an over-the-counter antifungal cream. If your nail is yellow and thick, gently file down the surface so that the drug can reach deeper layers. If at-home treatment doesn't work, a doctor visit is in order.
Causes of Nail Discoloration
Toenails can change color for different reasons; some are more treatable than others. Before you can treat a discolored toenail, you have to know t...
What You Can Do About Discolored Toenails
If you develop toenail fungus, you can treat the infection with an antifungal cream or an oral medication. For other causes of toenail discoloratio...
When to See A Doctor For Discolored Nails
Most of the time, discolored toenails can be treated with over-the-counter medicines or items you already have at home. However, you may need to ma...
7 nail symptoms and conditions you shouldn't ignore - TODAY
Only about 1 percent of all melanomas in Caucasians occur in the nail, but if you’re African-American, 20 percent of melanomas start there, Rich said.
Nail Discoloration: Symptoms, Signs, Causes & Treatment
Nail discoloration, in which the nails appear white, yellow, or green, can result from different infections and conditions of the skin. In about 50% of cases, discolored nails are a result of infections with common fungi that can be found in the air, dust, and soil. There are many species of fungi that can affect nails.
Why are my toenails turning purple?
Toenail discoloration is a common problem. Possible causes of this symptom range from minor toe injuries to severe health conditions. Toenails are usually semi-transparent, but they can sometimes become discolored, turning purple, black, green, or yellow, depending on the cause. Several health conditions and other factors can cause toenail ...
What does it mean when your toenail turns purple?
People may notice this after they stub their toes, wear tight shoes when running, or do anything else that causes small blood vessels to break and leak blood under the toenail.
Why are my toenails discolored?
The most frequent reason for discolored toenails is nail fungus, which is challenging to treat but rarely a serious source of discomfort.
What is the medical term for nail fungus?
The medical term for nail fungus is onychomycosis, and it causes about 50% of nail diseases. Nail fungus affects toenails more often than fingernails, with the infection typically developing on the big toe first. Toenail fungus can often begin as a skin infection called athlete’s foot.
How many people in North America have nail fungus?
Nail fungus affects up to 14% of people in North America. A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that toenail fungal infections are more likely to affect:
What are the signs of discoloration of toenails?
green and black. dark red and black. Other symptoms associated with toenail discoloration include: thickening nails. nails that crack easily. nails lifting off the skin. pitting, which is the formation of little dents in the nail. blood under the nails. buildup of debris under the nails.
How to heal a toenail?
steroid injections near the nail. laser therapy. phototherapy. Most toe injuries heal with home treatments, such as OTC pain relievers and rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). The body will usually absorb the pooled blood over time, and a healthy new toenail will grow out.
Why do my toenails turn purple?
Your toenails can have indentations or ridges. Other possible and serious causes that can cause toenails to discolor and turn purple or blue are sinusitis, lung disease, kidney failure, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic bronchitis, autoimmune conditions, lymphedema, liver disease, etc.
What does it mean when your toenails are purple?
Melanoma is a severe kind of skin cance r that can also affect toenails, causing them to appear like purple toenails or dark toenails.
How long does it take for a purple toenail to grow out?
While the minor injury or subungual hematoma will subside in a few days, it takes about six or nine months for the toenail to grow out completely. For the treatment of purple toenails that are caused by serious conditions like diabetes, lung or liver diseases, psoriasis, etc. it’s wise to contact a doctor immediately.
What color should my toenails be?
Typically, your toenails must be of clear or translucent color, that is, they should be semi-transparent color, which is a sign of a healthy body. Many a time, toenail discoloration or purple toenails is a common problem complained about by men. Sometimes your toenails can appear like purple toenails, dark toenails, or even blue toenails.
What is the most common organism that causes toenail fungus?
Onychomycosis causes over 50% of any nail diseases and usually affects the big toe’s nail first. The most common organism that causes toenail fungus is dermatophyte. They grow by eating the body’s natural keratin.
How to get rid of dark toenails?
The only thing you can do in the meantime is to rest your foot and not strain it any further. You can use ice or a cold towel to ease out the discomfort.
Why do my toenails change color?
If you have diabetes and your toenails have recently changed color, that can indicate a complication in your diabetes condition. Thus, you might like to get that checked out by a doctor or a professional.
Why do my toenails change color?
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, poor circulation, or a heart or lung disease, can cause your toenails to change color. Talk to your doctor about any existing conditions you have that could affect the color of your nails.
Why do my toenails turn yellow?
Dirt, poor hygiene, and living in a humid area are all causes of a fungal infection in your toenails. Fungal toenail infections can cause discoloration, making your nail appear any of these colors: Yellow. Red-brown.
What is UPMC dermatology?
The UPMC Department of Dermatology diagnoses, treats, and manages numerous hair, skin, and nail conditions and diseases. We care for common and uncommon conditions, and our treatments include both surgical and non-surgical options. We operate several specialty centers for various conditions. The UPMC Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center is the most comprehensive dermatologic laser facility in the region. With UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, we offer a Skin Cancer Program that provides complete care from screenings, diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.
What is yellow nail syndrome?
Yellow nail syndrome is a very rare condition. Often associated with lymphedema, it can occur during cancer treatment.
Can you treat discolored toenails?
Most of the time, discolored toenails can be treated with over-the-counter medicines or items you already have at home. However, you may need to make an appointment with a dermatologist if you suspect a severe fungal infection or have other symptoms besides toenail discoloration.
Why are my toenails purple?
If your toenail is...purple. If your toenails are purple, this may be due to a subungual hematoma, or bruising under the nail bed. “Small blood vessels bleed underneath the nail, staining it darker,” says Miguel Cunha, DPM, founder of the NYC-based Gotham Footcare.
Why do my nails turn purple?
In some cases, however, purple nails can also signify a circulation issue—the purple color indicates that the nail is receiving less oxygen than it needs, says Canuso. There may also be pain in the toe or nail. If the reason for your purple nail is unlikely to be a bruise, you really need to get to the bottom of the circulatory issue. See your doctor if you have a purple nail and don't remember injuring it.
How to get rid of white spots on toenails?
If the white spots are caused by injury, try taking a nail-fortifying vitamin like biotin to improve hair, skin, and nails — and of course, you should stop doing whatever traumatic activity you’ve been doing. “Be patient and simply allow the healthy nail to grow and gradually replace the white nail over time,” Cunha says. This can take several months to resolve, as toenails typically grow only about a millimeter each month. If you suspect you're not getting all the nutrients you need, talk with a doctor or dietician.
How long does it take for a toe nail to grow?
But this can take "several months to resolve, as the toe nails only grow a millimeter per month, ” he says. If the nail becomes painful, you may need to have a doctor remove it. "This can happen sometimes if the pressure of blood accumulating underneath the nail plate becomes abnormal and excessive,” Cunha says.
What does it mean when you look down at your toenail?
But if you're seeing when you look down is toenail discoloration—maybe they're yellow, purple, black, or flecked with white spots—you should do something about it. Toenail discoloration can be a local problem—just something wrong with the toenail for a short period of time. Or something wrong with your toenail for a long period of time, ...
What does it mean when your feet turn yellow?
Yellow nails could also signify—in rare cases—respiratory or lung issues. (Find out more about yellow nail syndrome here .)
Can toenail fungus be caused by wearing sneakers?
Toenail fungus can happen from wearing moist sneakers or wearing the same pair for too long. “The insides of shoes are a perfect environment to harbor fungal organisms. This condition often begins as an infection in the skin,” says Cunha.
What is the best treatment for discoloration of toenails?
Your doctor may prescribe a medication to treat the underlying cause of toenail discoloration. For example, your doctor might place you on an oral, antifungal drug regimen. These drugs include Lamisil (terbinafine) and Sporanox (itraconazole). 1
Why is my toenail color off?
While that’s the most likely reason, a fungal infection is not the only reason your toenail color could be off; 50% of cases of nail disease can be attributed to causes other than fungus or yeast infections including other infections, diseases, and trauma. 3 .
What does it mean when your toenails turn yellow?
If you’ve noticed a discoloration of your toenails—particularly a yellowish hue—you might be experiencing the signs and symptoms of a toenail fungus infection (onychomycosis). Nail discoloration is one of the first indications you’ve acquired this infection.
Why do my toenails look dark?
Your toenails increase in thickness and become more difficult to trim with standard nail clippers. If dirt and debris accumulate under the nail, the toenail may appear dark. There’s a foul odor emanating from your feet.
How long does it take for toenail fungus to heal?
Some sources claim you should expect to see results in a few days or weeks, while others say OTC medications are only for mild cases of toenail fungus. Also be aware that you may not have a fungal infection, so they won't address your problem.
What causes fungus on toenails?
The most common cause of fungal toenail infection (onychomycosis) is the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. 2 You’re not alone. It is estimated that 14% of people in the United States have this condition. 3 . There’s an increased chance of developing toenail fungus as you age.
What is the drug used to paint nails?
Enter nail lacquers, which you paint on your toenails and the surrounding skin. Ciclopirox is an antifungal drug that is mixed in a nail lacquer such as Loprox and Penlac. But they are not very effective when used without oral drugs. 1
What causes discoloration under the toenail?
Discharge from under the toenail. Toenail becomes loose. If you have neuropathy, diabetes, peripheral arterial disease , or any condition that affects healing or circulation. Discoloration appears as a linear streak or a stripe going with the length of the nail.
What causes a black toenail?
It is often called black toenail for that reason. A subungual hematoma is usually caused by blunt trauma from a heavy object or chronic friction ...
Why do people get subungual hematomas?
A subungual hematoma is usually caused by blunt trauma from a heavy object or chronic friction from rubbing against the shoe. 1 Acute trauma isn't necessarily the cause. People who do a lot of walking or running are more prone to subungual hematomas because of increased shoe friction.
What is it called when your nail falls off?
Nail loosens or falls off: Sometimes the entire nail or a portion of it will loosen or fall off. This is called nail avulsion. It's often a temporary condition, and the nail will regrow over the course of a couple of months.
What are the conditions that can cause a toenail to be red?
Blunt trauma to the toenail, such as a heavy object dropped on the toe, which may need to have a fracture or wound treated. Severe swelling, pain, or redness of the toe. Discharge from under the toenail.
Why do my nails get thicker?
Nail thickening : This is caused by damage to the nail's growth center, called the nail matrix. It responds by producing a thicker nail. Nail dystrophy : You may see permanent nail changes such as splitting or a decrease in size.
Can a toenail be loosened by bleeding?
Sometimes bleeding under the nail can change the structure of the toenail for a period of time and may lead to the nail loosening or falling off. This is usually temporary, but if the trauma was severe it may be permanent.
Why is my toenail dark brown?
These causes include: injury to the nail with blood under the nail. bacterial infections. fungal infections.
What is the condition called when you have a toenail under your fingernail?
It’s an uncommon form of skin cancer that develops underneath the fingernail or toenail. Subungual means “under the nail.”. Toenail fungus is a more common condition that occurs from the overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. Keep reading to learn more about subungual melanoma, including how to tell it apart from toenail fungus, ...
What is the best way to diagnose subungual melanoma?
Once your doctor performs the initial assessment and determines you might have subungual melanoma, they’ll commonly suggest a nail biopsy. A nail biopsy is the primary diagnostic tool available for making a definitive diagnosis.
How to tell if you have subungual melanoma?
Here are certain warning signs to look out for: brown or black bands of color that increase in size over time. change in skin pigment (darkening around the affected nail) splitting nail or bleeding nail. drainage (pus) and pain.
What causes fungus on the inside of the nail?
Causes of nail fungus. With fungal nail infections, the main cause is typically. molds. dermatophyte (a common type of fungus called that can be easily picked up by your hands or feet) Certain behaviors and preexisting conditions that can affect your risk of nail fungus include: old age. sweating.
When to see a doctor for toenail fungus?
When to see a doctor. There are many overlaps between nail fungus and nail cancer. Since it’s easy to mistake cancer of the nail for a fungal infection, you should see a doctor immediately to get a definitive diagnosis. See a doctor immediately if you suspect you have toenail fungus or subungual melanoma.
Is it safe to get subungual melanoma checked out?
Since the prognosis of subungual melanoma gets worse the longer it takes to diagnose, it’s better to be safe and get any possible symptoms checked out and cleared as soon as they appear.
How much of a nail is discolored?
More than a quarter of the nail is discolored or there is continuing, intense pain.
How to relieve pain from a toe?
To relieve the pain, your doctor may perform decompression, also called trephination, which allows the underlying blood to drain, relieving pressure and pain to the area. Your doctor may numb the affected finger or toe with a nerve block and use one of the following decompression methods: Cautery.
What does it mean when you have a hematoma under your toenail?
Diagnosis. Treatment. Recovery. Your doctor may call it a “ subungual hematoma ” if you have bleeding under a fingernail or toenail. It usually happens if the nail gets crushed in an injury. It can cause symptoms such as intense pain and throbbing as blood collects under the nail.
What happens if you decompress a nail?
The main complication associated with decompression is a small risk of infection in the residual hematoma. If you have bleeding under a large area of the nail surface, the nail bed may be injured. In this case, your doctor may need to remove the entire nail and use stitches to repair the nail bed.
What is the procedure called when you burn a hole in your nail?
Cautery. The doctor uses a heated wire (electrocautery device) or carbon laser to burn a hole or holes. The heated tip of the wire is cooled by contact with the hematoma, which prevents injury to the nail bed. This is a quick and painless procedure.
How long should you wear a splint after nail removal?
In some cases, your doctor may recommend you use a splint for as long as 3 days until the tenderness subsides.
What to do if you get a blow to your finger?
If you had a severe blow to a finger or toe, either seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or go to an emergency room. You should do this in case you have broken bones or serious damage to the nail bed and/or surrounding tissues.
How to get rid of discoloration on toenails?
These include: Wash your feet regularly and follow up with a good moisturizer. Wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks.
Why is my toe nail purple?
Injuries. If you’ve recently dropped something on your foot or stubbed your toe on something, your nail discoloration could be a symptom of a subungual hematoma. This injury can also result from wearing shoes that are too tight. Subungual hematomas can make your nail appear red or purple.
What causes toenail discoloration?
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.
How to treat subungual hematoma?
In the meantime, try to rest the affected foot. You can also wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on the nail to help with the pain.
Why is my nail black?
black. The discoloration tends to start under the tip of your nail. Left untreated, the discolored area will grow as the infection spreads. Anyone can develop nail fungus. But certain people have a higher risk, including older adults and people with reduced blood circulation or weakened immune systems.
How long does it take for a discolored nail to grow out?
While the injury itself heals quickly it, it’ll take about six to nine months for the discolored nail to completely grow out. If you notice that the pain and pressure isn’t getting any better after a few days, make an appointment with a healthcare provider. You may have a more severe injury that requires treatment.
What color are toenails?
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). These range from minor injuries to potentially serious health conditions.