Why are my toenails discolored?

Causes of Nail Discoloration
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.
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How do you get rid of discolored toenails?

The only way to get rid of nail polish-related discoloration is to take a break from painting your nails. Even a break of just two or three weeks can resolve the issue.
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What is the best treatment for discolored toenails?

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.
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What can cause darkening of toenails?

Conditions that may cause toenail discoloration include:
  • Nail fungus. Nail fungus is a common infection that is not usually painful unless it is severe. ...
  • Psoriasis. ...
  • Injury. ...
  • Diabetes. ...
  • Melanoma. ...
  • Yellow nail syndrome. ...
  • Nail polish. ...
  • Other causes.
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How do I get my toenails white again?

Simply fill a small bowl with one part water and one part hydrogen peroxide. Place fingers or toes in the bowl so that nails are completely covered and let soak for 15 minutes. Rinse well. Repeat daily until nails are whiter and stains have disappeared.
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Tell-nail Signs of Your Health



How do you get healthy toenails?

10 Tips For Growing Healthy Toenails
  1. Daily Cleansing. ...
  2. Moisturize. ...
  3. Frequent Trimming. ...
  4. Filing. ...
  5. Toenail Friendly Diet. ...
  6. Wearing Proper Shoes and Socks. ...
  7. Occasional Massage. ...
  8. Treat Yourself To Foot Soaks.
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How do you get clear toenails?

How to Clear Up Fungal Toenails Fast
  1. Non-prescription options. There are many toenail fungus treatments available in stores and online including antifungal creams, gels, and nail polish. ...
  2. Prescription polish and creams. ...
  3. Prescription drugs. ...
  4. Laser treatment. ...
  5. Natural, at-home remedies.
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What your toenails say about your health?

Yellow Toenails

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.
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How do you treat discolored toenails at home?

Vinegar is an antifungal ingredient that can be mixed with water to create a foot soak. Its acetic acid component helps to whiten discolored toenails and stop the spread of the infection to other toes. Try one part vinegar to two parts warm water and soak feet for 20 minutes daily.
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What does fungus toenails look like?

Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration. Brittle, crumbly or ragged. Distorted in shape. A dark color, caused by debris building up under your nail.
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Can nail polish cause discoloration toenails?

Excessive use of nail polish can cause toenails to become discolored. In particular, using red, yellow, or orange nail polish can cause the toenails to appear yellow. Although they may look unpleasant, yellow toenails resulting from too much nail polish are harmless.
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Why are my toenails yellow after nail polish?

Wearing toenail polish can cause yellowing because of the stains left behind by the dyes. This is more likely to happen if you use darker shades of nail polish, but yellow, orange, or red polish may also turn your toenails yellow. It's also more likely if you do not apply a clear base coat under the darker shades.
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How do you get rid of dark toenails fast?

Diluted in water vinegar can be used as a foot soak. Soaking your feet in a vinegar foot soak daily can treat black toenail fungus. The ratio can be one part vinegar and two parts of water.
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What kills toenail fungus fast?

Medications
  • Oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice because they clear the infection more quickly than do topical drugs. ...
  • Medicated nail polish. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). ...
  • Medicated nail cream.
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Is Vicks VapoRub good for toenail fungus?

Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in the treatment of toenail fungus. To use, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
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What is the number one cure for toenail fungus?

The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine. Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives with the fewest side effects. Terbinafine results in resolution of toenail fungus 76% of the time. Common side effects may include headaches, skin rash, and vomiting.
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What do Covid toes look like?

COVID toes: One or more toes may swell and turn pink, red, or a purplish color. Others may see a small amount of pus under their skin. Sometimes, people who have COVID toes have other symptoms of COVID-19.
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Can your feet show signs of heart problems?

Here are some signs relating to the legs and feet that may be a sign of heart disease: Absent hair growth on the feet. Dry, thinning, and/or shiny skin on your legs and feet. Unexplained atrophy (decreased muscle size).
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What do your feet look like when you have diabetes?

Although rare, nerve damage from diabetes can lead to changes in the shape of your feet, such as Charcot's foot. Charcot's foot may start with redness, warmth, and swelling. Later, bones in your feet and toes can shift or break, which can cause your feet to have an odd shape, such as a “rocker bottom.”
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Why do toenails get thick with age?

Blood circulation is when the small blood vessels in our feet begin to narrow and become thicker, making it harder for the blood to flow. This then causes the nail cells to build up causing the nail to thicken from the nail root. This process is called onychoctes.
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What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?

This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.
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Can toenail fungus go away on its own?

Fungal infections of the toenails — also known as onychomycosis — don't go away on their own, and if left untreated, the fungus will spread and can eventually destroy the nail.
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How do I keep my toenails healthy as I age?

How to keep your toenails looking great as you get older
  1. Look for irregularities. Take a good look at your feet and see if you notice any changes. ...
  2. Stay warm and dry. ...
  3. Cut toenails properly. ...
  4. Keep elevated. ...
  5. Avoid nail polish. ...
  6. Use lemon. ...
  7. Treat your toenail fungus with mouthwash. ...
  8. Take a walk.
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What vitamins are good for toenails?

Keratin needs vitamin A, C, D, E, and B-complex. These vitamins keep nails hard, strong, and intact. Without them, the keratin dries out, tears, develops hang nails, and may be prone to fungal infections. You also need sufficient iron, calcium, zinc, and iodine.
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Why do toenails get thick and yellow?

Thick yellow toenails are usually caused by a fungal infection called onychomycosis. This can be irritating or painful. It's less common, but the infection can affect your fingernails as well. Thick yellow toenails can be prevented by taking certain precautions.
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