

When nails become discolored, they look unkempt and shabby, no doubt. But that is not the only thing that is cause for concern. Discolored nails could be an indicator of underlying health issues. So, the sooner you get around to treating them, the faster you will be able to address these issues. Let us take a look at the most common discoloured nails causes and understand how you can take measures to treat them.
Discoloured Nails: Causes and Treatment
Listed below are the reasons why you may be seeing discoloration of your nails:
1. Fungal Infection
This is one of the most common causes of discolouration in your nails. Fungal infection usually causes discolouration in the toenails. This condition is known as onychomycosis. The causes for discolored nails vary from injuries to health issues that can be potentially harmful.
Nails are usually affected by a type of fungus called dermatophyte. These infections may also be caused by yeast or mold. They thrive on the keratin in your nails. The color of the nails can vary from yellow, green, and reddish-brown to black, depending upon the type of infection. It begins at the tip of the nail and spreads as the infection increases. Low immunity and poor blood circulation make you more vulnerable to these infections.
Treatment:
There are effective treatment options for these nail yellowing causes. You can start with over-the-counter ointments to manage fungal growth. If the infection is so severe that your nail begins to crumble or thicken, it is highly recommended that you see a dermatologist.
2. Injuries
You must have noticed that stubbing your toe or jamming your finger in hinges often leaves the nails looking blue or blackish in color. Trauma is one of the most common causes for nail discoloration. Even poorly fitted shoes can cause this type of discoloration. This is because of a blood under the nail, which is known as subungual hematoma.
The coloration of the nails can even change to purple or red very quickly. You will experience pain and soreness in the affected area in these cases.
Treatment:
These injuries heal without any intervention in most cases. With some rest to the affected area and some simple methods like wrapping an ice pack can resolve the issue in no time. Although the injury heals, leaving you pain-free and relieved, the discoloration may take up to 6 months to disappear completely.
3. Underlying Health Issues
Discoloration of the nails is also linked to certain health issues. Heart and liver conditions often manifest in the form of nail discoloration. It can also be the result of any nutritional deficiency, particularly vitamin and mineral deficiencies. If the discolored nail causes are underlying health conditions, then you will also notice other symptoms such as change in the shape of the nails, thickening of the nails, bleeding, swelling of the nail bed, pain and soreness when you touch the nail, or discharge from the cuticle of the nail
Treatment:
If discoloration of the nail persists even after trying various topical treatment options, then you need to visit a doctor at the earliest. The nail discoloration treatment in these causes depends upon the causal factor. Once the underlying cause has been treated and you begin to heal, the coloration of the nail also begins to restore itself.
4. Nail Polish
It is always a good idea to choose the brand of your nail polish wisely. When you opt for poor quality nail paint and use it frequently, it is likely to leave a long-lasting mark in the form of nail discoloration. However, this is not limited to poor-quality nail paint. Using it too frequently can also lead to discoloration. The pigments from these nail paints often seep into deeper layers of your nails, causing severe staining. Even when you leave a nail paint on for a week or two, discoloration is possible.
The most harmful pigments are the orange and red ones which are likely to leave longer-lasting stains. When you use any nail hardener which contains dimethylurea, formalin, or glyoxal, it makes the discoloration even worse.
Treatment:
In these cases, nail discoloration treatment is possible only by giving your nails some break from coloring or other treatments. By avoiding nail polish for just a few weeks, you can bring the natural color back.
5. Yellow Nail Syndrome
This is an actual dermatological condition that is one of the most common nail yellowing causes. However, this condition is still fully not understood because of the way it manifests and gets treated. Sometimes, yellowing of the nails can be accompanied by curved appearance, slower growth than usual, ridges and indentations, disappearance of the cuticle, or black or green coloration.
This type of nail discoloration is often associated with a host of underlying health conditions which include lung disease, pleural effusions, lymphedema, chronic bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune conditions, and sinusitis. It can also be the result of aging as yellow nail syndrome is seen in people who are over the age of 50. In some cases, this syndrome may also be inherited.
Treatment:
There is no single approach for yellow nail syndrome. It either disappears on its own or is treated by identifying the health issue that is causing it. If the discoloration persists for a long time, then the best option is to see a healthcare provider at the earliest.
6. Medication
Certain medicines may also cause discolored nails. The chemicals in these medicines can cause side effects like yellowishness of the nails in some individuals.
Treatment:
If you notice that the discoloration occurs after you take certain medicines, then consult your doctor. They may be able to provide you with alternatives or other solutions to treat your nail discoloration.
Other Causes
There are other causes of nail discoloration that could be the symptom of a medical emergency. For instance, you will notice a bluish tinge on your nails. This is a sign of cyanosis or low levels/ lack of blood oxygenation or hypoxemia. Of course, this type of discoloration does not affect the layers of the nails.
Your nails may also acquire a whitish or yellowish tinge in case the nail has been separated from your nail bed. This condition is known as onycholysis. Smoking leads to yellowing of the nails because of the nicotine content. These are other causes of nail discoloration that you should be wary about.
Making lifestyle changes or seeking medical help may not only revert the color of the nail but also prevent any further discoloration.
Tips to Prevent Nail Discoloration
Once you have completed your nail discoloration treatment, you don’t want it to reappear. There are some precautions that you can take to prevent nail discoloration:
- Make sure you wash your feet and hands regularly and follow it up with a good-quality moisturizer.
- Don’t leave your hands and feet wet for too long. Keeping them dry prevents fungal infections.
- Choose shoes that are the right fit. If they are too tight, the chances of discoloration are higher.
- Always choose shoes that breathe and wick moisture. This is very useful in preventing fungal injuries.
- Always wear shoes or slippers when you are walking in public areas, especially ones like pool areas and locker rooms.
- Cut your nails regularly and make sure you file any uneven edge.
- Choose salons that sterilize their equipment and use good quality products on the nails.
- Avoid painting your nails too often.
- Make sure you eat a healthy and balanced diet.
- Do not put your shoes on until your feet are fully dry.
- Change your socks regularly. Do not reuse socks that have become too dirty.
Conclusion
If you notice that your nail discoloration is recurring, you may have to consult a healthcare expert to get yourself checked thoroughly. It is very important to rule out the possibility of serious underlying health issues. You may also want to develop a good nail care routine that involves using nourishing oils or creams that would prevent you from having discolored nails.