Do the Color of Your Toenails Ever Change? Here’s Why.

You see your fingernails a lot more than your toenails simply because your fingers are right in front of you, while your toes are usually covered by socks and shoes. But you should inspect your toenails every few days. Changes in their color could indicate a problem. 

When you want superior foot care, look to the office of Kirkland Office. We are experts in our field and at the forefront of podiatry treatments. You’ll receive superior care in a warm and pleasant environment as we examine all aspects of your condition and tell you about your remedy options.

Here are some colors and what they could mean.

Green: The nailbed could have an infection called chloronychia. Also called green nail syndrome, it’s caused by bacteria that flourish in wet or damp environments. Chloronychia can be spurred by hot tubs, sweaty socks, sweaty shoes, or the floors of personal or public showers. Only a podiatrist can clear it up. 

White: A spot could evolve from stubbing your toe. It will eventually grow out so you can cut it off during a pedicure. A white streak can also appear after an injury—but not a painful injury. It can show up when your shoes are too small and a toe constantly pounds against the front of the shoe.

Blue: A severe trauma can turn a nail blue. But if a nail has a blue spot for no reason, it might be just an innocuous mole on the nailbed. But see a podiatrist about it anyway. In extremely rare instances, a blue mole called a cellular blue nevus can turn cancerous.

Black: This bruise, called a subungual hematoma, is an injury to the nail bed. Chances are good that you’ve already had at least one subungual hematoma under a fingernail. (Remember that time you accidentally slammed a door on your finger?) It’s rare but possible that a black toenail indicates malignant melanoma, a fungal infection or a chronic ingrown toenail. 

If you have even the slightest concern about a change of color in one or more of your toenails, see a podiatrist. 

At the office of Kirkland Office, our compassionate and immensely knowledgeable staff of professionals eagerly provide our patients with personal and superior care. Please call us today to schedule an appointment!