What does it mean when your toenail turns brown?

When a toenail develops a fungal infection, it typically turns yellow or brown. It becomes thick and overgrown. Foul-smelling debris also may accumulate under the nail. As the infection continues, the nail may crumble gradually and fall off.

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Similarly, you may ask, what does it mean when your toenails turn dark?

Black Toenail: Common Causes If your toenail turns black, it's most likely a bruise under the nail, technically called a subungual hematoma. You can get it from stubbing a toe or from footwear that cram your feet into the front of the shoe. Expect your black toenail to grow out in about 6 to 9 months or longer.

Similarly, how do you get rid of thick brown toenails? Soften your nails first by applying urea cream (Aluvea, Keralac) and wrapping your feet in bandages at night. Then wash off the urea cream and use a nail clipper and nail file to trim your nails. Apply an over-the-counter fungal treatment after you gently file your nails. Apply Vicks VapoRub on your toenail each day.

are discolored toenails a sign of cancer?

Skin Cancer A discolored spot underneath a toenail may be a sign of melanoma, a potentially fatal form of skin cancer. Melanoma under a toenail usually looks like a brown or black streak or may appear similar to a bruise.

What are the signs of nail cancer?

Symptoms

• brown or black streaks in the nail without any known injury.
• streaks on the nails that increase in size.
• a bruise on the nail that will not heal or move up as the fingernail grows.
• fingernails or toenails that separate from the nail bed.
• darkening skin next to the nail.
• a nail that bleeds or develops a nodule.

Related Question Answers

What does toe cancer look like?

While melanomas are often brown in color, they can sometimes be red, tan, or white. Melanoma can also occur in your toenails. This is most common in the big toes of your feet. The cancerous cells underneath the nails can look like purple, brown, or black bruises.

What kills nail fungus fast?

Oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice because they clear the infection more quickly than do topical drugs. Options include terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part.

What causes toenail discoloration?

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.

What does melanoma look like under a fingernail?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can rarely develop beneath the surface of the nail. Called subungual (under the nail) melanoma, it appears as a brown or black streak. People may delay seeing a doctor because they mistake the discoloration for a bruise, assuming they've stubbed their toe or hit a finger.

Why are my toe nails Brown?

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.

What can your toenails tell you about your health?

Your toenails tell a lot about your overall health. 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.

Will bleach kill nail fungus?

BLEACH KILLS FUNGUS. Within a few weeks, both warts and fungus were gone. Dear Reader: This is not the first time we've heard that dilute bleach solutions may be helpful against nail fungus. If the bleach causes skin irritation, the treatment should be discontinued.

Will Vicks kill toenail fungus?

We've heard that Vicks VapoRub can cure toenail fungus before (it's also helpful when you've got a cold!), but the New York Times recently put it to the test. Of the seven ingredients, thymol was among the most effective at inhibiting the growth of dermatophytes that cause nail fungus.

Can peroxide kill toenail fungus?

Hydrogen peroxide can effectively kill the fungus on the surface level of the foot, as well as any surface bacteria that could cause an infection. Pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected area. Do this twice daily until the infection subsides.

How do you clean your toenails with baking soda?

Lemon Juice & Baking Soda Squeeze half of a lemon (or more) into a plastic bowl, and then add and blend baking soda until you get a nice abrasive paste-like texture. Then use an old toothbrush to scrub your nails with it. Rinse, and repeat if needed.

How common is nail cancer?

Melanoma of the nail unit is rare, accounting for only about 1% melanoma in white-skinned individuals. Although no more common in dark skin than fair skin, it is the most common type of melanoma diagnosed in deeply pigmented individuals. It is most diagnosed between the age of 40 and 70 [1].

Why are toenails white after removing polish?

Inviting foot problems The danger with keeping your nail polish on too long is that the pigment in the nail polish can soak into the top few layers of the nail and dry it out, Dr. If you remove the polish and your toenails look stained or have a white, chalky appearance, you can take steps to nurse them back to health.

Can nail fungus kill you?

You are more likely to get a fungal infection if you have a weakened immune system or take antibiotics. Fungi can be difficult to kill. For skin and nail infections, you can apply medicine directly to the infected area.

How do you clean your toenails?

You can use a loofah, sponge, or washcloth to really clean around the toenails. Try a foot soak. If you don't take a shower every day, consider soaking your feet in a tub of lukewarm water and soap. This can help break up or dislodge dirt underneath toenails.

When should I go to the doctor for toenail fungus?

When to See Your Doctor Fungal nail infections can get worse over time. See your doctor if you notice your nail has turned brown or black, if it suddenly hurts, or if it pulls away from the nail bed.

Can you die from nail cancer?

Because the disease is commonly overlooked and diagnosed late, she says, it often has a poor prognosis, which could result in the amputation of the affected finger or even death. “It's important to regularly examine your whole body for signs of melanoma and other skin cancers, and that includes your nails,” she says.

Is nail melanoma curable?

Melanoma is a life threatening but potentially treatable form of cancer if diagnosed and managed at an early stage. However, early melanoma arising on the foot, particularly within the nail unit and on the plantar surface, can be difficult to recognise. Consequently, this can lead to delays in diagnosis.

What does a toenail fungus look like?

Nail fungus. Nail fungus can cause the nail to become thick or ragged and appear yellow, green, brown or black. An infected nail may separate from the nail bed. Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail.

Is toenail melanoma deadly?

About subungual melanoma Subungual melanoma is uncommon. It accounts for only 0.7 percent to 3.5 percent of all malignant melanomas worldwide. This form of melanoma occurs in all racial groups, with 30 to 40 percent of cases appearing in non-white people. Subungual melanoma is rare, but it is deadly if left untreated.