Toenail discoloration
Toenail discoloration commonly comes from a previous injury or the color change could be due to a fungus. The only way to detrmine if it is a fungus is to have a culture taken. The results are usually back within a month.
Fungus nail infections are NOT contagious but may be uncomfortable and unsightly. Treatment is oral medication for three months. This medication is very safe, unlike medications used in the past.
It is VERY rare when topical medications cure a nail fungus. Other “old wive’s tales” include vinegar and other household products. These do NOT work and frequently cause skin irritation.
Diagnosis for treatment should be made by a professional.
August 28th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Thanks!Much needed information supplied
October 1st, 2008 at 2:19 am
My left toe nail is discolered to a tint of purple. Also there is a brown ring on the middle of my toe in the shape if a “u”. It doesn’t hurt but I am conserned, a reply would be greatly apretiated.
October 1st, 2008 at 3:16 am
It may simply be change due to an injury. If all other nails are clear, I would suggest simply waiting 4-6 weeks and see if the discolored portion starts growing out. if so, it will resolve. If it does not change location in the nail or starts to enlarge or spread to other nails, I would suggest a visit to a podiatrist or dermatologist as a simply culture will prove or disprove a fungus and treatment can start then. Good luck!
January 2nd, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Nail Fungus can be embarrassing, especially during warmer weather when bare feet and open-toed shoes arethe norm
January 3rd, 2009 at 5:01 am
In order to determine if the nail discoloratioon is a fungus, a sample needs to be taken and sent to the laboratory, With a positive result, nail fungus can be treated however, generally it is 3-6 months before the nail looks better.
March 16th, 2009 at 12:42 am
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April 24th, 2009 at 6:09 am
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April 27th, 2009 at 3:04 am
Not sure about this answer. We try and write about the most common foot and ankle pathologies. Hope you like what you read!
June 23rd, 2009 at 12:25 pm
“The only way to detrmine if it is a fungus is to have a culture taken.”
It is also possible to detect fungus in toenails though making a slide out of a toenail clipping sample. Check out Dr. Curtis Thompson’s new nail processing technique that he presented at this years 10th International Congress of Dermatology in Prague: CTA Lab - News Page or New Concepts in Processing Nail Biopsy Specimens - Curtis Thompson
June 23rd, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Very interesting post, I’m interested why you’re only open to cultures for diagnosing fungus in nails??
June 24th, 2009 at 4:18 am
No. Cultures for fungus can also be taken for skin. And yes, a slide from a toenail clipping may detect that there is a fungus there but there are several difernet varieties of fungus and clinically, it is important to know which variety one has before discussion options for treatment.
July 15th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
One of my toe nail got very white color and thicker & rough on the surface. Why is that? I’ve only been to the spa for 8 times.
A reply would be appreciated.
July 16th, 2009 at 3:59 am
This may not be due to the spa but the truth is we do not know. If it is a fungus and it just started apopearing, you have a very good chance of resolving it with the use of over the counter topical mediciations. I would suggest daily use of an antifungal crea such as Loprox, Nizoral or Lamisil.
Good luck!
December 29th, 2009 at 4:21 am
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December 29th, 2009 at 4:23 am
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December 29th, 2009 at 4:54 am
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February 15th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
i have toenails that wont grow to the skin. some of my toenaild are very thick and i can usally cut them down with a clipper. Also i have alot of iching between my toes and soggy skin between my pinky toe. Also on my right foot there is a dry patch of skin that itches but also will bleed if scratch to hard. out of 10 toes only two r ok well four if u include my pinkys. Can u please give me am idea of what this could be. Thank you
February 16th, 2010 at 5:04 am
It certainly sounds like you have an athlete’s foot (fungus) as well as probably fungus infection of the nails. First, I would recommend an over the counter antifungal powder for between your toes. Secondly, visit a podiatrist in your area and ask for a fungus culture of the nail. If positive, an antifungal can be prescribed which may resolve that infection. Good luck!