Are Your Toenails Indicating a General Health Issue?
Paying attention to the condition of your toenails can help catch systemic health problems, and bacterial or fungal toenail infection. Changes in the color and texture of your toenails are often one of the first indications of other issues, so be sure to bring them to the attention of your foot doctor.
Toenail conditions that can indicate other health issues may include the following:
- Dark or white stripes running across the nail—Dark stripes that develop across your toenails may be an indication of aggressive skin cancer that grows in the nail bed. Light white lines on the toenail can indicate liver or kidney disorders and signal that you are not getting adequate protein in your diet.
- Toenails become thick and brittle—Toxic chemicals from nail polish and removers can dry out nails and make them brittle. A thickened toenail could also be a sign of fungal toenail infection, thyroid issue, or a complication of psoriasis.
- Black, green, or yellowing toenails—A toenail can turn black as a result of a traumatic injury or severe infection. Antibiotics can cause toenails to have a greenish or yellow tinge. Chemicals in polish and remover can also cause discoloration.
If the condition of your toenails is concerning, we recommend you consult our board-certified podiatrists for the proper diagnosis and treatment. The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. Our team of doctors: Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACFAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, and Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., is dedicated to serving you with state-of-the-art, cutting edge medical technologies including the PinPointe FootLaser, custom-fitted orthotics, and Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) for chronic foot, heel, or ankle pain. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (520) 575-0800.
