Your toenails can reveal a lot about your overall health. As an extension of your body, toenails often show early signs of underlying medical conditions. By paying attention to changes in your toenails, you may be able to get a head start on treating health issues. Here’s an overview of what your toenails might be telling you about your health:
Normal, Healthy Toenails
Healthy toenails are smooth, even in color, and free of spots or streaks. The nail itself should be somewhat translucent so that the nail bed underneath appears pink. The surrounding skin should not be red, swollen or painful.
Normal toenails grow at a rate of about 1 millimeter per month. They grow more slowly than fingernails. Healthy toenails are usually less than 1/8 inch thick. As you age, toenails tend to thicken and become more brittle. Toenails that meet these characteristics can indicate generally good health.
Discolored Toenails
Discolored toenails can signal certain medical conditions. Here are some colors to look for:
Yellow nails
Yellowing nails may indicate:
– Fungal infection
– Psoriasis
– Respiratory conditions
– Diabetes
– Lymphedema
Black toenails
Black discoloration is commonly caused by:
– Blood accumulating under the nail after injury (subungual hematoma)
– Bacterial infection
– Fungal infection
– Melanoma (rare)
White nails
White spots or streaks on the nails may be due to:
– Minor injury
– Zinc deficiency
– Anemia
Blue nails
Blue or gray discoloration suggests:
– Oxygen deprivation
– Respiratory disease
– Pneumonia
– Heart disease
Red or brown streaks
Red or brown streaks are often caused by:
– Melanoma
– Fungal infection
– Psoriasis
– Reactive arthritis
Thickened Toenails
If your toenails are abnormally thick, it may indicate:
– Fungal infection
– Psoriasis
– Poor circulation
– Thyroid disease
In most cases, thick toenails are caused by fungal infection. The medical term for this is onychomycosis. It can make the nails appear opaque and debris may collect under the nail.
Psoriasis can also cause changes in toenail thickness. Pitting, flaking and abnormal nail growth may occur.
Brittle, Crumbling Toenails
Very dry, brittle or crumbling toenails can suggest:
– Fungal infection
– Psoriasis
– Thyroid disease
– Lichen planus
– Eczema
Brittle nails become soft and break easily. They may split or peel away from the nail bed. Very dry air, chemical exposure, frequent wetting and drying, and vitamin deficiency can also contribute to brittle nails.
Ridges
Ridges are vertical lines that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. They may indicate:
– Normal aging
– Inflammatory arthritis
– Psoriasis
– Poor circulation
– Thyroid disease
– Kidney disease
– Vitamin deficiency
Pitting
Pitting refers to the presence of tiny dents or holes in the nails. Pitting can signify:
– Psoriasis
– Reactive arthritis
– Alopecia areata
– Eczema
– Zinc deficiency
Spoon-shaped Toenails
Spoon-shaped nails curve inward. They may indicate:
– Iron deficiency anemia
– Hypothyroidism
– Vitamin B12 deficiency
Separation from the Nail Bed
Onycholysis refers to separation of the nail from the nail bed. It is often caused by:
– Injury
– Fungal infections
– Psoriasis
– Overuse of nail polish remover
– Severe illness
– Allergic reaction
Clubbed Nails
Clubbed nails curve downward and are enlarged at the tips. This can be a sign of:
– Lung disease
– Heart disease
– Liver disease
– Inflammatory bowel disease
– AIDS
Receding Nail
If the skin next to the nail appears to be encroaching onto the nail plate, it may indicate nail dystrophy, lichen planus, or dermatitis.
Horizontal Ridges
Horizontal ridges or grooves on the nail may be caused by:
– Aging
– Arthritis
– Poor circulation
– Malnutrition
– Measles
– Mumps
– Chemotherapy
– Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Leukonychia
Leukonychia refers to white lines or spots on the nails. It is associated with:
– Minor injury
– Protein deficiency
– Zinc deficiency
– Arsenic poisoning
– Cardiovascular disease
– Renal failure
Green Nails
Green discoloration is uncommon but may indicate:
– Pseudomonas bacterial infection
– Fungal infection
– Reaction to artificial nails
What Toenail Changes Require Medical Attention?
While some toenail abnormalities are harmless, others require medical diagnosis and treatment. See your doctor if you notice any of the following:
– Discoloration not due to injury
– Thickening
– Brittleness
– Crumbling
– Horizontal ridges
– Pitting
– Onycholysis
– Clubbing
– Foul odor
– Debris under nail
– Loss of nails
– Bleeding around nails
– Pain in toes
These changes may indicate an underlying condition that needs treatment. Fungal infections, psoriasis and hypothyroidism are some examples.
When to See a Podiatrist
For toenail problems, you may want to see a podiatrist rather than a general practitioner. Podiatrists specialize in foot health. They can diagnose and treat conditions like:
– Ingrown toenails
– Fungal infections
– Discoloration
– Thickened nails
– Brittle or crumbling nails
– Clubbed nails
A podiatrist can provide medications or procedures to correct any problems with your toenails. Seeking their expertise can help restore healthy, normal looking toenails.
Conclusion
Your toenails can provide insight into your overall health. Pay attention to any changes in color, thickness, shape or texture. Unexplained abnormalities may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. It’s important to have these changes evaluated, especially if they do not resolve on their own. See your doctor or a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Addressing toenail problems promptly can help prevent complications and improve your wellbeing. Healthy looking toenails are a good indicator that all systems are in working order.
