Toenails turning grey is a common occurrence as we age. While it may seem harmless, it can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue. Here are some of the top reasons why your toenails may be turning grey and what you can do about it:
Aging
The most common cause of grey toenails is simply aging. As we get older, our nails often lose pigmentation and turn grey or yellowish. This is a normal part of the aging process and nothing to be concerned about.
As we age, the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in our nails and hair follicles become less active. This leads to a loss of pigment over time. The nails may turn completely grey, develop bands of discoloration, or become dotted with grey specks. This harmless discoloration is sometimes referred to as “benign melanonychia.”
While aging is the top cause, grey toenails can develop at any age. The following factors may also contribute to your nails losing pigment:
Genetics
Our genetics play a role in whether we develop grey nails as we age. Some people are simply predisposed to premature greying of both the hair and nails. So if you have family members who developed grey nails at an early age, you may be at risk as well.
Smoking
Smoking constricts blood vessels, reducing circulation to the hands and feet. This impairs nail growth and can cause discoloration. Nails may turn grey, yellow, or even blackish in color. The toenails of smokers are especially prone to discoloration. Quitting smoking can help restore proper nail pigmentation.
Chronic diseases
Certain chronic medical conditions are associated with nail discoloration:
– Diabetes can affect circulation and blood flow to the extremities. Grey, black, or yellow nails may be a sign of diabetes-related nail changes.
– Kidney disease can also impact nail color. Grey, half-and-half, or brown nails may indicate an impaired kidney function.
– Liver disease may cause white nails with a grey tint.
– Anemia can also manifest with pale grey or white nails.
So if you have one of these conditions, keep an eye out for any unusual nail changes and notify your doctor. Proper treatment can help restore nail health and color.
Fungal infection
A fungal infection (onychomycosis) can cause nails to thicken, discolor and crumble. The infection disrupts nail growth, leading to grey streaks or spots. Yellow streaks, white marks, or darkening near the tips are other signs of a possible fungal infection.
Toenails are especially prone to fungal infections since they are confined in shoes and exposed to damp environments like pools, showers, and locker rooms. If you suspect a fungal infection, an over-the-counter antifungal may help. See your doctor for a prescription medication for moderate to severe cases.
Trauma
Injury to a toenail can instantly affect its growth and appearance. If a toe is stubbed, stepped on, or dropped on a heavy object, it can cause blood vessel damage. This leads to the nail losing its pinkish hue and turning grey, black, or yellow.
If the nail suffers severe trauma, it may fall off completely over time as a new one grows in its place. The new nail will likely retain any discoloration caused by the injury. See your doctor promptly if you suffer any toenail trauma to prevent complications.
Nail polish
Using dark-colored nail polish, especially for extended periods, can stain nails once it’s removed. Grey polishes are more likely to discolor nails than lighter pinks or reds. The pigments in the polish can leave behind greyish or yellowish patches as they penetrate the nails.
To avoid this, take occasional breaks from coloring your nails or switch to a lighter shade. Always remove nail polish thoroughly with nail polish remover. Buffing your nails lightly can also help remove any residual staining.
Shoes that are too tight
Wearing shoes that rub against your toenails can affect nail growth. Friction against the tips causes minute trauma that may gradually turn the nails grey. Nails can also discolor from the moisture and pressure inside tight shoes.
Wear properly fitted shoes and trim your nails regularly to protect nail bed health. Take occasional breaks from wearing closed-toe shoes. Go barefoot at home to allow your toes to breathe.
Swimming
Frequent swimming can turn toenails grey due to the chemicals used to treat pools. The chlorine, bromine and hot tub disinfectants in the water can bleach nails and alter their color. The longer you soak your feet, the more it will impact your nails.
Wear water shoes while swimming to protect your nails from exposure. Always wash your feet and towel dry thoroughly after getting out of the pool or hot tub. Applying a moisturizer after can help counteract the drying effects of chemicals.
Clogged nail follicles
Debris trapped under your nail can disrupt growth and cause greyish streaks. Nail clipping habits that are too aggressive can damage the nail root, where new nail cells are formed. This causes keratin to build up and clog the nail, blocking proper pigmentation.
Avoid digging around or over-trimming the cuticles. Use a gentle scrub to keep follicles clean. An anti-fungal cream can help clear debris and unblock follicles. Removing impacted keratin may require a professional procedure.
Yellow nail syndrome
In rare cases, toenails turning grey may stem from yellow nail syndrome. This condition also causes thick, slow-growing, curved yellow nails. It is related to improper lymphatic drainage and often accompanied by respiratory disorders. Medications that target the underlying problem can help resolve nail discoloration.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid gland can manifest with dry, brittle nails that frequently split and chip. Low levels of thyroid hormones slow down nail growth. This allows debris to accumulate beneath nails, leading to yellowish or grey discoloration in severe cases. Managing hypothyroidism can prevent and resolve associated nail issues.
Vitamin deficiencies
Certain vitamin deficiencies can contribute to changes in toenail color:
– Vitamin B12: Grey, spoon-shaped nails may indicate a B12 deficiency.
– Biotin: Brittle, splitting nails with white spots or bands may signal low biotin levels.
– Zinc: White spots on nails can develop with zinc deficiency.
– Calcium: Low calcium can lead to dry, brittle nails that peel and break easily.
Correcting any nutritional deficiencies through diet or supplements should help restore nail health and appearance. Talk to your doctor about getting blood work done to check for deficiencies.
What does grey toenails mean?
In most cases, grey toenails are a harmless result of aging and genetics. But sometimes unusual nail discoloration can signal an underlying medical issue:
– Nails turning grey combined with thickening, swelling, or crumbling can indicate a fungal nail infection.
– Grey nail discoloration with ridges or grooves may be a sign of poor circulation.
– Grey/black streaky nails that develop rapidly can signify melanoma (nail cancer), especially in those over 50.
– Half-grey, half-pink nails may point to kidney or liver disease.
– Grey nails accompanied by toenail detachment or falling off could mean a thyroid disorder.
– Grey/white spots that appear suddenly may be due to trauma or injury.
Consult your doctor if you have any other symptoms along with new nail discoloration. Timely evaluation and treatment can improve outcomes for serious conditions like melanoma.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if grey toenails are accompanied by:
– Persistent pain, swelling, or discharge around the nail
– Rapid nail detachment or loss
– Unusual nail thickness, pitting or crumbling
– Discoloration of toenails on most or all toes
– Trauma like a smashed or crushed nail
– Wounds, ulcers, or bleeding under or around the nail
– Toenail fungus that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter antifungals
– Known medical conditions like diabetes, anemia or thyroid disorders
– Family history of melanoma
– Age over 50 with new grey streaks in the nails
Your doctor can properly evaluate greyish toenail discoloration in the context of your health history and risk factors. Prompt diagnosis of underlying causes like infections or melanoma leads to quicker treatment.
Home care for grey toenails
While most causes of grey toenails are harmless, it’s still important to take proper nail care steps at home:
– Trim nails: Use sharp nail clippers to trim nails straight across monthly. Avoid cutting too short.
– File away roughness: Use a nail file to gently buff away roughness or uneven edges.
– Moisturize nails and cuticles: Massage nail oil into nails and cuticles daily to prevent brittle, dry nails.
– Treat minor fungal infections: Apply an over-the-counter antifungal polish or cream at the first sign of infection.
– Wear clean socks and rotate shoes: Change socks daily and alternate pairs of shoes to allow them to fully dry out between wears.
– Disinfect pedicure tools: Only use sterilized, sanitized tools during pedicures to prevent infection.
– Avoid tight shoes: Wear properly fitted shoes and remove them periodically during the day to air out your feet.
– Protect nails if frequent swimmer: Wear water shoes and gloves when swimming to shield nails from exposure to chemicals.
– Improve circulation: Regular exercise, stretching, foot soaks, and massage can enhance blood flow to nails.
– Address medical conditions: Properly manage any chronic diseases like diabetes that can impact nail health.
– Check for cancer signs: Monitor nails monthly for any new grey streaks or rapid changes. See a dermatologist every year for a skin and nail cancer screening.
– Get adequate key nutrients: Eat a balanced diet high in antioxidants. Take supplements to correct any vitamin deficiencies.
Medical treatments for grey toenails
If home care strategies don’t improve greyish toenails, see your doctor to discuss medical treatment options:
– Prescription oral antifungals: For stubborn nail fungus infections, oral terbinafine or itraconazole can penetrate nails to eliminate fungus. Treatment lasts 6 to 12 weeks.
– Prescription antifungal nail lacquer: Ciclopirox and efinaconazole solutions can treat fungal infections by disrupting fungal cell walls. Apply daily for 48 weeks.
– Photodynamic therapy: This uses laser or light treatment combined with a photosensitizing agent to kill fungus inside infected nails. 2 to 4 sessions are needed.
– Medicated nail creams: Creams like emtrix or tavaborole applied daily for 48 weeks can clear fungal nail infections.
– Oral medications: Pills to regulate thyroid levels, treat kidney disease, or supplement vitamin deficiencies can resolve associated greyish discoloration.
– Biopsy: The doctor may take a nail clipping to test for fungal infection or other abnormalities.
– Surgery: Partial or complete nail removal may be done for severe fungal infections, recurrent ingrown nails, or malignant melanoma.
See your doctor promptly if OTC treatments don’t improve the appearance of grey toenails. Leaving underlying causes untreated can lead to complications like permanent nail deformity and even loss of the nail or toe in severe cases.
Can grey toenails turn pink again?
It depends on the underlying cause:
– Aging: Grey nails due to old age won’t turn pink again. But proper nail hygiene helps keep nails healthy.
– Trauma: Discoloration from injury may not resolve fully if the nail root is damaged. But it can improve as the nail regrows.
– Nail polish: Stained nails can return to normal colour once the pigment grows out, especially with buffers.
– Medical conditions: Managing issues like fungal infections, diabetes, or thyroid problems can restore pink nails over time.
– Nutrient deficiency: Supplementing vitamins like zinc or biotin can allow pink color to return as levels normalize.
In most cases, nails will never return to the same uniform pinkness of youth once greying begins. But correcting contributing factors maximizes the potential for renewed color and nail health. See your doctor if the nails remain grey or worsen despite home care and treatment.
Prevention
While some causes of grey toenails like aging are unavoidable, you can take steps to sidestep others:
– Avoid prolonged water exposure: Limit time in pools and hot tubs. Change wet socks and shoes ASAP. Dry feet thoroughly after bathing or swimming.
– Use proper nail care habits: Don’t aggressively push back cuticles or trim nails too short. File nails carefully.
– Treat minor nail trauma: Disinfect, bandage, and monitor any toenail injuries to prevent infection and complications.
– Choose suitable footwear: Select shoes with a roomy toe box. Avoid tight styles that squeeze toes. Take shoes off periodically.
– Check for medical conditions: See your doctor to test for diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, fungal infection or nutrient deficiencies.
– Eat a balanced diet: Make sure you get adequate antioxidants, calcium, zinc, vitamins B12 and D, and biotin from your diet or supplements.
– Schedule yearly skin cancer screenings: Early detection of melanoma and prompt treatment minimizes nail damage.
– Stop smoking: Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, which can yellow nails.
While you can’t always prevent toenails from turning grey, taking proactive steps minimizes risk factors that cause it. Some greying is expected with age, but see your doctor if nails rapidly or severely change color or texture. Addressing underlying medical problems quickly improves outcomes. Consistent nail care and hygiene keeps your toenails healthy, even as they turn grey.
Conclusion
Grey toenails are often an inevitable outcome of the aging process. But they can also stem from fungal infections, trauma, tight shoes, nail polish, medical conditions, or nutritional deficiencies. While in most cases grey toenails are harmless, certain accompanying symptoms warrant medical evaluation. Seek prompt treatment for any conditions causing nail discoloration to prevent complications. Going grey may be unavoidable, but proper care keeps toenails healthy and minimizes how readily they lose color. With vigilance and good nail hygiene habits, your toes can stay happy and healthy even when your nails turn grey.
