Common Causes
There are several possible causes of brown toenails. Repetitive trauma (like running in a shoe that is too small, for example) can make the area under the nail bleed, causing a subungual hematoma. Also, certain myotic infections (fungal infections) can cause the underside of the nail to gather fungal debris of a brown or clack color.
Related Conditions
Apply the oil every 4 to 5 hours. You can also use lavender oil, olive oil, or oregano oil to treat the brown nails. Zetaclear is also a known remedy for treating nail fungus.
Why are my toenails turning brown?
If you have nail fungus, your toenail color might be: The discoloration tends to start under the tip of your nail. Left untreated, the discolored area will grow as the infection spreads. Anyone can develop nail fungus. But certain people have a higher risk, including older adults and people with reduced blood circulation or weakened immune systems.
How to get rid of brown nails?
Vape juice turns dark or brown for two reasons: the sugars in the e-juice have caramelized from heat exposure or the e-liquid has expired from oxidation. You can determine the cause of your e-liquid turning dark brown by tasting it. Caramelized e-juice will have the same flavor as normal juice but will have a thicker texture than usual.
Can Nail fungus turn your toenail color?
Why does my vape juice turn dark or brown?
Why is my toe nail purple?
What color are toenails?
What causes toenail discoloration?
How to treat subungual hematoma?
Why is my nail black?
How long does it take for a discolored nail to grow out?
How to get rid of discoloration on toenails?
See 4 more
About this website
Why are my toenails turning brownish?
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.
Does smoking make your nails Brown?
4. You're a smoker. "Yellow-stained nails are one of the biggest tell-tale signs that you're a smoker or that you used to smoke. This is because the nicotine and tar found in cigarettes stains both the nail and surrounding nail bed – but that's not all.
Does smoking affect your toenails?
Smoking causes your toenails to become brittle and chip easily, and makes your skin dry and flaky, potentially leaving you vulnerable to fungal infections.
What does a brown mark on your nail mean?
Melanonychia is caused when the pigment cells, called melanocytes, deposit melanin — brown-colored pigment — into the nail. These deposits are usually grouped together. As your nail grows, it causes the stripe of brown or black to appear on your nail.
Does smoking discolor your toenails?
With the loss of these fibers, the skin will begin to lose its elasticity and strength. . Yellow nails and fingers- Nicotine can stain fingers and nails making them brown or yellow in color.
What do dehydrated toenails look like?
White chalky patches on the nail can simply be a result of excessive dehydration of the keratin molecules on the nail surface, causing keratin granulations.
What is Melanonychia in the nail?
Melanonychia refers to the Greek word “Melas” meaning black (or brown colour) and “Onyx” meaning nail. It is characterized by brown-black discoloration of the nail plate and the pigment referred to is conventionally melanin. It may involve single or multiple nails, both in finger and toenails.
Can smoking cause yellow toenails?
People who smoke are more likely to develop yellow nails. It's also more common in people with certain diseases, such as diabetes and thyroid disease.
How do you get rid of smokers nails?
Hydrogen peroxide has whitening properties that can remove nicotine stains from your fingernails. To do this, pour 3-4 tablespoons (15 ml per tablespoon) of 3% hydrogen peroxide into half a cup (118.5 ml) of water and stir well. Dip your nails into the solution and soak them for up to 15 minutes.
How do you get rid of brown toenails?
If your nail discoloration is caused by fungus, some home treatments might help. Ingredients like apple cider vinegar, vinegar, tea tree oil, and hydrogen peroxide are all anti-fungal and antibacterial ingredients that have been claimed to be an effective foot soak to treat discolored toenails.
Can melanonychia go away?
These are most frequently associated with transverse melanonychia [2]. In the majority of iatrogenic melanonychia cases, the pigmentation develops 3-8 weeks after the initiation of treatment and fades away 6-8 weeks following treatment cessation [3].
Why is my toe nail brown underneath?
Nail fungus is a common infection of the nail. It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge.
Does smoking affect your fingernails?
Brittle nails: Smoking cigarettes can make nails malnourished and more prone to breakage. Yellowed teeth: The nicotine and other dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke cause the teeth to become discolored.
Why did my white nails turn brown?
Extreme UV Light Exposure Whilst Drying If gel nails are left under a UV light for too long, or for too short of a time, they can cause your white nail polish to turn brown. Additionally, too long under the UV light can also lead to bubbly nail polish.
How do you get cigarette stains off your nails?
For nicotine stains on your fingernails, mix 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) of hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of water. Soak your nails in the mixture for 15 minutes then use a toothbrush to buff off any remaining stains.
How do you get yellow smoke stains off nails?
Hydrogen peroxide has whitening properties that can remove nicotine stains from your fingernails. To do this, pour 3-4 tablespoons (15 ml per tablespoon) of 3% hydrogen peroxide into half a cup (118.5 ml) of water and stir well. Dip your nails into the solution and soak them for up to 15 minutes.
Toenail Discoloration - Treatments for Yellow, Purple, Black Nails
A guide to toenail discoloration: What various toenail colors—white, purple, yellow, black—mean about your health and how to treat them.
7 nail symptoms and conditions you shouldn't ignore - TODAY
2. Symptom: Brittle nails. This common problem can happen because of an issue with your diet or the chemicals your hands are exposed to. Nails are formed in the nail matrix, the root of the nail.
Why is my toe nail purple?
Injuries. If you’ve recently dropped something on your foot or stubbed your toe on something, your nail discoloration could be a symptom of a subungual hematoma. This injury can also result from wearing shoes that are too tight. Subungual hematomas can make your nail appear red or purple.
What color are toenails?
Overview. Typically, toenails should be more or less a clear, partially translucent color. But sometimes, they can appear yellow, green, blue, purple, or black. Several things can cause toenail discoloration (also known as chromonychia). These range from minor injuries to potentially serious health conditions.
What causes toenail discoloration?
Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is one of the most prevalent causes of toenail discoloration. The most common organism to cause toenail fungus is called dermatophyte. However, mold or yeast can also infect toenails. Dermatophytes grow by eating your body’s keratin.
How to treat subungual hematoma?
In the meantime, try to rest the affected foot. You can also wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on the nail to help with the pain.
Why is my nail black?
black. The discoloration tends to start under the tip of your nail. Left untreated, the discolored area will grow as the infection spreads. Anyone can develop nail fungus. But certain people have a higher risk, including older adults and people with reduced blood circulation or weakened immune systems.
How long does it take for a discolored nail to grow out?
While the injury itself heals quickly it, it’ll take about six to nine months for the discolored nail to completely grow out. If you notice that the pain and pressure isn’t getting any better after a few days, make an appointment with a healthcare provider. You may have a more severe injury that requires treatment.
How to get rid of discoloration on toenails?
These include: Wash your feet regularly and follow up with a good moisturizer. Wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks.
Causes of Brown Spots on Your Toenail
Most issues causing brown spots on your toenail are medically related. Many of these problems can be treated. However, a few of them defy curative medicine.
Treatment Options for Brown Spots on Your Toenails
Your options for treating these spots will depend on the cause of the discoloration. You have to use fungal remedies to treat fungal-related spots. For others, your doctor is your best option. Let’s check out some of your options.
How to Prevent Toenail Discoloration
Preventing toenail discoloration is pretty straightforward. All you need is a bit of vigilance and discipline. Some things you can do to avoid toenail discoloration include:
What does it mean when your toenail turns black?
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. The bruise usually starts out red, then becomes purple, dark brown, and finally black when blood beneath the nail pools and clots. Expect your black toenail to grow out in about 6 to 9 months or longer.
Why is my toenail turning black?
Black Toenail: Common Causes. If your toenail turns black, it’s most likely a bruise under the nail, technically called a subungual hematoma.
What happens if you stub your toe and it turns blue?
If you stub your toe and it turns blue, you might not think twice about the color. But if you get a blue spot or a blue toenail for no clear reason, play it safe and see a doctor. You may have a blue mole beneath the nail. It’s probably harmless. But in very rare cases, a type of blue mole called a cellular blue nevus can become cancer.
How long does it take for a black toenail to grow out?
Expect your black toenail to grow out in about 6 to 9 months or longer.
Why are my toenails yellow?
Try an over-the-counter antifungal cream. If your nail is yellow and thick, gently file down the surface so that the drug can reach deeper layers.
What is the yellowish patch on the bottom of the toenail?
Another type of fungal infection is called proximal subungual onychomycosis. It looks like a whitish or yellowish patch that starts at the base of the toenail, near the cuticle. The infection is rare in healthy people. More often, it happens in people with weakened immune systems. It can also be a sign of HIV.
What to do if your toe turns blue?
The color is underneath the nail, so don’t try to scrub it off. Visit your doctor instead. Shades of Blue. If you stub your toe and it turns blue, you might not think twice about the color. But if you get a blue spot or a blue toenail for no clear reason, play it safe and see a doctor.
Why do my nails turn brown?
Also, certain myotic infections (fungal infections) can cause the underside of the nail to gather fungal debris of a brown or clack color. Women of color may get dark stripes or dark areas in their nails that are completely normal.
Why are my toenails brown?
Answer. There are several possible causes of brown toenails. Repetitive trauma (like running in a shoe that is too small, for example) can make the area under the nail bleed, causing a subungual hematoma. Also, certain myotic infections (fungal infections) can cause the underside of the nail to gather fungal debris of a brown or clack color.
Can you pick off your own toenail?
I don’t think a person could comfortably pick off her own toen ail unless it had been injured previously or there was a fungal infection under the nail, causing the nail to lift off the nail bed.
Why do my nails turn yellow?
Toxicity to the nail bed results in onycholysis (the lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed causing nails to appear white, yellow or brown — due to subungual haemorrhage ). It is often painful. Photo-onycholysis is onycholysis following exposure to ultraviolet radiation and generally does not affect thumbnails.
Why do my nails thinning out?
Nail thinning, fragility and brittleness are due to diffuse damage to the nail matrix and nail plate. These signs are most often caused by long-term use of chemotherapy agents and retinoids. Damage to the distal nail plate causes:
What causes drug-induced nail disease?
Drugs can damage the nail matrix (the hidden part of the nail unit under the cuticle ), the nail bed (the skin beneath the nail plate [the visible part of the nail]), periungual tissue (tissue situated around the nail), or blood vessels feeding the nail or nails.
What are the differential diagnoses for drug-induced nail disease?
Infections and spontaneous nail dystrophies may appear similar to drug-induced nail disease. Conditions that appear similar to drug-induced nail disease include:
What medications can cause nail folds to be damaged?
Damage to the nail folds is associated with the use of: Retinoids and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors (most often) Methotrexate, ciclosporin, and antiretroviral medications (less often).
Why do white bands on nails not move?
The transverse lines move distally as the nail plate grows out normally. Blanchable white bands that do not move distally are due to damage to the nail bed and are associated with chemotherapy. These are also called apparent leukonychia and Muehrcke lines.
Why does my nail bed look grey?
Bluish grey pigmentation of the nail bed that does not move outwards— which can be due to minocycline
Why Does Vape Juice Turn Brown?
E-liquids get darker from one of two chemical reactions: caramelization or oxidation.
How Can I Prevent My E-liquid From Browning in the Bottle?
Once your vape juice turns brown in its original bottle or vape tank, you can’t make it clear again. The best way to slow or prevent vape juice from browning is to store it in a cool, dry place.
FAQs About Vape Juice Turning Brown
Clear vape juice can get darker when exposed to either excessive heat or oxygen in your tank or bottle.
Why do my toenails change color?
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, poor circulation, or a heart or lung disease, can cause your toenails to change color. Talk to your doctor about any existing conditions you have that could affect the color of your nails.
Why do my toenails turn yellow?
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 is yellow nail syndrome?
Yellow nail syndrome is a very rare condition. Often associated with lymphedema, it can occur during cancer treatment.
Can you treat discolored toenails?
Most of the time, discolored toenails can be treated with over-the-counter medicines or items you already have at home. However, you may need to make an appointment with a dermatologist if you suspect a severe fungal infection or have other symptoms besides toenail discoloration.
Why are my toenails brown?
Brown toenails, scientifically called onychomycosis, signal that there is a fungal infection on the nails. Fungus grows and thrives on toes and feet because they are usually covered in socks and shoes, creating a hot and moist environment. Once the fungus grows, it will discolor your toenails with a dull brown color.
What to use for brown nails?
You can also use lavender oil, olive oil, or oregano oil to treat the brown nails. Zetaclear is also a known remedy for treating nail fungus. It is actually a mixture of tea tree oil and other oils. Wear open-toe sandals at home to allow fresh air in, which can help get rid of the fungus.
How to get rid of fungus on toenails?
Cut the nails in a straight way and avoid cutting deep into the sides of the toenails. This will prevent incurring wounds or ingrown nails. Rub tea tree oil lightly into the affected toenails. You can also apply it to all of your toenails to be sure the fungus is removed. Apply the oil every 4 to 5 hours.
How to treat a toe sprain?
Victor Holguin/Demand Media. Wash your feet using a mild soap. Make sure that the spaces between the toes are also soaped and washed. Rinse well. With a clean towel, pat the feet dry, including the spaces between the toes.
Why do my toes have brown spots?
Causes. The nails of your toes or fingers are usually translucent and not pigmented. Melanonychia is caused when the pigment cells, called melanocytes, deposit melanin into the nail. Melanin is a brown colored pigment. These deposits are usually grouped together. As your nail grows, it causes the stripe of brown or black to appear on your nail.
What is it called when you have black lines on your toenails?
Melanonychia is a condition of either the fingernails or the toenails. Melanonychia is when you have brown or black lines on your nails. The decolorization is usually in a stripe that starts at the bottom of your nail bed and continues to the top. It may be in one nail or several. These lines can be a natural occurrence if you have a dark complexion.
What to do if you have a melanonychia?
taking antibiotic or antifungal medications, if an infection is the cause. treating the underlying disease or medical condition causing the melanonychia. If your melanonychia is malignant or cancerous, then the tumor or cancerous area must be completely removed. The may mean that you’ll lose all or part of your nail.
Why is a biopsy important for melanonychia?
A biopsy is an important step in the diagnosis of melanonychia because it will tell your doctor with certainty if it’s malignant or not.
What causes melanocytosis of the nail?
Melanocytic hyperplasia may be caused by: lesions (usually benign) moles or birthmarks (usually benign) cancer of the nail. Other causes of melanonychia beyond the two primary types may include: some bacteria. tobacco. hair dye. silver nitrate.
How to diagnose melanonychia?
A diagnosis of melanonychia is reached after a series of diagnostic exams and tests. Your doctor will begin with a physical exam of all your fingernails and toenails. This physical exam includes looking at whether your nail is deformed in any way, how many nails have melanonychia, as well as the color, shape, and size of your melanonychia. Your doctor will also look at your medical history to see if you have any medical conditions that may be causing the melanonychia.
Does melanonychia go away?
The outlook for most benign melanonychia is good, and in most cases, does not require treatment. However, it usually does not go away by itself. The outlook for malignant melanonychia is not as good. This condition requires the removal of the tumor which may also include amputation of your finger or toe.
Why is my toe nail purple?
Injuries. If you’ve recently dropped something on your foot or stubbed your toe on something, your nail discoloration could be a symptom of a subungual hematoma. This injury can also result from wearing shoes that are too tight. Subungual hematomas can make your nail appear red or purple.
What color are toenails?
Overview. Typically, toenails should be more or less a clear, partially translucent color. But sometimes, they can appear yellow, green, blue, purple, or black. Several things can cause toenail discoloration (also known as chromonychia). These range from minor injuries to potentially serious health conditions.
What causes toenail discoloration?
Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is one of the most prevalent causes of toenail discoloration. The most common organism to cause toenail fungus is called dermatophyte. However, mold or yeast can also infect toenails. Dermatophytes grow by eating your body’s keratin.
How to treat subungual hematoma?
In the meantime, try to rest the affected foot. You can also wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on the nail to help with the pain.
Why is my nail black?
black. The discoloration tends to start under the tip of your nail. Left untreated, the discolored area will grow as the infection spreads. Anyone can develop nail fungus. But certain people have a higher risk, including older adults and people with reduced blood circulation or weakened immune systems.
How long does it take for a discolored nail to grow out?
While the injury itself heals quickly it, it’ll take about six to nine months for the discolored nail to completely grow out. If you notice that the pain and pressure isn’t getting any better after a few days, make an appointment with a healthcare provider. You may have a more severe injury that requires treatment.
How to get rid of discoloration on toenails?
These include: Wash your feet regularly and follow up with a good moisturizer. Wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks.