5 unusual signs in toenails that warn of disease

Toenails that turn black, yellow, white, blue-purple or green can warn of a number of diseases, including cancer, although this rate is rare.

On May 14, Nguyen Hoai Thu, Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine, said that changes in toenail color warn of a number of health problems, as follows:

Black Toenails

Black toenails can be caused by a bruise, also known as a subungual hematoma, caused by stubbing your toe or by shoes that are too tight and pinching the ball of your foot.

The bruise usually starts out red, then turns purple, dark brown, and finally black as the blood pools and clots under the nail. It can take about 6-9 months or longer for your black toenail to grow out.

If the cause is not one of the above cases, black toenails can stem from a few rarer health problems such as malignant tumors, fungal infections, chronic ingrown nails.

Abnormal black toenails can warn of dangerous diseases. Photo: Verywell — Abnormal black toenails can warn of dangerous diseases. Photo: *Verywell*

Yellow toenails

Yellow toenails are often caused by fungus. This is a common cause and does not require a doctor's visit. You can try an over-the-counter antifungal cream. However, if the nail is yellow and thickened, gently file the surface to allow the medicine to reach the deeper layers. If home treatment does not work, people should see a doctor.

Green Toenails

This could be a bacterial infection called chloronychia, which is caused by bacteria that thrive in moist conditions. This infection can come from hot tubs, sponges, or even tight shoes worn for long periods of time. The green is underneath the nail, so don’t try to remove it; instead, see your doctor.

Toenails with purple spots

If you stub your toe and it turns blue, you don't need to worry too much. However, if you have a blue spot on your toenail for no apparent reason, you should see a doctor.

"Small spots under fingernails or toenails can be harmless but in some cases can become cancerous, although this rate is very rare," said Dr. Thu.

Yellow toenails are a warning sign of nail fungus. Photo: Indian Times — Yellow toenails are a warning sign of nail fungus. Photo: *Indian Times*

White toenails

If your toenails turn white or have large white patches, you may have a fungal infection. Nail fungus can cause the entire nail to become rough, brittle, and prone to breaking. In this case, you should see a doctor as soon as you notice any unusual signs.

In addition, a fungal nail infection will also appear as a yellowish-white patch starting at the base of the toenail, near the cuticle. The disease is common in people with weakened immune systems.

Thuy Quynh

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