What Causes Discolored Toenails?
Discolored toenails might be an indication of a serious underlying condition, such as diabetes or a liver dysfunction, but the discoloration also might be the result of a simpler issue. For instance, ground-in dirt can color a toenail. Bleeding under the nail can cause blackening. Most often, discolored toenails are the result of a fungal infection. Many common fungi are able to infect the nail, and discolored toenails might be yellow, brown, reddish, green or blackened, depending on the variety of fungus involved. In the earliest phase, this infection might present itself as a yellowish tint or a small white spot on the nail. As the fungus grows and matures, the discolored toenails become more pronounced.
