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Discoloured Nails

Discoloured nails are defined as having changed colour; they may be whole nails or only parts of them. There are various types of nail discoloration, such as spots, stripes, or half-and-half. The discoloration may affect one toenail or all toenails. A healthy toenail should be pink in colour.

Causes

Green nails: Pseudomonas Aeruginosa: this bacteria flourishes in wet environments, when grows, it produces hallmark green pigment called pyocyanin and pvoverdin.

Yellow nail syndrome: Associated with peripheral lymphedema, chronic bronchitis, and chronic pulmonary disease

Brown nails or pitting: may indicate deficiency in vitamin C, protein, or folic acid

White nails (leukonychia): May be a result of chronic liver disease, renal failure, certain medications, fungi, or family history

Black nails: Trauma, malignant melanoma

Blue nails: Pulmonary disorders

Symptoms & Identification

All symptoms listed above with the cause

Care & Treatment

To begin the process, your podiatrist will need to get a medical and social history, as well as an explanation of how the problem came about (for example, when it began).

There are different treatment options available for discolouration of the nail plate depending on its cause. At the end of the assessment, your podiatrist will provide you with information about whether certain nail discolorations can be treated, and which cannot.

If necessary, the podiatrist may liaise with your GP. For more information on discoloured nails, or to have your feet assessed and treated, contact us today to schedule an appointment on 0800 002 5513