You might not think much about your toenails until something changes. Maybe one toenail turns yellow. Another looks darker than usual. Or you see a strange white spot that wasn’t there before.
Most changes in toenail color are harmless but sometimes they can mean infection, injury or another health problem. Watching your toenails can help you find small issues before they get worse.
“Your toenails can give you clues about what’s going on with your feet,” said Travis Jensen, DPM, a podiatrist with Banner Health. “When the color of a nail changes, it’s often your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t quite right.”
Here’s how to find out what different toenail colors might mean and when you should see a health care specialist.
What healthy toenails should look like
Healthy toenails are usually clear to light pink. The pink color comes from blood vessels under the nail. In most cases, healthy nails are:
- Smooth and evenly shaped
- Slightly shiny
- Strong but flexible
- Free from thickening or crumbling
What causes toenail color changes?
Many things can change the color of your toenails. Some are minor and temporary, while others need treatment. Since many conditions can look similar, a health care provider might need to examine the nail closely or take a sample.
Common causes include:
- Injury or pressure: Dropping something on your toe or wearing tight shoes can cause bruising under the nail.
- Fungal infections: These infections can cause discolored, thick or brittle nails.
- Bacterial infections: Certain bacteria can produce pigments that change nail color.
- Nail separation: When the nail lifts away from the nail bed, it may appear white or discolored.
- Underlying health conditions: Circulation issues, skin disorders or chronic illnesses can sometimes affect nail appearance.
Toenail colors to keep an eye on
Yellow toenails
Yellow nails are among the most common color changes people notice. Often, the cause is a fungal infection. Toenail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments like sweaty socks, locker rooms or tight shoes.
Signs of toenail fungus may include:
- Yellow or yellow-brown nails
- Thickened nails
- Brittle or crumbly edges
- A distorted nail shape
Fungal infections can spread if not treated. Over time, the nail may thicken and become more painful in shoes.
Yellow nails can also result from aging, psoriasis, smoking or frequent nail polish use.
“Chronic nail polish use can also lead to yellow or brownish discoloration,” Dr. Jensen said. “Certain nail polishes and acetone nail polish removers may cause white-yellow staining on the nail plate. This is purely cosmetic but not harmful.”
White toenails
White toenails can appear as small spots, streaks or larger patches. Tiny white spots are usually harmless and often occur after minor injuries, such as stubbing your toe.
However, larger white areas may indicate:
- Fungal infection (such as superficial white onychomycosis)
- Nail separation
- Allergic reaction to nail products
- Injury to the nail bed
- Zinc deficiency
- Anemia
Sometimes, the nail lifts slightly from the skin underneath. When this happens, air becomes trapped under the nail, making it look white.
Brown or black toenails
Dark toenails can be alarming but they often happen after an injury or toenail trauma.
“If you drop something heavy on your toe or develop repeated pressure from sports, blood can collect under the nail,” Dr. Jensen said. “This is called a subungual hematoma. The nail may look dark red, brown or black but usually it grows out as the nail grows.’
Not every dark spot on the nail is from injury. “Sometimes, a dark spot can be a sign of skin cancer called subungual melanoma or melanotic whitlow,” Dr. Jensen said.
You should see a health care provider if you notice:
- A dark streak that appears without injury
- A spot that grows larger or darker
- Pigment spreading into the surrounding skin
- Nail distortion or pain
Green toenails
A green toenail is often caused by bacteria growing under the nail. One common bacterium responsible for this color change is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It thrives in damp environments and can grow under nails that have lifted slightly from the nail bed.
Green nails may develop if your feet stay moist for long periods or if you frequently wear tight, non-breathable shoes.
Purple or blue toenails
Purple or blue toenails are usually related to blood flow or oxygen levels. For runners or athletes, repeated pressure can bruise the nail and turn it purple.
“But if several nails turn blue or purple without injury, it could be a sign of a circulation problem like peripheral vascular disease,” Dr. Jensen said. “Color changes like this are less common but can happen, so it’s important to get checked."
If blue nails come with shortness of breath, chest pain or dizziness, seek emergency medical help.
Red or inflamed nails
Redness around the toenail often indicates swelling (inflammation) or infection. A common cause is an ingrown toenail, which happens when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin.
Symptoms may include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Warm skin around the nail
If left untreated, an ingrown nail can lead to infection. Correct nail trimming can help prevent this problem.
When you should see a provider
Many nail changes are harmless and will grow out over time but some symptoms shouldn't be ignored.
Consider seeing your health care provider or a foot specialist if you notice:
- Pain or swelling around the nail
- Thick, crumbly or brittle nails
- A nail separating from the nail bed
- Chronic yellow or green discoloration
- A dark streak without injury
- Color changes affecting multiple nails
“If your feet are hurting or something doesn’t look right, don’t ignore it,” Dr. Jensen said. “Your feet carry you every day, so it’s important to take care of them.”
How to keep your toenails healthy
Simple foot care habits can reduce your risk of infections and nail problems.
Try these tips:
- Keep your feet clean and dry: Wash your feet daily and dry them well, especially between your toes. Change socks regularly.
- Wear properly fitting shoes: Shoes that are too tight can damage nails and put extra pressure on the toes.
- Trim nails straight across: Avoid cutting nails too short or rounding the edges.
- Wear sandals in public showers: Locker rooms and community pools are common places for fungus to spread.
- Take nail polish breaks: Allow your nails to go polish-free to observe any changes.
- Check your nails regularly: Look for color changes, thickening or new spots. Regular foot care is especially important for people with diabetes or circulation problems.
Takeaway
Your toenails can give you clues about your health that you might not expect. Healthy toenails are usually clear or light pink. If they turn yellow, green, white, black or another unusual color, it may signal pressure from shoes, injury or infection.
Most of these color changes are no big deal and will go away on their own as the nails grow out. But if the color doesn’t fade, spreads or causes pain, it’s a good idea to have it checked. Paying attention to small changes in your toenails can help you find problems early and keep your feet healthy.
