Are your toenails turning yellow? A healthy nail is supposed to be clear in color and smooth in texture, free of any cracks, indentations, or ridges. So, when your nails start changing in appearance, it might indicate that it needs professional attention — given that you have not applied nail polish to alter the color. If you are wondering, ‘Why are my toenails yellow?’, carry on reading this blog to learn the possible causes.
What Causes Yellow Toenails?
Dry, crumbly, and yellow toenails are not only unsightly, but they might mean you are dealing with toenail fungus or another condition. There are a few reasons that could be behind your yellow toenail, including:
- Aging: Your toenails and fingernails might naturally turn yellow with age. This is because the nails tend to change in their color, thickness, and shape, which might make them appear yellow.
- Medical Condition: Sometimes, there is an underlying medical condition that leads to yellow nails. It could be due to yellow nail syndrome, which turns the nails yellow, curved, and thick, along with slow growth and other symptoms. Moreover, conditions such as sinusitis, jaundice, psoriasis, diabetes, etc., can also develop yellow nails.
- Infection: Your yellow toenails might be due to a fungus called onychomycosis. The fungal nail infection can be pretty uncomfortable, and you may face difficulty walking as a result.
Signs Your Yellow Toenail is Nail Fungus
It is important to get your feet checked out by a specialist when you notice any changes. Now, a yellow toenail may not necessarily be a fungus, as it could be due to aging or medical conditions. Generally, a fungus will make your toenails thick, crumbly, and yellow. It might start as a small yellow or white spot that spreads to the entire nail over time. Here are some signs that your toenails are yellow due to a fungal infection:
- Distorted shape
- Unpleasant odor
- Crumbly or brittle toenails
- Inflammation
- Tenderness
- Thickened toenails
Many times, the toenail fungus goes away by itself. If it progresses, however, you can visit our specialist for professional nail fungus treatment in Mississauga, ON.
How to Treat Thick Yellow Toenails
You can describe your symptoms to the specialist, who will review your medical history and the medicines you are taking before they complete a physical exam. They might run some tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Toenail fungus is usually treated with antifungal medications. They work by killing the fungus and restoring your toenails to a healthy state. Removing some or all of the affected toenails might be required to start the treatment!
Laser treatment is another effective solution to get rid of the toenail fungus, especially if your toenail is painful and thick. It safely removes the fungus and eliminates the chances of regrowth.
Final Takeaway
A yellow and thick toenail might be a result of a fungal nail infection. Other than this, yellow toenails could be due to aging, yellow nail syndrome, or underlying medical conditions. If you have a yellow toenail, it is better to visit a specialist for proper examination and treatment.
At Aafiyat Advanced Aesthetics, we provide high-quality treatment for nail fungus. You can dial (289) 825-2332 to contact us today!