![]() The fix? Oral or topical antifungal medications, Lipner says. But as the infection digs in, your nail can begin to thicken, crumble at the edges, and even smell a bit foul. If you have a fungal infection, discoloration starts small - a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail, for example. Not already being treated for psoriasis? Visit a dermatologist for a solid diagnosis. Usually, nail psoriasis appears years after psoriasis first shows up on the skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. ![]() Nail psoriasis often comes with salmon-colored discoloration called "oil drops," as well as nail pitting, which is when the nail appears to have been dented by tiny ice picks, Feely explains. “A yellow nail may be a sign of a fungal infection or the skin condition psoriasis,” Lipner says. For example, chemotherapy drugs can turn fingernails gray-brown, for example, Lipner says. Other reasons for a black or brown nail aren’t so scary: fungal infections (this would be accompanied by yellowing and thickening of the nail) bacterial infections or even a funky response to medication. While a brown or black band of pigment in one or more nails could also simply be a benign mole, it’s best to book a visit to the derm just in case, Feely notes. It’s known as Hutchinson’s sign, and it most commonly occurs on your thumb (or big toe), according to The New England Journal of Medicine. If you notice pain, bleeding, or splitting of the nail, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist who may have to do a biopsy on the nail, she says.Īn especially concerning sign? If the skin surrounding the lower part of your nail turns brown or black - this heightens suspicion for a melanoma, says Meghan Feely, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and New Jersey and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai. “While nail melanomas are uncommon, they can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated early.” the most serious form of skin cancer), says Shari Lipner, M.D., Ph.D., a dermatologist and director of the nail division at Weill Cornell Medicine. ![]() You should also see a healthcare provider if you have diabetes and a fungal infection in your toenail.“If your nail is brown or black, the most important thing to worry about is a nail melanoma,” (a.k.a. Left untreated, several fungal infections can cause permanent nail damage. If you have a severe fungal infection that’s painful or causes your nail to thicken or crumble, it’s best to see a professional. Look for something that contains either clotrimazole or terbinafine. Mild fungal infections usually respond well to over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal treatments, which you can find on Amazon. Other things that can contribute to nail fungus include: But certain people have a higher risk, including older adults and people with reduced blood circulation or weakened immune systems. Left untreated, the discolored area will grow as the infection spreads.Īnyone can develop nail fungus. The discoloration tends to start under the tip of your nail. If you have nail fungus, your toenail color might be: Dermatophytes grow by eating your body’s keratin. However, mold or yeast can also infect toenails. The most common organism to cause toenail fungus is called dermatophyte. Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is one of the most prevalent causes of toenail discoloration.
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