Nails that are healthy and strong are a sign of good overall health. But if your nails have become discolored, it’s a sign that there may be something wrong.

Discoloration may be a result of fungal infections, poor diet, environmental factors, or even a medical condition. Here are some reasons why your nails may be discolored and some solutions to help you get back to healthy nails.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are one of the most common reasons for discolored nails. The fungi that cause these infections thrive in warm and moist conditions.

That means toenails are more susceptible to infection than fingernails, especially if you don’t regularly change your socks or wear tight shoes. Here are some solutions to combat fungal infections:.

Try Over-the-Counter Anti-Fungal Treatments

If your toenails have become discolored or thickened, it’s likely that you have a fungal infection. Over-the-counter topical treatments are effective for mild to moderate infections. These treatments work by inhibiting the growth of the fungus.

Take Oral Anti-Fungal Medications

If the topical treatments don’t work, your doctor may prescribe an oral anti-fungal medication. These medications are effective but may have side effects. Your doctor will monitor you closely to ensure that there are no issues.

Consider Laser Treatment

Laser therapy is a newer treatment for fungal infections. It’s relatively painless and involves no downtime. The laser penetrates the nail and destroys the underlying fungal cells.

While it’s not yet proven to be completely effective, it has shown promise in treating stubborn cases of fungal infections.

Environmental Factors

Discoloration can also be a result of environmental factors, such as smoking, exposure to chemicals, or trauma to the nail. Here are some solutions to combat environmental factors:.

Avoid Exposure to Chemicals

If you work with chemicals, it’s essential to wear gloves to protect your hands and nails. Certain chemicals can cause discoloration, yellowing, and even deformity of the nails.

It’s also important to wash your hands thoroughly after working with chemicals to prevent harmful things from seeping into the nails.

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Stop Smoking

Smoking is not only harmful to your health, but it can also discolor your nails. Smoking causes the nails to turn yellowish because of the tar and nicotine that are deposited on them.

Quit smoking to prevent further discoloration and damage to your nails.

Treat Injured Nails

Injury to the nail can cause discoloration. If you have a bruise or a bleed under the nail bed, the nail may turn purplish. The best treatment for nail injuries is to let them heal naturally.

If you’re experiencing pain, you can take painkillers to relieve it.

Poor Diet

Your diet can also be a reason for discolored nails. If you don’t eat a balanced diet, your nails may suffer. Nails need protein, vitamins, and minerals to grow and remain healthy. Here are some solutions to combat poor diet:.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Eat a balanced diet that includes protein, vitamins, and minerals. Eat foods that are rich in biotin, such as eggs, nuts, and whole grains. Biotin is essential for nail health and helps prevent brittleness, breakage, and discoloration.

Take Supplements

If you’re not getting enough nutrients from your diet, consider taking supplements. Supplements that contain biotin, vitamin E, and iron can help improve nail health.

Hydrate

Hydrating your body is essential to maintain healthy nails. Drink plenty of water to keep your nails hydrated. Dehydration can cause the nails to become brittle and discolored.

Medical Conditions

Discolored nails can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Here are some solutions to combat medical conditions:.

Visit Your Doctor

If you’re experiencing discolored nails and you’re not sure why, make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor can perform tests to diagnose the underlying condition. Treatment will depend on the condition.

Manage Underlying Health Conditions

Underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and liver disease, can affect nail health. Managing these health conditions can help improve nail health. Follow your doctor’s instructions to manage your condition effectively.