Many people don’t pay attention to the color of their toenails, but the color of your toenails can actually provide important clues about your overall health. Here are some common toenail colors and what they could mean:.

Yellow

If your toenails are yellow, it could be a sign of a fungal infection. The fungus can cause the nail to become thick, yellow, and brittle.

Toenail fungus can be difficult to treat, so it’s important to see a doctor if you suspect you have an infection.

Blue or Purple

A blue or purple hue on your toenails may indicate a lack of oxygen in your toes. This could be a sign of poor circulation caused by atherosclerosis or peripheral arterial disease.

If you have blue or purple toenails and experience pain or numbness, see a doctor.

White

If your toenails are white and remain that way even after you’ve cleaned them, it could be a sign of a fungal infection. However, white toenails can also be caused by trauma to the toe or a condition called leukonychia.

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Black or Brown

Toenails that are black or brown could be a sign of a fungal infection, but they can also be caused by trauma to the toe. In some cases, black or brown toenails may indicate the presence of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

It’s important to see a doctor if you have dark toenails.

Green

A green color on your toenails could be a sign of a bacterial infection. These infections can be caused by an injury to the toe or by a fungal infection that has gone untreated. If you have green toenails and experience pain or swelling, see a doctor.

Red

Toenails that are red or have red spots could be a sign of a bacterial infection or psoriasis. If you have red toenails and they are painful or swollen, see a doctor.

Gray

Toenails that are gray could be a sign of a fungal infection, specifically aspergillus. Aspergillus is a mold that can grow on the toenails. If you have gray toenails that are also thick and distorted, see a doctor.

Conclusion

Paying attention to the color of your toenails can help you identify potential health problems. If you notice a change in color or texture of your toenails, see a doctor to determine the underlying cause.