Understanding What Causes White Toenails on Darker Skin

Understanding the Causes of White Toenails on Dark Skin

Its common for people with darker skin tones to develop white spots or streaks on their toenails. But while this can signal toenail fungus, there are also other possible causes. Keep reading to learn what leads to white toenails on dark skin and when to see a doctor.

What Causes White Toenails on Dark Skin?

Here are some potential reasons for white discoloration of the toenails in those with darker complexions:

• Toenail fungus - A fungal nail infection can cause white, yellow, or brown discoloration.
• Trauma - Injury to the nail can disrupt pigmentation and turn the nail white.
• Nail psoriasis - This chronic condition can dot the nail with tiny white spots.
• Vitamin deficiencies - Lack of vitamins like biotin or zinc may whitewash nails.
• Aging - As we age, nails can develop white tips or streaks.
• Chemical exposure - Harsh chemicals like bleach or nail polish remover can bleach nails.

Toenail fungus is perhaps the most common culprit. But various other factors can also produce white discoloration in those with darker nail beds.

Signs It May Be Toenail Fungus

Here are signs that white toenails may be caused by a fungal nail infection:

• Toenail appears thick or brittle
• Debris collects under the nail
• The nail has an uneven texture
• There is nail detachment from the bed
• A foul odor comes from the nail
• You have itching, burning, or pain in the toe

If the toenail shows these signs of a fungal infection along with white discoloration, seek treatment for toenail fungus. An over-the-counter antifungal medication may resolve the issue.

When Its Due to Physical Trauma

Physical trauma like dropping something on your toe or stubbing it can injure the nail bed. This damage interrupts melanin production, causing white spots or streaks to appear.

Check if the discoloration appeared suddenly after an acute toenail injury. There may be bruising or blood under the nail as well. This white discoloration from trauma often resolves on its own as the injury heals.

Nail Psoriasis as a Cause

Nail psoriasis is a manifestation of psoriasis that can affect fingernails and toenails. It causes pitting, crumbling, and white dot patterns on the nails.

If you have a psoriasis diagnosis, white spots on the toenails may be a sign it has spread to the nails. Look for additional nail psoriasis symptoms like nail detachment, ridges, and oil drop-like depressions.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Certain vitamin shortfalls are associated with white discoloration of the nails:

• Biotin - Biotin or vitamin B7 deficiency can cause nails to become brittle and white.
• Zinc - Low zinc levels may result in white bands or spots on nails.
• Calcium - Inadequate calcium can lead to white, rough nails.

Take a biotin or multivitamin supplement if you suspect nutrient deficiencies may be causing white toenails. Also evaluate your diet and make sure to eat biotin-rich foods like eggs, salmon, and nuts.

Aging as a Factor

As we get older, our nails often develop white tips or lengthwise streaks. This process can start as early as your 20s but becomes more noticeable with advanced age.

Look to see if the white discoloration occurs in bands or horizontal lines. This likely points to normal aging as the cause rather than a fungus or other issue.

Chemical Damage

Exposure to harsh chemicals like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, acetone, and solvents can strip color from the nails. This can create a white, washed out appearance.

Consider if youve handled strong chemicals either at home or work. Wearing gloves and limiting hand exposure helps avoid chemical damage.

When to See a Doctor

Visit your doctor or dermatologist if:

• Symptoms dont improve with over-the-counter antifungal treatment
• The nail becomes painful, inflamed, or shows signs of infection
• Discoloration spreads to multiple toenails
• You have risk factors like diabetes or suppressed immunity

A podiatrist can test nail clippings and accurately diagnose if fungus or another condition is causing the white toenails. For stubborn fungal nail infections, prescription oral or topical medication may be needed.

Preventing White Spots on Toenails

Here are some tips to help prevent white discoloration of the toenails:

• Wear shower shoes in public showers or locker rooms
• Disinfect pedicure tools and manicure supplies
• Wear moisture-wicking socks and rotate shoes
• Trim nails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Treat athletes foot promptly to avoid spreading infection
• Apply a nail hardener or strengthener

Practicing good nail and foot hygiene can help ward off fungal infections that lead to white nail discoloration. Addressing any potential vitamin deficiencies can also keep nails healthy.

Understanding Specific Causes of White Toenails

Fungal Infection

Fungal infections are the most common cause of white toenails, especially on darker nails. The fungi thrive in warm, moist places like pools, showers, and inside shoes. Symptoms include:

• White, yellow, or brown discoloration
• Brittle, thickened nail
• Crumbly nail debris
• Foul nail odor

Over-the-counter antifungal creams, oral medications, and prescription remedies can treat fungal toenail infections.

Nail Psoriasis

If you have a psoriasis diagnosis, white spots on toenails may be psoriasis spreading to the nails. Signs include:

• Tiny white dots or larger white patches
• Pitting of the nail
• Grooves or ridges
• Oil drop-like depressions

See your dermatologist for treatment options like topical steroids, phototherapy, or oral medications to manage nail psoriasis.

Vitamin Deficiency

Low levels of key nutrients like biotin, zinc, and calcium can manifest as white discolored nails. Causes include:

• Poor diet lacking these vitamins
• Malabsorption conditions
• Pregnancy
• Alcoholism
• Anorexia

Oral vitamin supplements can treat a deficiency. Also eat more vitamin-rich foods like eggs, nuts, dairy, citrus, whole grains, and leafy greens.

Nail Trauma

Physical trauma to the toenail can

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.