My toenail is discoloured: what should you know?

A bruise may appear dark after pressure or impact and gradually move toward the tip as the nail grows. Fungal disease often changes the nail texture as well as its colour, causing yellowing, debris, thickening, or lifting. Psoriasis can cause pits, ridges, separation, or patches of altered colour and may occur with psoriasis elsewhere. A new dark line, irregular pigment, or colour reaching the surrounding skin should not be labelled from appearance alone.

Inspect the nail in good light, photograph it, and record any injury, new footwear, pain, or change in nearby skin. Keep the foot dry, avoid sharing nail tools, and do not scrape deeply or use unprescribed treatments. A clinician may examine the nail and test material before choosing Oral Antifungal Treatment. Laser Treatment For Nail Fungus can be discussed only when the clinical assessment supports a fungal cause.

Arrange prompt review for a dark streak that is widening, uneven, or extending onto the skin at the nail edge, particularly without a remembered injury. Seek earlier care for swelling, warmth, drainage, significant tenderness, fever, or redness spreading from the toe.

Ask whether the colour is moving with nail growth, whether testing is needed, and what findings would support Nail Fungus or Nail Psoriasis. Discuss how to protect the toe, how long regrowth may take, and when a follow-up is appropriate.