What causes toenails to turn grey?

Answer 1

Nail fungus. It is easily treatable by seeing your doctor although I believe there may be an over the counter nail fungus application at your nearest drug store.

Also, damage from shoes that are too tight (have you gained weight?) can cause them. That happened to me.

Some acne medications can cause dark blue striations on toenails that look like fungus.

AnswerBesides the above it can be nothing or it can be a sign of melanoma (skin cancer). See your doctor.

Answer 2

It has been said that our nails are the window to our health. That's because certain conditions such as Heart disease, liver or kidney problems, and nutritional deficiencies can show up in our nails. Since you've noticed this change in your nail color, I encourage you to talk with your doctor, who can give you the best advice for your specific situation. Based on the information I have from your question, I'll try to provide some possibilities that can cause dark coloring of the fingernails.

The most common causes of yellow or brown fingernails are the frequent use of nail polish and cigarette smoking. Taking a break on the polish or quitting smoking may allow the dark nail to grow out as the new nail comes in.

A yellowish coloring of the nails may also be caused by diabetes, lung problems, Arthritis, lupus, certain medications, lymphatic system disorders and liver disease. Not having enough vitamin B-12 can cause nails to turn dark, thin and possibly spoon shaped. Your doctor may want to perform some tests to check for nutrition problems or an illness.

Fungus infections of the fingernails can also turn the nails brown or yellow. The texture usually also changes; nails often become very thick and may crack or peel. Nail fungus infections are more common in the toes than the fingers. They affect about 12 percent of Americans and may run in families. These infections can be difficult to treat, and taking an oral antifungal medication is usually required.

Dark spots or streaks rather than full discoloration of the nails may be caused by bruising, psoriasis, melanoma (a type of skin cancer), chronic infections, and medications such as from cancer chemotherapy.

Treatment of the darkened nails will depend on what's causing the discoloration in the first place. It's helpful to know what other symptoms you may have and what medications you are taking. I wish you luck as you work with your doctor to find the cause

Answer 3

Well one thing I know that can really turn your toenails black where they can fall off is when your shoes are WAY too tight. You need room for your feet to breath and for your toes to move around. Otherwise the blood inside your toes will clump up and the blood cells will die because your shoes are pressing down on them. That's is also what causes the "black" under your nails. or it could be that you're not washing your feet good enough, LOL

Answer 4

Black fingernails can be caused by

• Black fingernails can indicate signs of Anemia
• B-12 deficiency
• Bacterial infection
• Chronic kidney disease
• Adrenal gland problems
• Liver disease
• Canceror melanomas
• Silver deposits (heavy metals)
• Trauma
  

(Courtesy of disabled-worlds web page)

Answer 5

it will turn black if you damage it, or your toenail died

Answer 6

Most likely damage via trauma and or fungal infection.

Answer 7

Frost bite? Poor circulation?