Why Your Toenails Change Color As You Age And When To See A Podiatrist

Are your toenails looking different as the years go by? Discover why toenail discoloration occurs with age and when it’s time to seek expert podiatric care.

Understanding Toenail Color Changes: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Have you ever glanced down and noticed your toenails aren’t the same color they used to be? It’s a common experience as we age, and it can spark concern or curiosity. Toenail discoloration refers to any change in the natural pinkish or clear color of the nail, and it can present in a variety of shades, including yellow, brown, black, white, blue, or purple.

While some color changes are harmless, such as mild yellowing from nail polish, others may signal underlying health concerns. Recognizing what’s normal and what’s not is an important first step in protecting your foot health.

Common Causes of Discolored Toenails in Older Adults

As we get older, several factors can cause changes in toenail color. Nails tend to grow slowly and become thicker or more brittle, making them vulnerable to discoloration and trauma. 

Common causes include fungal infections, which can cause nails to become discolored, thickened, or brittle, and crumbly. Trauma or pressure, leading to dark bleeding under the nail or around the nail, such as accidentally hitting it with a hammer or heavy object. Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. Poor circulation, diseases of the lungs, atypical blood cells, and diseases of the heart can result in bluish or pale nails. Long-term use of nail polish or certain medications can also contribute to discoloration.

When Toenail Changes Signal an Underlying Health Issue

It’s important to know when toenail discoloration might be more than a cosmetic issue. Sudden or dramatic changes in nail color, pain, swelling, drainage, or nails separating from the nail bed are red flags that require medical attention.

Here are a few nail problems you should not ignore: 

• Nail Pitting: Nail pitting refers to small, shallow dents in the surface of the nails and is often associated with skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It can also be linked to alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss.
• Nail Clubbing: Nail clubbing is a gradual condition in which the fingertips enlarge, and the nails curve downward around them over time. It is often linked to underlying health issues that reduce oxygen levels in the blood, including lung disease, heart conditions, liver cirrhosis, and certain gastrointestinal disorders.
• Spoon Nails: Spoon nails, also known as koilonychia, are soft nails that curve upward at the edges. This condition is commonly linked to iron deficiency anemia, but can also be associated with hemochromatosis, a liver disorder in which the body absorbs too much iron from food.

• Terry's Nails: Terry’s nails are characterized by a mostly white nail with only a thin red or pink band at the tip. While this change can occur naturally with aging, it may also signal underlying health conditions such as liver disease, congestive heart failure, or diabetes.

• Beau's Lines: Beau’s lines are horizontal grooves across the nails that develop when nail growth is temporarily interrupted by illness or injury. They may be caused by infections, poorly controlled diabetes, peripheral artery disease, high-fever illnesses such as pneumonia or measles, zinc deficiency, or certain medications like retinoids and chemotherapy drugs.
• Nail Separation: Nail separation or onycholysis is a condition in which the nail separates from the nail bed, causing the detached area to appear white, yellow, or green. It can result from injury or infection, reactions to certain medications or nail products, and underlying conditions such as thyroid disease or psoriasis.
• Yellow Nail Syndrome: Yellow nail syndrome causes nails to thicken, grow slowly, and develop a yellow discoloration. Affected nails may lack a cuticle and partially separate from the nail bed, and the condition is often linked to lung diseases like chronic bronchitis or to lymphedema, which causes swelling in the arms and legs.

Toenail discoloration accompanied by numbness or cold feet can be a sign of circulatory or nerve problems, especially for people with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. Don’t ignore these symptoms; early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in your overall foot health.

Proactive Steps for Maintaining Healthy Toenails as You Age

Taking care of your toenails is especially important as you get older. Keep nails trimmed straight across and not too short to prevent trauma. Always wear shoes that fit well and provide ample space for your toes.

Here are a few tips to keep your nails clean and to strengthen them: 

• Keep nails dry and clean 
• Use manicure scissors or clippers to trim your nails
• Use moisturizer on your nails and cuticles 
• Apply a protective nail hardener to strengthen nails 
• Ask your doctor about biotin if you have weak or brittle nails 

Maintain good foot hygiene by keeping feet clean and dry, and avoid sharing nail tools. Scheduling routine foot exams with a podiatrist, especially if you have diabetes or circulation issues, can catch problems early and prevent complications. Healthy habits and regular check-ups are key to keeping your feet strong and pain-free as you age.

How a Podiatrist Can Help Diagnose and Treat Toenail Concerns

At Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists, our team offers expert diagnosis and treatment for all types of toenail discoloration. We begin with a thorough nail evaluation and may perform lab tests to check for fungal infections or assess circulation issues.

Based on your needs, we’ll recommend a customized treatment plan. This might include medication, guidance on proper nail care, or advanced therapies if needed. Our focus is on relieving your symptoms, treating the underlying cause, and helping you maintain healthy feet for years to come.