Changes in Toenails

Changes in your nails can occur for several reasons. Nails can change color, shape and texture.  Here are a few examples of what could be causing these changes:

Blue Nails

Asthma, COPD, severe anemia, exposure to cold or high altitude, peripheral arterial disease

Green Nails

Bacterial and fungal infections

Pale White Nails

Anemia, zinc deficiency 

White Specks on Nails

Minor injury to the nail bed

Yellow Nails

Nail separated from the nail bed, smoking cigarettes, chronic lung disease

Nails that curve Inward

Tight shoes

Deep Pitting

Skin disease; psoriasis or eczema

Ridging

Aging, injury, infection, illness

Thickened

Fungal infection, injury, poor circulation

Any changes in the appearance of your toenails should be addressed with a physician.

Image by Caitlin Regan. Feet. (2008). Flickr.