Thursday, June 30, 2011

Why Are My Toenails Turning White?

Have you ever looked at your toenails and noticed that they just don’t look healthy? They used to be clear, now they look opaque, thicker, and their surface is white. What causes my toenails to be white?

Most people first consider the white discoloration of the toenail to be a fungal infection of the toenail. This indeed can be the reason for the white discoloration. Fungus is an opportunist that lives naturally on our feet and in our shoes. If there is any injury to our toenails, the fungus can infect the toenail, which causes the nail to become thickened and discolored. Fungal toenails can be managed in a variety of ways. Medication applied to the toenail, such as Formula 3, are appropriate for mild and moderate toenail infections. Oral medication, such as Lamisil, and the new laser treatment are appropriate for moderate to severe infections. As the fungus clears, the white appearance of the toenail should clear as well. Your foot doctor will be able to advise you about the best treatment for your toenail fungus.