Causes of brown nails?

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Brown nails, known as onychomycosis, can have a variety of causes. Most are simple enough to treat at home, while some require the assistance of a doctor. When toenails turn brown, it’s most often caused by fungal infections, improper foot cleaning, wearing tight shoes, trauma to the nail area, or natural discoloration related to pigments in a person’s skin.

The most common cause of brown nails is fungal nail infections. The feet are prone to such infections due to regular contact with the ground and subsequently placed in socks and shoes that provide the ideal moist and warm environment for fungal growth. Fungal infections, also known as yeast infections, cause a buildup of black or brown material under the nail that may smell bad or itch. Feet can be exposed to fungus in common areas, such as gym showers and locker rooms or swimming pools. If there is even the smallest cut or opening in the nail bed or big toe, the fungus can enter and start multiplying, resulting in brown nails.

When the feet cannot dry sufficiently or are poorly cleaned, the likelihood of fungal infections is much greater. Feet should be kept dry and allowed to breathe whenever possible. For athletes who sweat frequently, this is a common problem and a major cause of brown toenails, particularly in the big toe.

When shoes don’t fit properly or are laced up too tightly, the toenail can experience repetitive stress and start to crack or bleed underneath. This is most often seen in runners and other athletes who spend hours in the same pair of shoes. If the nail experiences trauma from an object hitting or falling on it, there may be bruising under the nail bed which can result in a brown appearance on the top of the nail. If this is the case, the bruising and resulting brown discoloration should clear up within about a week and the nail is probably tender to the touch.

In some members of the population, especially people with darker skin, brown toenails can occur naturally due to pigmentation. Often the color will be streaky and uneven throughout the nail and may come and go. There will be no pain, discharge, or odor present, which could otherwise indicate an infection. Such color tendencies are normal and do not require any form of treatment.

Toenail fungus is commonly treated with antifungal medications or oral antibiotics. Natural treatments, such as tea tree oil salves, can also be helpful in the early stages of an infection. The fungus tends to recur, so the toenail may need to be trimmed or, in extreme cases, removed all at once by a foot doctor. Keeping your feet dry, clean, and protected from joint areas are the best ways to prevent brown toenails.

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