White toenails can be caused by fungal infections, physical trauma, chemicals, kidney or liver dysfunction, chemotherapy, or hereditary diseases. Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection that causes white streaks on the nails. Blood tests may be needed to diagnose underlying medical conditions, and some medications can also cause white nails.
White toenails are a relatively common problem and can have a variety of causes. Fungal infections are perhaps the most common cause of this discoloration, although physical trauma or the use of certain chemicals can also contribute to its development. Kidney failure, liver dysfunction, and chemotherapy are also known to make toenails partially or completely white.
Onychomycosis is a medical term used to describe a fungal infection affecting the nails. When white toenails are the result of this type of infection, the discoloration usually appears as streaks on the nail, especially on the sides. Additional symptoms of onychomycosis may include thickening or splitting of the affected nail or a loosening of the toenail from the surrounding skin.
Physical trauma is another common cause for white nails. Trauma to the nail can occur from accidental injury, such as dropping something on the affected toe or using improper pedicure techniques. Toenail damage also increases the chances of developing a fungal infection. In some cases, chemicals found in cosmetics such as nail polish remover or nail polish remover can also lead to nail discoloration.
Kidney failure, liver dysfunction, and some hereditary diseases can cause white nails in some people. If there has been no physical injury and no fungal infection is present, the supervising physician will often order a series of blood tests to check the functioning of the body’s vital organs. Depending on the situation, nails may regain their natural color after the underlying medical condition has been successfully treated. In severe cases, dialysis or organ transplant may be needed to restore the body to a healthy state.
Some medications have been shown to cause white nails, especially chemotherapy drugs used to treat serious medical conditions such as cancer. Some antibiotics, particularly those in a class of drugs known as sulfonamides, list developing white nails on the fingers or toes as a possible side effect. The only way to know for sure what is causing specific cases of white nails is to see a doctor so the appropriate tests can be ordered and the most appropriate treatment options can be discussed.
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