problems with toenails?

Question

I am twenty five years old and recently I noticed that my toenails are darker and have dark bruises under a few (no injury) and there are ridges in them, also. What would cause this over the past few months? They didn't look like that last summer.

Answer 1

Even though you are not aware of any injuries, you may have bruised your toes ABOVE the cutical of the nail and the bruise sometimes comes down as the nail grows out. Or, they may be discolored due to lint or soil that has worked its way underneath. Or, you may have discoloration due to a dark colored polish you have used on them. Or, you may have developed a nail fungus which can, and usually does, discolor the nail. It's hard to tell, without seeing them. I would suggest that you try an anti fungal medication, which you can get at most pharmacies, or see a doctor soon. It is treatable if it is a fungus. For the other posibilities, time will take care of them.