Do you have a nail that started to change shape or color? Did you notice that no matter what you do, the nail continues to grow back irregular? These could be signs of a fungal infection, or they could be signs of something far more serious.
Changes to our nails can be the first indicator of a deeper issue or problem. Whereas all nail changes do not suggest a severe medical condition, there are some nail changes that require seeing a doctor as soon as possible. It is important to know what to look for and when to seek medical attention. The first key finding requiring medical attention would be a color change to the nail, especially if that color change involves the skin surrounding the nail. Sometimes melanoma (a form of skin cancer) can occur at the base of the nail or involve the skin under the nails. This can only be definitively diagnosed with a nail biopsy by a doctor. If you have noticed color changes to the nail resulting in the presence of a dark brown or black pigment, you should schedule an appointment to see a doctor. Other color changes such as the presence of a thickened yellow nail may suggest a fungal infection. If you notice that the nails have changed to a yellow color, then check under the end of the nail. Do you notice any yellow or white debris coming from under the nail? If so this could be signs of a fungal infection.
It is very important to note when the nail change occurred and what was happening, if anything, at the time of the change. It is well-documented in the clinical literature that acute trauma to the nail bed or base of the nail called the eponychium, can result in nail changes. If you have noticed that the nail has become painful and black / blue after trauma to the nail, this could be signs of bleeding under the nail as well as a possible nail bed laceration. Nail bed lacerations, or tears in the skin under the nail, should be repaired as soon as possible. The blood that is pooling under the nail from the injury must also be removed. This condition, a subungual hematoma, can suggest a fracture of the distal phalanx (the bone at the end of the toe) requiring immediate medical attention.
Sometimes individuals do not recall a specific moment of trauma to the nail, but do note the presence of black and blue nail changes consistent with that of a bruise. This is notably common in patients with microtrauma from ill fitting shoe gear. Although these patients do not readily recall a moment of acute trauma, the repetitive insult to the nail complex leads to bleeding under the nail. It is best that any form of dark color change to a nail be thoroughly investigated by a medical professional.