Nail discoloration in the nail plate signifies a variety of nail infections. Oftentimes, discolored toenails are telling signs of the severity of an infection. A white or slight yellowish discoloration is the first visible sign of fungal infection. Then, it proceeds to turn green, then brown, then black until the dark color spreads all over the nail plate. The cause could be a common fungus that is found in warm and damp places.

This discoloration may lead to nail plate thickening and eventual separation while the fungus creates rough edges on the side of the nails.  Nutritional supplementation with Vitamin E has been proven effective in controlling nail changes. Early treatment can also prevent complications. Below are the different kinds of nail discolorations:

·         White toenails

White toenail fungus is also known as white superficial Onychomycosis. An opaque white or off-white color may be seen on the nail plates. This condition of nail discoloration indicates an early stage of nail fungal infection. As the fungus gradually progresses, the nail displays uneven edges and becomes crumbly. Nails may also appear lightened to a whitish-yellow color if there has been separation of the nail from the nail bed.

Improving general health and adopting preventive measure may improve the chances of a cure. Toenail fungus diet aims to eliminate dietary sources of sugar and protein to inhibit fungal growth. Keeping the feet or toenails dry may prevent the nail from attracting fungi. Mild treatment is advisable for this stage of discolored toenails.

·         Yellow toenails

Yellow nails signal that a mild fungal infection is present in the nails. There are various types of fungus thrive that can cause your toenails to turn yellow. Sweat in the shoes can be the cause of this problem too since most of this organisms stay in a hot and moist environment.

An immediate mild treatment or remedy is necessary, not letting the nail fungal infection to progress which may result to an even darker discoloration which signifies a worse nail infection.

·         Brown toenails

Brown toenails provide clues to the presence of a nail fungus disease. Fungi develop and commonly grow on toes because they are usually covered in socks and shoes, creating an anaerobic environment. Once the fungus builds up, it will discolor your toenails with a dull brown color.

There are a few causes of brown toenails. Wearing tight shoes may cause discolored toenails. The infected person may also experience a slight pain when walking on the contaminated toe.

·         Dark toenails

Conditions such as heart diseases, liver or kidney problems, and nutritional deficiencies can show up in our nails. There are some possibilities that can cause dark coloring of the fingernails. Not having enough vitamin B-12 can cause nails to turn dark, thin and possibly spoon shaped.

Dark spots or streaks rather than full discoloration of the nails may be caused by a certain kind of nail fungus. This may also lead to a much darker color as the contaminant continues to grow in the nail bed which is beneath the nail plate.

·         Black toenails

Black nail is an indication of having a serious nail fungal infection. This may lead to intense pain or discomfort that the sufferer might find walking or wearing shoes difficult. The fungus tends to thrive in such warm and humid places where most people walk barefooted.

The fungus destroys the keratin of the nails, making them look unattractive. The fungus eventually infects the nails as well as the cuticle and may then produce a black color.  There may be pain associated with redness, swelling and foul odor too. This condition is considered severe and needs immediate treatment to ensure that it cannot spread to the entire nail or nail root and ultimately discharge the infected nail from its nail bed.

Knowing the stages for each corresponding discolored toenail is vital in treating your fungal infection. Watch out for the first signs of nail discoloration which is just a white blotch on the nail.

A proper treatment of this unsightly toenail may recover the nail’s healthy look again in no time. There are a lot of toenail fungus treatments out there like taking certain oral medications but are said to be harmful on the liver or for those who have diabetes. So most infected people turn into home remedies that can give wonderful results. It involves using plants or natural substances like vinegar which extremely work well and brings no dangerous side effects.

There are some popular topical medications that are effective in treating fungal infections. Just like home remedies, they also contain natural ingredients which are best in clearing any nail fungus on the nail plate and penetrate down the nail bed for excellent results. These medications work best for discolored toenails or nasty fungal infections if the treatment instructions are carefully followed. 

To know what can be the cause of your nail discoloration and to be sure you are safe from nail fungus, you can click this link for more information.

Drug treatments for nail fungus infection are comparatively current but their being high-priced and risky makes people turn to home remedies. Though some of them are not scientifically proven, still most people agree there is no harm in trying them. Yahoo Voices presented 5 home remedies for nail fungus that are worth a try.

1.   Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a well-known anti-fungal and antiseptic. It can be found at natural food stores and the occasional pharmacy. It can be applied directly to the affected area by placing a few drops on the nail and then rubbing it in 2-3 times a day for a few days. It can also be mixed with olive oil to assure a great absorption.

2.   Listerine Mouthwash

Listerine is a very powerful antiseptic and may be used to treat nail fungus effectively. Apply with a cotton ball or swab a few times a day for treatment.

3.   Apple Cider Vinegar

Soak your nails in a solution of half apple cider vinegar and half warm water for twenty minutes before bed each night. Be sure to throughout dry your nails after soaking. Use a hairdryer to dry more thoroughly if necessary.

4.   Bleach      

By soaking your foot in the water with the capful of bleach, you are doing two things. First the warm water loosens up the nail so that the bleach can get inside of it and do its thing. Second, the bleach is used to disinfect your toenail relatively quickly. This will kill off the bacteria that have been causing the infection. However, you will most likely need to soak the nail fungus multiple times in order to get the desired effect.

5.   Garlic

Garlic is actually a prebiotic which means it is basically food for the probiotic bacteria in your intestines and because of this, it can help boost your immune system. What eating garlic also does is to kill the bacteria that are causing the nail fungus from the inside.

These remedies were tested but not scientifically verified to be effective. It is still advisable to seek for medical care.