A white big toenail can be a sign of several things, most commonly a fungal infection or injury.
Possible Causes of a White Big Toenail
1. Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
Nail fungus is a common infection of the nail. It often starts as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of the nail. As it progresses, the nail might change color further, thicken, and crumble at the edges. Multiple nails can be affected. The provided reference explicitly mentions this as a cause of a white spot under the nail, which can develop into a more widespread discoloration.
2. Injury or Trauma
A bruise under the nail (subungual hematoma) can initially appear white or pale before changing to other colors as the blood is reabsorbed. This often results from trauma to the toe.
3. Other Less Common Causes
While less frequent, other conditions can cause nail discoloration. These include certain medical conditions or side effects of medications, requiring consultation with a doctor for diagnosis.
What to Do
If your white toenail is accompanied by other symptoms like thickening, crumbling, or pain, consult a podiatrist or doctor. They can properly diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Self-treating can sometimes worsen the condition.
