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What Causes Yellow Discoloration Under The Toenails?

Posted on Mon, 4 Jul 2016

Question: Hello,

I have noticed a yellow discoloration under my big toe nail. It can be painful at times. I am wondering if it is a fungal infection?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Fungal infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query and photograph.
It's looking like fungal infection.
I treat such cases with oral antifungal agent like tablet fluconazole 150 mg weekly once for 6 months.
It gives excellent response.
You will require a prescription for this.
Please meet a doctor and get it prescribed.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (32 minutes later)

Thank you Doctor for your swift response. There is a product called Loceryl Curanial which you can paint on to the infected nail. I would like to try it, what do you think?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can try it

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Loceryl is also an antifungal which comes in nail paint form.
It is effective.
You can definitely try it but also take the tablets.
Only topicals might not give faster response.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (6 hours later)

Thanks for all your help Doctor.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (4 days later)

Hello again Doctor.

I have noticed that the fungal infection on my toe nails has spread to my other big toe nail and some of my smaller toe nails. What I would like to know is that the instructions for Loceryl Curanial states that if you have an infection on more than two nails then to seek further professional advice.

I have started using Loceryl Curanial on both my big toe nails and would like to use it on some of my other toes nails that look slightly discoloured. The infection on the small toes seem minimal. Would it be OK to use it on them too?

I would rather use the nail varnish treatment before considering tablets since I have a heart condition and don't really want to take strong antibiotics at this stage. I would rather wait a little longer to see if the toe nails improve with the varnish.

The heart medication I take is 240 mg daily Verapamil Hydrochloride tablets.
10 mg daily Cetirizine Hydrochloride (antihistamine tablets).
2 x daily of Pirinase anti allergy nasal spray.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Use it on all nails.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up.
You can use the nail lacquer on all nails, this will help in treating the infection as well as prevent further spread of infection to other nails.
The tablet I advised you is not very strong and can be used in heart condition.
You can first try the nail lacquer and if the response is not satisfactory you might consider tablet.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (24 minutes later)

Thanks Doctor it's great I can use it on all nails, especially to prevent it from spreading. Can I use it for several months on all nails? The varnish can take 9 to 12 months to work on toe nails.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Use for 12 months.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Yes you must use it for at least 12 months.
It is safe and effective.
Fungal infection of toe nails take long time to get eliminated.
Alhough you will get response within 3 months but it is important to continue medication for an year to prevent recurrence.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (9 hours later)

Thanks Doctor. I've heard fungal infections of the nails can be very difficult to treat and how some people can get a recurrence.

I have applied the varnish on all toe nails now. I know it's early but the pain doesn't seem to be as bad as it was a week ago on the big toes. And at least I was quick in knowing it was spreading to the small toes.

Thanks again for your advice.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Complete treatment is required

Detailed Answer:
Hello
If medication is used properly for an year then chance of recurrence is very less.
Don't worry just go ahead with treatment.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D