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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Blueish Coloration Of Toenails?

Hi doctor-I need help please. I am a little freaked out.I am currently training for a marathon. About a week ago, one of my toenails turned black and blue and got really soft. I thought I was losing a toenail as I have that problem from time to time. I trimmed the toenail as much as I could and left it alone. Last night it felt like my to was on fire. About an hour ago it started again. I started to clip my toenails and I noticed my nail was peeling off. When I peeled the entire thing off, there were 3 small worms under my toenail. What do I do?!
Mon, 3 Jan 2022
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hi,

With your marathon training occurring here it does not surprise me regarding your toenails. The running itself will cause repetitive damage to the nail matrix, loosening the matrix itself and often causes small rupture of the blood vessels underneath the nails results in the black and blue appearance. This does not surprise me.

Now the worm issue is a lot more worrisome, and we can see worm infections like this occasionally. First you need to wash the shoes and all of your socks in hot water and BLEACH. IF these are worms then I worry about an eggs or larvae that may be present in the footwear and that needs to be addressed. Next, you do need to go and see your family doctor for a prescription for ALBENDAZOLE. This is usually the standard treatment for these types of infections and works very well and FAST.

After the medication the shoe and socks still need washed for a couple of days afterwards like this to be sure not further eggs are remaining. Once this is resolved, ALBENDAZLE will do wonders, wrapping the toes individually with athletic tape does help to stabilize the toenails so they are not weakened as well by the running.

Also taking Selenium 200mcg daily and BIOTIN 10,000mcg daily will assist with regeneration of the toenails so they become more durable here. I realize that is a lot to take in, but the bleaching of the shoe and the ALBENDAZOLE are the most important.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. David Girardi, Internal Medicine Specialist
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What Causes Blueish Coloration Of Toenails?

Hi, With your marathon training occurring here it does not surprise me regarding your toenails. The running itself will cause repetitive damage to the nail matrix, loosening the matrix itself and often causes small rupture of the blood vessels underneath the nails results in the black and blue appearance. This does not surprise me. Now the worm issue is a lot more worrisome, and we can see worm infections like this occasionally. First you need to wash the shoes and all of your socks in hot water and BLEACH. IF these are worms then I worry about an eggs or larvae that may be present in the footwear and that needs to be addressed. Next, you do need to go and see your family doctor for a prescription for ALBENDAZOLE. This is usually the standard treatment for these types of infections and works very well and FAST. After the medication the shoe and socks still need washed for a couple of days afterwards like this to be sure not further eggs are remaining. Once this is resolved, ALBENDAZLE will do wonders, wrapping the toes individually with athletic tape does help to stabilize the toenails so they are not weakened as well by the running. Also taking Selenium 200mcg daily and BIOTIN 10,000mcg daily will assist with regeneration of the toenails so they become more durable here. I realize that is a lot to take in, but the bleaching of the shoe and the ALBENDAZOLE are the most important. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. David Girardi, Internal Medicine Specialist