"My toe nail is discolored now has dark black spots, I have two young children and the likelihood of them stepping on them is high.... But I am uncertain if they are bruised or if it fungus.... What do I do and how do I distinguish the two apart?"
Bruising of the toenail can resemble toenail fungus. If you have traumatized the toenail in anyway, whether it means children have stepped on the toe, you dropped something on the toe, you tripped on a door jamb or you simply have banged your toes on the inside of your running shoes repeatedly, you can get bruising under the toenail. The bruise usually looks like a dark black spot.
If the spot is black and shiny, it is likely a bruise and less likely toenail fungus. If the discoloration is yellow, grayish, greenish, it is more likely caused by a toenail fungus infection.
Discoloration of the toenail is one of the signs of toenail fungus. Of course the toenails can become discolored because there is a bruise under the toenail. Toenails can also become discolored if there is dark colored toenail polish applied to the toenail, and only partially removed.
One of the keys in distinguishing toenail fungus infection from other causes of discoloration is the separation of the toenail from the underlying toenail bed. In most cases this leads to opaque appearance of the toenail in the area of dark discoloration. If there is no opacity and no apparent separation of toenail from the skin underneath,, it is less likely that the discoloration is caused by a toenail fungus infection.
If it looks like there is space between the toenail and the skin underneath the toenail, then it is more probable that there is a toenail fungus infection brewing in there. If the dark discoloration on tyne toenail appears to be firmly adhered without any separation from the toenail itself, it may be less likely caused by a toenail fungus infection.
If you have a question about discoloration of the toenail that you may think is caused by a toenail fungus infection, you can arrange a free consultation here.
Dr. Christopher Segler is a toenail fungus specialist who does house calls to provide patients with rapid access to treatment of unsightly toenail fungus infections. He performs laser procedures in order to kill the fungus in the toenail. He actually brings the toenail fungus laser directly to you so that you can have the procedure in the privacy of your own home.