Que Hacer Cuando La Uña Del Pie Se Pone Morada
Have you ever noticed that one of your toenails has turned purple? This can be a bit alarming, but it's actually not uncommon. In this article, we'll discuss what causes a purple toenail and what you can do about it.
What Causes a Purple Toenail?
There are a few different things that can cause a toenail to turn purple:
Trauma to the Toenail
One of the most common causes of a purple toenail is trauma to the nail. This could be from dropping something on your foot, stubbing your toe, or even just wearing shoes that are too tight. When the nail is injured, blood can pool underneath it, causing it to turn purple.
Fungal Infection
Another possible cause of a purple toenail is a fungal infection. Fungal infections can cause the nail to become discolored and thickened, and in some cases, a purple hue may be present. Fungal infections are more common in toenails than fingernails and are often caused by wearing tight shoes or socks.
Subungual Melanoma
In rare cases, a purple toenail may be a sign of subungual melanoma, a type of skin cancer that affects the nail bed. Other signs of subungual melanoma include a dark streak or band on the nail, or a nail that has become detached from the nail bed. If you suspect that you may have subungual melanoma, it's important to see a doctor right away.
What Can You Do About a Purple Toenail?
Depending on the cause of your purple toenail, there are a few different things you can do to treat it:
If the Cause is Trauma:
If your purple toenail is the result of trauma, there's not much you can do except wait for it to heal. The nail will eventually grow out on its own, and the discoloration will go away.
If the Cause is a Fungal Infection:
If your toenail is discolored due to a fungal infection, you'll need to treat the infection with an antifungal medication. There are several different types of antifungal medications available, including oral medications and topical creams or ointments.
If the Cause is Subungual Melanoma:
If your toenail is purple due to subungual melanoma, you'll need to see a doctor right away. Treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer, but may involve surgery or chemotherapy.
Preventing Purple Toenails
While there's no surefire way to prevent a toenail from turning purple, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk:
Choose the Right Footwear:
Wearing shoes that fit properly and provide good support can help prevent toenail trauma and fungal infections. Make sure your shoes aren't too tight or too loose, and opt for shoes made from breathable materials.
Take Care of Your Toenails:
Keeping your toenails clean and trimmed can also help prevent fungal infections. Make sure to dry your feet thoroughly after showering or swimming, and avoid sharing nail clippers or other tools with others.
Conclusion
A purple toenail can be a bit unsettling, but in most cases, it's nothing to worry about. By understanding what causes a toenail to turn purple and how to treat it, you can get back to your normal routine in no time.
