Dead Toenail? - Nail Problems Message Board

agirl01 · 08-22-2007, 12:00 AM

A couple of months ago, my left big toe started to swell up at the bottom *cuticle area* of the toenail. My toenail started turning yellow-ish. I let it be, but now it looks as if there's new toenail grow below the yellow toenail, and it's pushing the yellow toenail up, which is good because it's disappearing now. I'm just wondering if anyone had any idea of what it was?

Marti · 08-22-2007, 06:15 AM

When you say "the bottom" do you mean from the cuticle area or the free edge?

agirl01 · 08-23-2007, 12:07 AM

Sorry. I mean the cuticle area.

Marti · 08-23-2007, 06:17 AM

If it is yellow at the cuticle, chances are that you may have some sort of infection at or in the matrix. Fungus can start anywhere there is a cut, tear or break to the seal surrounding the nail unit. If it is at the cuticle line, you may not benefit from topical treatments since the medication cannot reach this area - it will not penetrate the nail plate. You should see your doctor for oral medication and a proper diagnosis.

agirl01 · 08-23-2007, 11:12 PM

But it wasn't just yellow at the cuticle. The whole toe was basically yellow. The old nail was notieably yellow after the new nail started growing and pushed it up.