Yellowish area under nail which seems to have separated from the toe. Is this normal?

[Toby1001]

I have a yellowish area under my big toenail (~50% of the area).  When cutting my nails it seemed like there was white/yellow debris in this area.  I found that I could "scoop" it out all the way back to where the nail turns pink again.  From other information on the internet, it sounds like it might be a fungal toenail infection.  Is it common for the nail to detach?  I read something about sampling this debris for diagnosis, but I didn't realize you could reach all the way under the nail.  

It's completely painless.  Is this a normal part of a fungal infection or something more serious?

Thank you!

[Yena H Do, DPM]

southernlady, you have peripheral neuropathy:
this can be stemming from your back (radiculopathy)
you should be worked up for other diseases that can cause neuropathy.


Toby, you have mycosis.  the nail bed has scarred and prevented the nail to attach.  the fungus now has a great area to thrive.  cut all the free nail back.  apply Lamisil cream (over the counter) to the area daily.   if you don't see improvement, see your podiatrist.

[Southernlady30]

I have a lot of pain and burning sensation of pins and needles in the ball of my foot when wearing shoes.  It also penetrates into my toes.  It has been going on for several years and I first noticed it when wearing tennis shoes.  I used to never experience it when wearing heels; however, now I have the pain with every type of shoe I wear.  The pain can be unbearable.  I have never been diagnosed with diabetes and there is no history in my family of diabetes.  What could this be?

[Footdock]

Toby,
You are correct, this does sound like a toenail fungal infection. Fungus may turn a toenail yellow, brown and sometimes black. The nail may become thickened with fungal debris growing underneath. The fungus likes to grow under the nail lifting it up so yes it is common for it to detach.
There are other things that may mimic a fungal infection. Trauma itself can cause toenails to have similar changes as can a yeast infection.
The best way to determine the cause is to see a local podiatrist. He/she can take a sample/biopsy to determine if fungus is growing.
Hope this has been helpful.

Bryant Tarr D.P.M.
www.sudburypodiatry.com
www.westfordpodiatry.com