I think you have the start of nail fungus. That's how mine started several years ago. Try Urea Nail Gel lacquer (prescription). This was just approved by the FDA a month ago and works better for me than Penlac, Sporanox, Diflucan, Lamesil, or regular oral antibiotics. I get no benefit from tea tree oil, Apple Cider vinegar, or Vicks, and those over the counter fungal nail removers don't work. You just end up spending alot of money for nothing. This Urea nail gel might be covered by your insurance. Hope this helps krisk