Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect up to 14% of people. It can be unsightly and uncomfortable, causing discoloration, thickening, and even crumbling of the affected toenail.
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, understanding how a healthy toenail grows back is vital. It’s a process that requires patience and careful attention, especially during treatment. Knowing what to expect at each stage can help you stay motivated and ensure you’re providing the best possible care for your feet.
This article will guide you through the appearance of toenail fungus, treatment options, the typical stages of toenail growing back, complete with pictures, and how to prevent future infections.
What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like?
Toenail fungus isn’t pretty. You’ll usually see one or more of the following:
- Discoloration: The nail might turn white, yellow, green, or even brown.
- Thickening: The nail gets noticeably thicker than normal.
- Brittleness: It becomes crumbly and easy to break.
- Shape changes: The nail might look distorted.
- Loosening: The nail may start to detach from the nail bed.
- Debris: You might see gunk building up under the nail.
- Loss of shine: The nail loses its natural sheen.
- Pain or odor: In some cases, the nail might hurt or smell bad.
Keep in mind that these symptoms can vary depending on the type of fungus you have. Also, similar symptoms can be caused by something else entirely, like psoriasis or even, in rare cases, skin cancer. So, if you suspect you have toenail fungus, it’s important to get a professional diagnosis from a doctor or podiatrist.
Types of Toenail Fungus: A Visual Guide
Toenail fungus is a bummer. It’s also more common than you might think. But not all toenail fungus is exactly the same. Here’s a quick guide to some different types.
Subungual Onychomycosis
This is the most common type of toenail fungus. Typically, you’ll notice it starting at the edge of the nail. Over time, it spreads toward the cuticle, affecting more and more of the nail.
White Superficial Onychomycosis
This type of fungus is caused by different organisms than the more common subungual type. White superficial onychomycosis shows up as white spots or patches on the surface of the nail.
Candida Onychomycosis
This type of toenail fungus is often associated with yeast infections and people with compromised immune systems. It’s more likely to cause the nail to thicken and become distorted. If you have this type of infection, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your overall health.
Treatment Options for Toenail Fungus
If you think you have a toenail fungus, you have several treatment options to consider.
Home Remedies
Many people first try home remedies, which may offer temporary relief. Common examples include filing off white marks on the nail’s surface or applying over-the-counter antifungal liquids. It’s important to remember that toenail fungus is persistent, and home remedies alone may not be enough to completely resolve the infection. Even when using home remedies, it’s a good idea to seek professional guidance from a podiatrist or doctor.
Topical Medications
Topical medications come in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. While these treatments can sometimes improve the appearance of the nail, they aren’t always a cure. Some prescription options include Jublia, Kerydin, and Penlac. Keep in mind that even with prescription topicals, the cure rates are only around 35%, and they require daily application for up to a year.
Oral Medications
Oral medications are generally more effective than topical treatments, but they do come with a risk of liver problems. Common oral treatments include Sporanox and Lamisil, with a treatment efficacy rate of around 50%, though other treatments, like Acyclovir, are also sometimes considered. Terbinafine is another frequently prescribed option.
Other Treatments
In addition to home remedies and medications, other treatments are available, such as laser treatment. Laser treatment has emerged as a potential option, and in severe cases, nail removal may be necessary.
Stages of Toenail Regrowth During Treatment: What to Expect
Dealing with a fungal toenail infection is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s going to take roughly 12 to 18 months for your toenail to fully grow back. Here’s what you can expect during that time:
The Initial Stages: At first, you’ll notice new, healthy nail starting to grow from the base of your nail bed. This new growth will gradually push the infected part of your nail outwards. It’s a slow process, but it means the treatment is working!
The Intermediate Stages: As time goes on, you’ll start to see a clear line between the healthy nail and the infected nail. The discoloration caused by the fungus should also start to fade, and your nail will likely become less thick. It’s a good sign that the fungus is dying off.
The Later Stages: Eventually, the infected part of your nail will be completely replaced by healthy, new nail. The whole process takes a while, but the end result is worth it. Once your toenail has grown back, you’ll still need to keep an eye out for any signs of the infection returning.
The most important thing is to be patient and stick to your treatment plan. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. Just keep following your doctor’s instructions, and your toenail will eventually grow back healthy and strong.
What toenail fungus looks like if treatment is working
Toenail fungus is stubborn, and it can take a while to get rid of it. As the new nail grows in, you’ll probably be anxious to see if the treatment is working. Here’s what a healing toenail looks like:
- The new nail growth looks clear and healthy.
- The line between the old nail and the new nail is more obvious.
- The discoloration from the fungus gradually fades.
- The nail gets thinner.
- The nail is less brittle than before.
- There is no bad odor or pain coming from the nail.
Be patient, and keep following your doctor’s recommendations. It will be worth it to have healthy, fungus-free toenails again!
Treatment Not Working: Recognizing the Signs
If you’re treating toenail fungus, here are some signs that the treatment may not be working:
- You see no change in your toenail’s appearance after several months.
- The infected area continues to grow larger.
- Your nail stays the same thickness or gets even thicker.
- The discoloration of your nail doesn’t improve or gets worse.
- You experience more pain or discomfort.
If you’re taking Terbinafine, the fungus may be resistant to the medication. Talk to your doctor about alternative courses of treatment.
Preventing recurrence and promoting healing
Once your toenail starts growing back, there are things you can do to keep it healthy and avoid another fungal infection.
Self-care practices
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Trim your toenails straight across rather than rounding the edges.
- Wear socks and shoes that let your feet breathe, and consider how washing socks can help kill toenail fungus and prevent reinfection.
- Avoid going barefoot in public places where fungus thrives, such as locker rooms and swimming pools.
- Use an antifungal powder or spray in your shoes.
- Disinfect your nail clippers regularly.
Addressing risk factors
Some health conditions can increase your risk of toenail fungus.
If you have one of these conditions, you may want to make a plan with your health provider to help keep your feet healthy.
For example, you can:
- manage underlying conditions, like diabetes
- improve circulation
- boost your immune system
Risk Factors and Complications
Several factors can increase your risk of toenail fungus, including:
- Nail or foot deformities
- Trauma to the nail
- Diabetes
- Compromised immune system
- Poor circulation
- Older age
People with diabetes are especially vulnerable due to impaired circulation and nerve damage, making them more susceptible to infections and slower healing.
Complications of toenail fungus can include pain, secondary bacterial infections, and spread of the infection to other nails or skin.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
While you can treat some toenail fungus at home, you should consult with a doctor if:
- Your home remedies aren’t working.
- Your symptoms get worse.
- You have diabetes or a compromised immune system.
- You develop signs of a secondary infection, such as pain, swelling, redness, or pus.
A doctor can properly diagnose the fungus and create a treatment plan.
Wrapping Up
Treating toenail fungus and waiting for your toenail to grow back takes time and consistent effort. Be patient and stick to your treatment plan. Talk with your doctor about the best way to get rid of the fungus and keep it from coming back.