Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect anyone. It’s unsightly, and sometimes uncomfortable, but understanding what it is and how to treat it can help you manage the condition and restore your nails to health.
This article will cover how toenail fungus is diagnosed, what treatment options are available, and how to properly trim your toenails to prevent the infection from spreading or worsening. We’ll also discuss when it’s time to seek professional medical advice for your fungal infection, and how to approach cutting a fungus toenail.
Nail Fungus: Diagnosis and Treatment
If you think you have a fungal nail infection, see a dermatologist. They can help you know for sure and get you started on a treatment plan.
How do dermatologists diagnose nail fungus?
Dermatologists typically diagnose nail fungus through these steps:
- Visual Examination: They’ll look closely at your nail for telltale signs like thickening, discoloration, and brittleness.
- Sample Collection and Laboratory Analysis: To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential problems, they may take a sample of nail debris or skin scrapings for lab testing.
How do dermatologists treat a fungal nail infection?
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the infection:
- Topical Medications: Mild infections may be treated with antifungal medications you apply directly to the nail. Amorolfine, ciclopirox, efinaconazole, and tavaborole are common choices.
- Oral Medications: More aggressive cases may require oral antifungal medications like fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, and terbinafine. These medications tend to have higher cure rates but come with potential side effects and require blood tests.
- Combination Therapy: Sometimes, combining oral and topical treatments can improve effectiveness by attacking the infection from multiple angles.
- Nail Removal: In severe cases or when other treatments haven’t worked, nail removal might be considered. This can be done surgically or non-surgically.
What’s the outcome for someone who has nail fungus?
Keep these things in mind about nail fungus treatment:
- Treatment Duration: It can take a while to clear up a nail fungus infection. Fingernails might take 4-6 months, while toenails can take 12-18 months.
- Importance of Compliance: Follow your dermatologist’s instructions closely for the best chance of success. Use the treatment exactly as prescribed and for as long as prescribed.
- Potential for Recurrence: Nail fungus can come back even after successful treatment.
How to Trim Thickened Toenails
If you have thick toenails, don’t panic! It’s a pretty common problem, and you can usually take care of it at home.
What causes thickened toenails?
There are several possible causes for this condition:
- Aging: As we get older, our toenails naturally tend to thicken.
- Trauma: An injury to the nail can cause it to thicken as it heals.
- Fungal Infections: Onychomycosis, a fungal infection, is a frequent culprit behind thickened toenails.
- Other Conditions: Psoriasis or consistently wearing shoes that are too tight can also contribute to the problem.
Trimming the Nails
Here’s how to safely trim those tough toenails:
- Soaking: Soften your toenails by soaking your feet in warm water for 5-10 minutes. This will make the trimming process much easier.
- Using Nail Nippers: Nail nippers are your best friend for this task. They’re designed to handle thicker nails.
- Straight Cut: Always trim your toenails straight across. This helps prevent painful ingrown toenails.
Smoothing Sharp Edges
Once you’ve trimmed your nails, take these steps to prevent snags and ingrown nails:
- Filing: Use an emery board or nail file to smooth any sharp edges you may have created during trimming.
- Preventing Ingrown Nails: Resist the urge to round the edges of your nails. Keeping them straight is key to avoiding ingrown nails.
When to contact your healthcare team
If your thickened toenails are persistent or painful, or if you are unable to trim them safely, you should seek medical advice. You should also see a doctor if you have cosmetic concerns about your toenails.
People with diabetes or poor circulation should be especially cautious and seek professional help with toenail fungus. Trimming your toenails incorrectly can lead to additional complications, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cut out toenail fungus?
While you can trim away portions of the infected nail, you can’t “cut out” the fungus entirely. The infection lives within the nail bed and matrix, so simply cutting the nail won’t eradicate it. Trimming can help manage the thickness of the nail and improve comfort, but it’s not a cure.
What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?
That white, crumbly, or hard substance under your toenail is likely a combination of fungal debris and keratin. The fungus feeds on keratin, the protein that makes up your nails, leading to this buildup. It’s a common sign of a fungal infection.
Should I cut off my nail if it has fungus?
Cutting off the entire nail yourself is generally not recommended. It can increase the risk of infection and potentially damage the nail bed, leading to further complications. A doctor may consider removing the nail in severe cases, but this is usually done under sterile conditions and with proper medical guidance.
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
Vicks VapoRub contains ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which have some antifungal properties. While it may not completely cure the infection, some people find that it can help slow the growth of the fungus and improve the appearance of the nail. It’s often used as a complementary treatment, not a primary solution.
Is it bad to pick at toenail fungus?
Yes, picking at toenail fungus is generally a bad idea. It can introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of secondary infections. It can also damage the nail bed and surrounding skin, potentially worsening the condition and making it more difficult to treat. Leave the trimming to proper tools and avoid picking!
In Summary
Toenail fungus can be tough to deal with, so it’s important to get it diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Trimming your toenails the right way is also key to preventing further problems.
If you’re having trouble with toenail fungus or your toenails in general, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. They can help you figure out the best way to keep your feet healthy.
Take good care of your feet, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it!