Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is a common infection that can cause your toenails to become discolored, thick, and generally unpleasant. If you’re dealing with this frustrating condition, you probably want to know how long it will take to heal and what you can expect along the way.
Understanding the stages of toenail growing back after fungus is crucial for setting realistic expectations and sticking with your treatment plan. It’s a marathon, not a sprint!
This article will cover the signs of healing, the different stages of regrowth, available treatments, and how to prevent future infections.
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection of the nail. It’s not pretty. If you have it, your toenail might be discolored (white, yellow, green, or brown), thick, brittle, or a different shape than it should be. It may even come loose from the nailbed.
Other signs of toenail fungus include debris under the nail, loss of shine, pain, and a bad smell. The good news is that once you see healthy new nail growth, that means the infection has been resolved.
Recognizing signs of toenail fungus healing
It is important to recognize the signs of healing toenail fungus so that you know your treatment is working. Here are some things to look for:
- Reduced discoloration. The nail gradually returns to its natural color.
- Improved texture. The nail becomes smoother and less brittle.
- Clear nail growth. New nail growth at the base of the nail is healthy and clear.
- Decreased thickness. The nail gradually thins out.
- Reduced odor. The foul odor associated with the infection diminishes.
- Reduced pain. There is less discomfort or pain in the affected toe.
If you have any questions about your toenail fungus treatment, talk to your doctor or podiatrist.
Stages of toenail fungus regrowth
Dealing with toenail fungus is no fun, and getting rid of it takes time. After you’ve treated the infection, your toenail will begin to grow back, but it’s a slow process that can take 12 to 18 months.
Here’s what you can expect as your toenail recovers:
- Initial treatment phase: You’ll focus on using the topical medications or oral medications your doctor prescribed.
- Early healing phase: You may notice that your nail looks a little better. For example, the discoloration may start to fade.
- Mid-healing phase: You’ll start to see clear, healthy nail growing in.
- Late healing phase: Most of the infected nail has been replaced by healthy nail.
- Full recovery: The entire nail has regrown, and all signs of infection are gone.
Be patient and stick with your treatment plan. It takes time for a toenail to grow back completely, but you’ll get there!
How to treat toenail fungus
If you think you have a toenail fungus, you have several treatment options.
Topical treatments
These are creams, ointments, and even nail polish-like lacquers that you apply directly to the nail. Some prescription topical treatments include Jublia, Kerydin, and Penlac. You’ll need to apply these every day for up to a year. Even with daily use, these treatments cure around 35% of infections.
Oral medications
Oral medications are more effective than topical ones, but they can be hard on your liver. Two common oral medications for nail fungus are Sporanox and Lamisil.
Laser therapy
A newer treatment option, laser therapy uses energy from a laser to kill the fungus.
Nail removal
In really bad cases, a doctor might recommend removing the toenail.
The best way to get rid of toenail fungus is to see a podiatrist or other healthcare professional. They can examine your foot and make a recommendation for the best way to treat your infection.
Addressing treatment failures and recurrence
Unfortunately, toenail fungus treatment isn’t always successful. In fact, treatment only works about 50% of the time, which can be discouraging.
To make matters worse, even if you successfully treat your toenail fungus, it can come back. The recurrence rate is about 53%.
Treatment can fail or the infection can return if you don’t complete the treatment, get reinfected, or have underlying health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, that make you more vulnerable to fungal infections.
If your treatment fails, your doctor may recommend removing your toenail.
Self-care and prevention
If you’re dealing with a toenail fungus, or if you want to avoid getting one in the first place, here’s a list of things you can do:
- Keep your feet cool and dry.
- Wear shoes or flip-flops in public places, especially locker rooms and pools.
- Trim your nails straight across.
- Toss out any shoes or socks that might be infected, or treat them with an antifungal spray.
- Use antifungal powder or spray preventatively.
- Don’t share nail clippers or files.
- Make sure your nail salon is clean and properly licensed.
- Let your feet air out whenever you can.
- Wear socks that wick away sweat.
- Avoid shoes that squeeze your toes.
- Keep your shower and tub clean.
When to seek professional help
It’s important to see a doctor if you think you have a toenail fungus. While you can try treating it at home, sometimes you need professional help.
See a podiatrist if:
- Over-the-counter treatments don’t work.
- The infection gets worse.
- You have pain, swelling, redness, or pus.
- You have an underlying health condition like diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a dead toenail look like?
A dead toenail usually appears discolored, often yellow, brown, or black. It may be thickened, brittle, or detached from the nail bed. You might also notice a foul odor and a chalky or crumbly texture. Basically, it’s not a pretty sight!
How do I know my toenail fungus is healing?
Signs of healing include new, healthy nail growth at the base of the nail bed. The discoloration will gradually disappear as the healthy nail pushes the infected portion outward. The nail will also become smoother and less thick as it regrows.
What kills toenail fungus permanently?
Complete eradication of toenail fungus can be tricky. Prescription oral antifungal medications are often the most effective, but they can have side effects. Topical antifungals are an option for mild cases. Laser treatment is another possibility. Discussing the best approach with your doctor is key.
Can nail fungus live on nail clippers?
Absolutely! Nail fungus can definitely survive on nail clippers and other grooming tools. That’s why it’s crucial to disinfect them thoroughly after each use, especially if you or someone in your household has a fungal infection. Use rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution.
How to know if a fungal infection is healing?
As the fungal infection heals, you’ll notice new, clear nail growth emerging from the cuticle. The infected part of the nail will gradually grow out and can be trimmed away. The nail will also become less brittle and thick over time, indicating improvement.
In conclusion
Dealing with toenail fungus is a long road, and it’s important to watch for signs that your treatment is working and to understand what to expect as your nail grows back.
Treating toenail fungus takes time and patience, so don’t give up! If you’re concerned about your toenail fungus, talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional. They can give you advice specific to your situation and help you figure out the best treatment plan.