Beginning Nail Fungus: Prevention & Early Treatment Tips

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a common infection that can affect your toenails. It’s caused by fungi.

The sooner you recognize and treat toenail fungus, the better. Early detection can make treatment easier and more effective, and you might even consider a 7 day nail fungus treatment plan.

This article is all about the beginning stages of nail fungus. We’ll cover early symptoms, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, how it’s treated, and how you can keep it from happening in the first place.

What is toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a fungal infection of the entire nail unit, including the nail plate, the nail bed, and the tissues around it.

Toenail fungus is pretty common. Experts estimate that it affects about 14% of people. In fact, about half of all Americans will get a fungal infection in at least one of their toenails by the time they turn 70.

Toenail fungus is also contagious. It can spread through contact with infected surfaces or items.

Causes and risk factors

Common causes of toenail fungus

Toenail fungus infections are caused by microscopic fungi that thrive in warm, moist places.

The fungi called dermatophytes are the most common cause of toenail fungus, but nearly 40 different species of these fungi can cause onychomycosis (toenail fungus).

The infection can spread from person to person through:

• skin-to-skin contact
• sharing tools like nail clippers and towels
• walking barefoot in moist public areas, such as pools and locker rooms

Risk factors

Here are some of the things that can make you more likely to get toenail fungus:

• certain health conditions, like diabetes, psoriasis, peripheral artery disease, cancer, and cancer treatments
• older age
• previous fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot
• nail injuries

Early signs and symptoms

It’s important to spot nail fungus early because treatment is more effective when you take action right away. Here’s what to look for:

Visual changes

• Discoloration of the nail: One of the first things you might notice is painless spots or discoloration on one or more of your nails. The discoloration may be white, brown, or yellow.
• Changes in nail texture: Your nails may become brittle, thickened, or change shape in subtle ways.
• White or yellowish patches: Small patches may appear on the surface of the nail.

Other early symptoms

• Residue buildup under the nail: You may notice debris or residue accumulating under the nail.
• Slight separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis): The nail might start to lift away from the skin underneath.
• Powdery nail surface: The surface of the nail could become powdery or crumbly.
• Infection often starts at the edge: Nail fungus often begins at the front or side edge of the nail.

Why it’s important to recognize early symptoms

Early detection is key. If you catch a nail fungus infection in its early stages, treatment is often more effective. You’re also more likely to keep the infection from spreading to other nails or the surrounding skin.

Diagnosing early-stage toenail fungus

So, you think you’ve got the beginning stages of toenail fungus? Here’s what to expect at the doctor’s office:

1. Physical exam: The doctor will examine the nail and the skin around it.
2. Nail sample analysis: They may take a small clipping of your nail to send to a lab. Technicians will use a special dye and microscope to identify the specific type of fungus that’s causing the infection.
3. Fungal culture: In some cases, they may perform a fungal culture to identify the fungus.

Treatment options for early-stage infections

If you’ve caught a nail fungus infection early on, there are several steps you can take to get rid of it.

Topical antifungal medications

Early treatment involves trimming the infected nail and applying antifungal creams and solutions. Common topical medications include amorolfine, ciclopirox, efinaconazole, and tavaborole.

With topical medications, consistent application is key. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.

Oral antifungal medications

If topical treatments don’t work, your doctor may recommend oral medications. Common oral antifungal medications include fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, and terbinafine.

It’s worth noting that oral antifungal medications can have potential side effects and require monitoring by a healthcare provider.

Other treatments

Sometimes, just trimming and filing the infected nail regularly can help reduce the amount of fungus and make topical treatments more effective.

Prevention strategies

Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to avoid getting nail fungus.

• Proper foot hygiene: Keep your nails clean and trimmed, but be cautious about getting a pedicure with fungus nails. Make sure to dry your feet well after you swim or shower.
• Protective footwear: Wear shoes or sandals in public places like locker rooms and swimming pools.
• Avoid sharing: Don’t share nail clippers, towels, or shoes with other people.
• Shoe care: Wear shoes that fit well and allow your feet to breathe. Don’t wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

It’s important to catch nail fungus early. The earlier you can identify and treat it, the easier it will be to prevent the infection from spreading and avoid more serious problems.

If you think you might have nail fungus, get medical advice so you can get a diagnosis and talk about treatment options.