Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that affects the nails. It can cause discoloration, thickening, and even crumbling of the nail, impacting both its health and appearance. Nobody wants it.
Sometimes, nail fungus can manifest as a “blue goo.” This refers to a bluish-green discoloration and discharge that may appear in or around the infected nail. It looks pretty gross and immediately signals something isn’t right.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of blue goo nail fungus, including what causes it, what the symptoms are, how it’s diagnosed, what treatments are available, and how you can prevent it from happening in the first place. If you are dealing with blue goo nail fungus, you’ve come to the right place.
Understanding Nail Fungus and Its Variations
What is Onychomycosis?
Onychomycosis is the medical term for nail fungus, which usually comes from dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds.
There are a few common types of nail fungus infections, including distal subungual onychomycosis (DSO), white superficial onychomycosis (WSO), proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO), candidal onychomycosis, and even black fungus toenail.
What causes nail fungus infections? Often, it’s one or more of these:
- Poor hygiene
- Trauma to the nail
- A weakened immune system
- Pre-existing conditions like diabetes
Different Presentations of Nail Fungus
Typically, nail fungus symptoms include:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration (yellow, white, or brown)
- Brittleness and crumbling
- A distorted shape to the nail
So, how does “blue goo” differ? The main difference is the unusual bluish-green discoloration. You might also see discharge or fluid coming from the nail.
What causes “blue goo” nail fungus?
That blue-green gunk under your nail isn’t actually a fungus. Instead, it’s a bacterial infection, usually from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
How bacteria causes the color
Pseudomonas makes pigments called pyocyanin and pyoverdine, and these pigments are what turn your nail that distinctive blue-green color. These bacterial infections often happen after a fungal infection has already weakened the nail.
How moisture and trauma create an ideal environment
If moisture gets trapped under your nail plate, or if you have a nail injury that lets bacteria in, you’re creating the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow.
Fungal infection as a precursor
Fungal infections weaken the nail, making it easier for bacteria to colonize. The fungus damages the nail bed and creates room for bacteria to thrive.
Other things that can cause it include:
- Poorly sterilized nail instruments
- Artificial nails
- Wearing closed-toe shoes a lot
Who’s at risk?
Some people are more likely to get this kind of infection than others. You may be at increased risk if:
- You already have a nail fungus infection.
- You frequently have wet hands or feet.
- You have a weakened immune system.
- You have diabetes.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Blue Goo Nail Fungus
If you have a nail infection, you may be wondering if it’s “blue goo.” Here are the signs and how your doctor will diagnose it.
Identifying Symptoms
The symptoms of blue goo nail fungus include:
- A blue-green color in your nail
- Discharge or pus under the nail
- Pain or tenderness around the nail
- A foul odor
- Thickening or distortion of the nail
If you notice these symptoms, don’t wait. Early detection and treatment are important.
How is “blue goo” diagnosed?
To diagnose blue goo nail fungus, a healthcare professional will:
- Visually examine the nail
- Take a nail clipping for lab testing
- Examine nail scrapings under a microscope
The lab tests will include a fungal culture and a bacterial culture to see what organisms are present.
It’s important to make sure the problem really is “blue goo” nail fungus and not something else. Other conditions that can look similar include:
- Bruising
- Subungual hematoma (blood under the nail)
- Other bacterial infections
Treatment options for blue goo nail fungus
If you notice blue-green discoloration on or under your nail, you’ll need to see a podiatrist or other healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan. They’ll likely need to take a sample of your nail to determine the kind of infection you have.
The treatment plan for blue goo nail fungus typically has two parts: getting rid of the bacterial infection and eliminating the underlying fungal infection.
Addressing the bacterial infection
To get rid of the bacterial infection, your healthcare provider may recommend:
- Topical antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic solution or ointment to target the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. Some common antibiotics used in this way are polymyxin B or gentamicin.
- Oral antibiotics. For severe or persistent infections, oral antibiotics may be needed. Some commonly prescribed oral antibiotics for this type of infection include ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin.
Treating the underlying fungal infection
To treat the fungal infection, your doctor may recommend various treatments, including blue light therapy for fungal infections:
- Topical antifungals. Your doctor may prescribe topical antifungal creams, lotions, or lacquers. Some common antifungals are terbinafine, ciclopirox, or efinaconazole.
- Oral antifungals. For severe or resistant fungal infections, oral antifungals may be necessary. Some commonly prescribed oral antifungals are terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole.
- Combination therapy. In some cases, your doctor may recommend using a combination of topical and oral treatments.
Additional treatments
In addition to medications, your doctor may also recommend:
- Nail debridement. Removing infected nail tissue can help improve the effectiveness of treatment. There are different ways to do this, including filing, clipping, or using a special tool to remove the infected part of the nail.
- Surgical removal. In severe cases, it may be necessary to surgically remove the nail.
Prevention and Aftercare
Good hygiene is key to preventing nail fungus. Here’s what you should do:
- Keep your nails clean and dry.
- Trim your nails regularly, and avoid injuring them.
- Wear socks and shoes that let your feet breathe.
- Don’t walk around barefoot in public places.
To avoid spreading nail fungus, don’t share nail clippers or files. Disinfect your nail instruments regularly. If you get manicures or pedicures, go to nail salons that you trust to follow strict hygiene practices.
If you’ve already received treatment for nail fungus, keep using your antifungal medication as prescribed. Watch for the infection to come back, and keep the area clean and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kills nail fungus the fastest?
Unfortunately, there’s no magic bullet for quickly eliminating nail fungus. Prescription oral antifungal medications tend to work the fastest, but they also carry potential side effects. Topical treatments are generally slower but have fewer risks. The best approach depends on the severity of the infection and individual health factors, so consult with a doctor.
What color is dying toenail fungus?
The color of dying toenail fungus isn’t a reliable indicator of its demise. Nail fungus can change color throughout its lifecycle. Effective treatment will lead to the gradual clearing of the nail as healthy nail grows in, replacing the infected portion. It’s more about seeing new, healthy nail growth.
What not to do with nail fungus?
Avoid picking at or cutting the infected nail, as this can spread the fungus or cause further damage. Don’t ignore the infection, hoping it will go away on its own. Also, refrain from sharing nail clippers or files with others, as this can transmit the fungus.
Should you soak nail fungus?
Soaking your feet can help soften the nail and surrounding skin, potentially allowing topical treatments to penetrate better. However, soaking alone won’t cure the fungus. You can soak in plain water or add Epsom salts, but always thoroughly dry your feet afterward to prevent further fungal growth.
How do you drain nail fungus?
Nail fungus itself is not something you can “drain.” If you’re experiencing pain or swelling around the nail, it could indicate a secondary bacterial infection or an abscess. In such cases, consult a doctor immediately. Do NOT attempt to drain anything yourself, as this could worsen the infection.
Summary
If your nail turns green or blue, it could be a sign of a bacterial infection. Left untreated, the infection can lead to pain, inflammation, and even nail loss. If you think you might have a bacterial nail infection, it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment plan from your doctor as soon as possible. Proper hygiene and regular cleaning can help prevent nail infections.