Toenail problems are really common. You may have noticed changes to your toenails and wonder what’s going on. It can be difficult to know what’s causing the problem, and it’s easy to confuse dry toenails with a toenail fungus.
That’s what this article is all about: helping you tell the difference between dry toenails and fungus. We’ll go over the symptoms, what causes each condition, and how to treat them.
Getting the right diagnosis is super important. If you guess wrong, you might end up using the wrong treatments, which won’t help and could even make things worse. It’s worth taking the time to figure out exactly what’s going on so you can get the right treatment and get your toenails back to normal. Knowing the difference between dry toenails vs fungus is the first step.
What Do Dry Toenails Look and Feel Like?
Dry toenails are a real drag. They’re brittle, and they crack and split like crazy. You might notice the nail peeling away in layers. Forget about a healthy shine – dry toenails have a rough texture that just looks dull and lifeless.
Besides looking awful, dry toenails can actually hurt. Wearing shoes can become uncomfortable, and you might feel pain if you bump your toe. Because they’re so fragile, they’re much more likely to break or get injured.
The good news? Dryness usually affects all your toenails. That’s one way to tell it apart from a fungal infection, which tends to target just one or two nails. So, if all ten of your toes are looking sad, dryness is the more likely culprit.
What causes dry toenails?
Dry toenails aren’t typically a major cause for concern, but they can be uncomfortable, and they can increase the risk of cracks and breaks. Here are a few reasons why your toenails may be dry.
Environmental factors
Just as cold, dry air can strip moisture from your skin, it can also dry out your toenails. Also, if you frequently wash your hands with harsh soaps, that residue can transfer to your toenails and cause them to dry out as well.
Lifestyle and habits
If you don’t drink enough water or eat a balanced diet, your nails can become dry and brittle. Also, if you frequently use nail polish or artificial nails, the nail polish remover can dehydrate your nails.
Underlying health conditions
Certain health conditions, such as hypothyroidism and psoriasis, can also cause dry nails. These conditions can disrupt your body’s natural moisture balance and lead to dryness in your skin and nails.
What does toenail fungus look like?
Toenail fungus can present itself in different ways. Here are some common types and how they appear:
Subungual Onychomycosis
This is one of the most common types of toenail fungus. “Subungual” means it occurs beneath the nail.
Here’s what it looks like:
- The nail thickens and changes color. It might turn yellowish, brownish, or even whitish.
- You might see debris building up under the nail.
White Superficial Onychomycosis
With this type, the fungus affects the surface of the toenail.
You might notice:
- White spots or patches on the nail.
- The nail becoming crumbly or powdery.
Candida Onychomycosis
This type of fungal infection is caused by candida, a type of yeast. It’s more common in people who have immune systems that aren’t working as well as they should.
It can cause:
- The nail to thicken and change color.
- Inflammation (redness, swelling) of the skin around the nail.
Causes and Risk Factors for Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is caused by yucky fungal organisms called dermatophytes. Two common types are Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Sounds appetizing, right? (Spoiler alert: it’s not.)
So, who’s most likely to get this delightful condition? A few risk factors make you more susceptible:
- Older age: Unfortunately, as we get older, our nails can become more brittle and prone to cracks, creating entry points for fungus.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can impair circulation and weaken the immune system, making it easier for fungal infections to take hold.
- Weakened immune system: If your immune system isn’t functioning at its best, you’re more vulnerable to all sorts of infections, including toenail fungus.
- Poor circulation: Reduced blood flow to the feet can make it harder for the body to fight off infection.
- Nail trauma or injury: A damaged nail provides a perfect opportunity for fungus to invade.
- Wearing occlusive footwear: Shoes that don’t allow your feet to breathe create a warm, moist environment where fungus thrives.
- Excessive sweating: Similar to occlusive footwear, sweaty feet create a breeding ground for fungus.
And here’s the kicker: toenail fungus is contagious! It can spread through shared surfaces (like shower floors or nail clippers) and through direct contact. So, if someone in your household has it, take extra precautions to avoid catching it.
Treatment Options for Dry Toenails
If you’ve determined you’re dealing with dry toenails and not fungus, thankfully, treatment is pretty straightforward. Here’s how to get your toenails back in good shape:
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! This is key. Look for creams and oils formulated specifically for nails, and apply them regularly. Emollients, like urea 20 cream, are your friend.
- Be gentle with your nails. Avoid harsh chemicals (think nail polish remover with acetone) and don’t file them excessively. Rough treatment will only make the dryness worse.
- Consider your diet. Are you drinking enough water? Are you getting enough vitamins and minerals? A healthy diet supports healthy nails.
- Think carefully about nail hardeners. These can help strengthen brittle nails, but some can also be drying. If you decide to use one, keep a close eye on how your nails react.
Treatment Options for Toenail Fungus
If you’ve determined that you have toenail fungus, there are several treatment options to consider.
Topical Antifungal Medications
For mild infections, your doctor may prescribe topical antifungal creams or lacquers. Common options include amorolfine, ciclopirox, efinaconazole, and tavaborole.
These medications are applied directly to the affected toenail and surrounding skin. They work by inhibiting the growth of the fungus.
Topical treatments are most effective when the infection is caught early and is limited to the surface of the nail.
Oral Antifungal Medications
For more severe infections, your doctor may recommend oral antifungal medications. Common choices include terbinafine, fluconazole, and itraconazole.
These medications are taken by mouth and work by attacking the fungus from within the body.
Oral antifungal medications can have potential side effects, such as liver damage. Your doctor will likely monitor your liver function with blood tests during treatment.
Other Treatment Options
There are also some other treatment options available for toenail fungus.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a newer treatment option that uses focused light to kill the fungus. It may not be covered by insurance.
Surgical nail removal
In severe cases where other treatments have failed, surgical nail removal may be necessary. This involves removing the affected toenail to allow for new, healthy nail growth.
Prevention strategies for healthy toenails
Whether you’re worried about dry toenails or toenail fungus, prevention is key.
Preventing dry toenails
To prevent dry toenails, wear gloves when you’re using harsh chemicals or if you’re spending a lot of time in cold weather. You might also consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.
Preventing toenail fungus
The best way to avoid toenail fungus is to keep your feet clean and dry. Here are some other steps you can take:
- Wear socks and shoes that allow your feet to breathe.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places, such as locker rooms and swimming pools.
- Disinfect nail clippers and other tools after each use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do dehydrated toenails look like?
Dehydrated toenails often appear brittle, dry, and prone to splitting or cracking. They might also have a dull, lackluster appearance and feel rough to the touch. Think of them like dry skin – they lack moisture and can look generally unhealthy.
How do you tell the difference between a damaged toenail and a fungus?
Distinguishing between damage and fungus can be tricky. Damaged nails often show signs of trauma, like bruising or lifting from the nail bed. Fungal infections typically cause thickening, discoloration (yellow, brown, or white), crumbling edges, and an unpleasant odor. If you’re unsure, it’s best to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
How do I get rid of nail fungus ASAP?
Unfortunately, there’s no magic bullet for getting rid of nail fungus “ASAP.” Treatment usually takes time and patience. Over-the-counter antifungal medications might help mild cases, but prescription oral or topical treatments are often needed for more severe infections. See your doctor to discuss the best course of action.
Do thick toenails always mean fungus?
No, thick toenails don’t always indicate a fungal infection. Trauma, repetitive pressure from ill-fitting shoes, psoriasis, and aging can also cause toenails to thicken. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
What kills toenail fungus permanently?
While some treatments can effectively eliminate toenail fungus, recurrence is possible. Oral antifungal medications generally have the highest success rates, but they can also have side effects. Topical treatments might be less effective but have fewer risks. Maintaining good foot hygiene and addressing any underlying conditions can help prevent future infections. Complete eradication isn’t always guaranteed, but managing the infection effectively is often achievable.
In Closing
Dry toenails and toenail fungus can look similar, but they’re different problems with different causes. Dry toenails tend to be brittle and dry, while fungal infections usually cause thickening and discoloration of the nail.
If you’re concerned about the health of your toenails, it’s important to get a diagnosis from a doctor or podiatrist. Lots of conditions can mimic toenail fungus, so an accurate diagnosis is key to getting the right treatment.
Whether you’re dealing with dry toenails, a fungal infection, or something else entirely, taking care of your feet, including understanding ingredients for healthy nails, and seeking appropriate treatment is essential for keeping your toenails healthy.