Ingrown Toenail Fungus Pictures: Identify & Treat It!

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects as many as 14% of people. While it’s often just a cosmetic issue, it can also cause pain and discomfort.

If you think you might have a toenail fungus, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. Many other conditions can look like toenail fungus, so it’s best to see a doctor or podiatrist to be sure. You may be tempted to look at ingrown toenail fungus pictures online, but a professional diagnosis is best.

In this article, you’ll learn about the different types of toenail fungus, the symptoms to look for, what causes it, how it’s treated, and how to prevent it. And of course, we will share ingrown toenail fungus pictures to help you better understand what this condition looks like. While ingrown toenail fungus pictures are helpful, it’s important to remember that self-diagnosis is never a good idea.

What does toenail fungus look like?

Toenail fungus is a common condition. It can be unsightly and, in some cases, painful. So, what should you look for? Here’s a breakdown of the different types of toenail fungus and their symptoms.

Subungual onychomycosis: The most common form

Subungual onychomycosis is the most common type of toenail fungus. “Subungual” means “under the nail.” This infection typically starts at the edge of the nail and slowly makes its way toward the cuticle. You’ll probably notice:

• Thickening of the nail
• Discoloration (often yellowish-brown)
• Crumbling of the nail

White superficial onychomycosis: A surface infection

This type of toenail fungus is characterized by white spots or patches on the surface of the nail. The nail may also become soft, dry, and powdery. This type of infection is caused by different fungi than the kind that causes subungual onychomycosis.

Candida onychomycosis: Yeast-related infections

Candida onychomycosis is often associated with swelling, redness, and pain around the nail. The nail may thicken, become discolored, and even detach from the nail bed. It is linked to yeast infections, compromised immune systems, and constantly wet environments. If you have a yeast infection, it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for candida onychomycosis.

Risk factors for toenail fungus

Several factors can make you more susceptible to developing toenail fungus:

• Nail or foot deformities: If your toes aren’t shaped “normally,” it can create a dark, moist environment that is perfect for fungal growth.
• Trauma to the nail: Injury to your toenail can create openings that allow fungi to enter. Think about stubbing your toe really hard.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can impair circulation and weaken the immune system, both of which contribute to fungal infections.
• Compromised immune system: A weakened immune system makes it harder for your body to fight off infections, including fungal ones.
• Poor circulation: Reduced blood flow to the feet can make it easier for fungi to thrive.
• Age: As you get older, your nails can become more brittle and prone to cracking, creating entry points for fungi.

Sometimes, a bacterial infection can occur alongside the fungal infection, further complicating things. So, if you suspect you have a toenail fungus, it’s best to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Treatment options: From home remedies to prescription medications

If you think you have a fungal infection of the toenail, you may be wondering about the best way to treat it. There are many different products available, from home remedies to prescription medications, but the right approach depends on the severity of the infection and other individual factors.

Home remedies: Limitations and considerations

Some people find relief from mild toenail fungus symptoms through home remedies. These approaches aren’t a substitute for medical treatment but may help while you’re waiting to see a doctor. Examples include soaking your feet in vinegar or tea tree oil.

It’s important to get a professional diagnosis and treatment plan from a healthcare provider.

Prescription medications: Topical and oral antifungals

Prescription medications for toenail fungus come in two forms: topical and oral. Topical medications are applied directly to the nail, while oral medications are taken by mouth.

Common topical antifungal medications include:

• Amorolfine
• Ciclopirox
• Efinaconazole
• Tavaborole

Oral antifungal medications are generally more effective than topical medications, but they also have a higher risk of side effects. Common oral antifungal medications include:

• Terbinafine
• Fluconazole
• Itraconazole
• Amphotericin B

Terbinafine is one of the most common oral treatments.

Before starting any treatment, it’s important to get a laboratory diagnosis to confirm the presence of a fungal infection and identify the specific type of fungus causing it. This ensures that you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment. Be prepared to stick with your treatment plan because it can take months (or even a year) to see results.

Surgical intervention

In severe cases, when other treatments have failed, nail removal may be necessary. This involves surgically removing the infected nail, allowing a new, healthy nail to grow in its place.

Toenail Fungus vs. Look-Alikes: Why Diagnosis Matters

Think you’ve got toenail fungus? It’s super important to be sure, because a lot of other conditions can look just like it. Don’t self-diagnose based on a picture you saw online!

Several things can cause changes in your toenails that might make you think “fungus.” Some of these include:

• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Nail trauma (like stubbing your toe really hard)
• And, in rare cases, even skin cancer

Getting the right diagnosis is essential, because the treatment for each of these conditions is very different. You don’t want to waste time and money treating fungus when you actually have something else going on. Plus, some of these conditions, like skin cancer, need to be addressed ASAP. So, see a podiatrist or dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Preventing the spread of toenail fungus

Toenail fungus is contagious, so it’s important to take steps to prevent it from spreading to other toenails, other parts of your body, or other people. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet regularly with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes.
• Sterilize your nail clippers and other instruments. Use rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution.
• Avoid sharing personal items. Don’t share nail clippers, socks, or shoes with others.
• Wear breathable shoes and socks. Choose shoes and socks made of materials that allow your feet to breathe, such as cotton or wool.
• Wear sandals or flip-flops in public showers and locker rooms. This will help to protect your feet from coming into contact with fungus-causing organisms.
• Treat athlete’s foot promptly. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that can spread to your toenails.
• Disinfect your socks and shoes. You can use a disinfectant spray or powder to kill any fungus that may be present.

Following these tips can help you prevent the spread of toenail fungus and keep your feet healthy.

Toenail vs. Fingernail Fungal Infections: Key Differences

Toenail fungus is way more common than fingernail fungus. Why is that?

First, toenails grow a lot slower than fingernails, which gives fungus more time to settle in and cause problems. Also, we often trap our feet in socks and shoes, which creates a warm, moist environment that fungus loves, but does wearing socks cause toenail fungus? Let’s look at the myths and facts.

Finally, your toes usually have less blood flow than your fingers. That means it’s harder for your body to fight off an infection once it takes hold. It’s a perfect storm, really, for toenail fungus to thrive.

When to Seek Professional Medical Advice

While you can try to treat an ingrown toenail or toenail fungus at home, it’s always a good idea to get a proper diagnosis from a doctor or other healthcare provider. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re dealing with and how to treat it.

You should definitely seek medical attention if:

• Your home remedies aren’t working.
• Your toe is severely infected or painful.
• You have diabetes or a weak immune system.
• You notice signs of a secondary bacterial infection, like redness, swelling, or pus.

Don’t wait if you’re concerned. Get it checked out!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Toenail fungus can be a tricky thing to deal with, so it’s important to catch it early. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of getting rid of it. Also, it’s important to be sure that what you’re dealing with is toenail fungus, since there are other conditions that can look similar. There are a lot of different treatments available, from over-the-counter creams to prescription medications, and even laser therapy.

The best way to deal with toenail fungus is to prevent it in the first place. Keep your feet clean and dry, wear shoes that fit well and allow your feet to breathe, and avoid sharing personal items like nail clippers and towels.

If you think you might have toenail fungus, it’s best to see a doctor or podiatrist to get a proper diagnosis and discuss your treatment options.