Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect your fingernails and toenails. It can cause your nails to become discolored, thick, and brittle, which can be unsightly and even painful. It’s an infection that’s more than just a cosmetic issue.
This article will give you a complete overview of nail fungus, including what causes it, what the symptoms are, what treatments are available, and how you can prevent it.
It’s important to note that in more severe cases of nail fungus, you might experience bleeding. We’ll talk more about that, too.
Overview of Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
Onychomycosis is just the medical term for nail fungus, and it’s important to know that it’s different from other nail problems. Nail fungus is an infection caused by different types of fungi, like dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
So, what does nail fungus look like? If you have it, your nails might be thicker than usual, discolored (yellowish-brown or white), brittle, and even a little misshapen. It’s more common to get nail fungus on your toenails than on your fingernails.
Nail fungus is contagious, so it’s important to be careful. It can spread from one nail to another or even to other people.
What are the symptoms of nail fungus, and when should you see a doctor?
Nail fungus can cause many different symptoms, including:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration (yellowish, brownish, or whitish)
- Brittleness and crumbling
- Distorted shape
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed (called onycholysis)
- Pain or discomfort, especially when wearing shoes
- A foul odor
If you don’t treat a nail fungus infection, the symptoms can get worse over time.
When to seek medical attention
It’s important to see a doctor if your symptoms are severe, if they’re getting worse, or if they don’t improve with home remedies.
If you have diabetes or another medical condition, don’t wait. See a doctor right away.
Also, bleeding, pain, pus, or a spreading infection are all signs you need medical care as soon as possible.
Bleeding and nail fungus
Nail fungus doesn’t usually cause bleeding, but in severe cases, it can happen.
How bleeding happens
Severe nail fungus can make your nails extremely brittle and fragile. As a result, the nails crack and split, and sometimes those cracks can bleed. Also, the infection itself can damage the nail bed, which makes it easier to injure and cause bleeding.
Bleeding can also happen if you’re too rough when you trim or file infected nails. Because the nail is already damaged, it’s more susceptible to injury. The cracks and fissures that happen because of nail fungus can also become entry points for bacteria, leading to secondary infections.
How to manage bleeding
If you experience minor bleeding, here’s what you can do at home:
- Clean the area gently with soap and water.
- Apply pressure with a clean cloth until the bleeding stops.
- Cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
When to seek medical help
See a doctor for nail fungus bleeding if:
- The bleeding is persistent or profuse and doesn’t stop with gentle pressure.
- You see signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or pus.
- You have diabetes or a compromised immune system.
What causes nail fungus?
Nail fungus is usually caused by microscopic organisms called dermatophytes. It can also be caused by yeasts and molds.
These fungi enter the nail through tiny cracks or cuts. Once inside, they can thrive in the dark, moist environment under the nail.
Risk factors for nail fungus
Some things make you more likely to develop nail fungus, such as:
- Older age. As you age, nails can become more brittle and dry, leading to cracks that allow fungi to enter.
- Heavy sweating. Fungi thrive in moist environments.
- Athlete’s foot. The same fungus that causes athlete’s foot can also infect your nails.
- Walking barefoot in damp public places. Swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers are breeding grounds for fungi.
- Minor nail or skin injuries. These can create openings for fungi to enter.
- Certain medical conditions. Diabetes, psoriasis, and other conditions can increase your risk.
- Weakened immune system. A compromised immune system makes it harder to fight off infection.
- Poor foot hygiene. Not keeping your feet clean and dry can create an environment where fungi can thrive.
Complications of nail fungus
If you don’t treat nail fungus, it can lead to some nasty complications, including:
- Permanent nail damage
- Spreading the infection to other nails or even your skin
- Secondary bacterial infections (which can be serious)
- Pain and discomfort that makes it hard to do daily activities
- Trouble walking or wearing shoes
- Feeling self-conscious and embarrassed about the appearance of your nails
Basically, ignoring nail fungus isn’t a great idea. Let’s talk about how to get rid of it.
Diagnosis and treatment
If you notice nail fungus symptoms, it’s worth talking to a doctor. It’s important to get a diagnosis and explore treatment options. Nail fungus can be stubborn, and sometimes, it can lead to other problems.
Diagnosis
Doctors usually start by examining your nail. They’ll look for common signs of nail fungus. To be sure, they might take a small sample of your nail by clipping or scraping it. This sample goes to a lab where technicians will look for fungus under a microscope or try to grow it in a culture. This helps them confirm that it’s fungus and figure out what kind it is so they can recommend the right treatment.
Treatment Options
There are several ways to treat nail fungus:
- Topical antifungal medications: These are special creams or polishes you put directly on your nail. They can be useful for mild infections. Common ingredients include ciclopirox, efinaconazole, and tavaborole.
- Oral antifungal medications: For more serious infections, your doctor might prescribe pills that you swallow. These medications, like terbinafine and itraconazole, work from the inside out to kill the fungus.
- Nail removal: In severe cases, where the infection is very bad or other treatments haven’t worked, your doctor might suggest removing the nail, but before considering that, it’s important to understand if DIY toenail removal is safe. This allows them to treat the skin underneath directly.
No matter which treatment you use, it’s important to know that it can take a long time – several months or even longer – to get rid of nail fungus. You have to stick with the treatment plan your doctor gives you. Even after the fungus is gone, it can come back, so it’s important to keep taking care of your feet and nails.
Prevention and home care
Nail fungus can be stubborn, so taking steps to prevent it is worthwhile.
Prevention strategies
To keep nail fungus at bay, it’s important to consider how long does toenail fungus live on surfaces and take preventative measures:
- Keep your nails clean and dry.
- Trim your nails straight across and smooth the edges with a file.
- Wear absorbent socks and breathable shoes.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms and pool decks.
- Choose nail salons that sterilize their tools between clients.
- Don’t share nail clippers or files with others.
- If you have athlete’s foot, treat it right away.
Home care measures
These home care measures, including the use of essential oil for fungus nail, can help you manage the symptoms of nail fungus:
- Try an over-the-counter antifungal cream.
- Soak your feet in warm water with vinegar or Epsom salts.
- Keep your affected nails trimmed and filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does stage 1 nail melanoma look like?
Stage 1 nail melanoma typically presents as a dark streak or band in the nail, often wider at the base than the tip. The pigment may extend onto the surrounding skin (Hutchinson’s sign). Changes in size, shape, or color of an existing nail streak warrant immediate medical evaluation.
What can be mistaken for nail fungus?
Several conditions can mimic nail fungus, including nail psoriasis, nail trauma (like a bruise), lichen planus, and even underlying medical conditions affecting nail growth. A proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional is essential to rule out other causes and ensure appropriate treatment.
Do fungal nail infections bleed?
Generally, fungal nail infections themselves don’t directly cause bleeding. However, the thickening and distortion of the nail caused by the fungus can lead to the nail separating from the nail bed. This separation can create space for debris and bacteria, potentially leading to inflammation, irritation, and, in rare cases, minor bleeding around the nail.
Is it blood under a nail or fungus?
Distinguishing between blood under a nail (subungual hematoma) and nail fungus can be tricky. Blood under the nail typically appears as a dark red or purplish spot soon after an injury. Nail fungus usually presents as yellowing, thickening, and crumbling of the nail over time. If you’re unsure, consult a doctor.
Why do fungal infections bleed?
Fungal infections don’t directly cause bleeding. Bleeding associated with nail fungus is usually a result of secondary issues. The fungal infection causes the nail to become brittle and thick, which in turn can irritate the surrounding tissue, leading to tiny fissures or separation of the nail from the bed. This makes the area vulnerable to injury and potential bleeding.
To Conclude
Nail fungus can cause pain, swelling, and discoloration. Getting a diagnosis and starting treatment early can help keep the infection from getting worse. In severe cases, nail fungus can cause bleeding, so it’s important to manage the infection well.
Preventing nail fungus in the first place is the best way to keep your nails healthy.