Onychomycosis, better known as nail fungus, is a common condition that can affect both your fingernails and toenails. Experts estimate that nail fungus accounts for almost half of all nail disorders.
Toenail fungus is more common than fingernail fungus, and it can affect as many as 14% of all people. For many, it’s a cosmetic issue, but toenail fungus can also cause pain and discomfort.
This article will give you a comprehensive view of toenail fungus, including what it looks like, what causes it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it. We’ll even show you some nail fungus pictures toenails so you can see what it looks like.
What does toenail fungus look like?
Toenail fungus is sneaky. It can start small and be hard to notice. But if you know what to look for, you can often catch it and treat it before it gets too bad.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Here are some of the common signs of toenail fungus to be on the lookout for:
- Thickening: The nail gets thicker than it should be and becomes hard to trim.
- Discoloration: The nail changes color, turning yellow, white, brown, or even black.
- Brittleness: The nail becomes fragile and crumbles or breaks easily.
- Distorted shape: The nail becomes deformed or misshapen.
- Onycholysis: This means the nail starts to lift away from the nail bed.
Types of Onychomycosis and Their Appearance
Onychomycosis is the medical term for nail fungus. There are a few different types, each with its own look:
- Subungual Onychomycosis: This is the most common type. It usually starts at the edge of the nail and then spreads toward the cuticle (the base of your nail).
- White Superficial Onychomycosis: This type shows up as white spots or patches on the surface of the nail. It’s often caused by different kinds of fungi than the subungual type.
- Candida Onychomycosis: This type is often linked to yeast infections and people with weakened immune systems. It can cause the nail to thicken, change color, and become inflamed.
What causes nail fungus?
Nail fungus is caused by microscopic organisms that don’t belong in or on your body. These organisms thrive in dark, damp places.
Fungal Organisms
The most common types of organisms that cause nail fungus are:
- Dermatophytes: Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes are two kinds that are often involved in nail infections.
- Yeasts: A type of yeast called Candida is more likely to infect fingernails, but it can also affect toenails.
- Molds: Molds can cause nail infections, especially in people who have weakened immune systems.
Risk factors
Anyone can get nail fungus, but some things make it more likely. You’re more at risk if you:
- Are older
- Have diabetes
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have poor circulation
- Have injured a nail
- Have a foot deformity
- Wear shoes that keep your feet hot and moist
Older people tend to get nail fungus more often. That’s because they often have reduced circulation and slower nail growth, both of which make it easier for fungus to take hold.
People with diabetes also have a higher risk due to impaired circulation and immune function.
Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis
It’s important to get a professional diagnosis if you suspect you have toenail fungus. Lots of things can look like toenail fungus, but aren’t. So, don’t start treating yourself before you know for sure.
How do doctors diagnose toenail fungus? They’ll start by looking at your nail. Then, they’ll probably take a clipping or scraping to look at under a microscope or send to a lab to see if they can identify the specific fungus.
What else could it be? Conditions that can mimic toenail fungus include:
- Psoriasis
- Nail trauma
- A bacterial infection
- (Rarely) Skin cancer
How to Treat Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus can be stubborn. If you think you have a toenail fungal infection, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Once you know what you’re dealing with, here are some possible treatment options:
Topical Antifungal Medications
Topical medications you paint onto the nail include amorolfine, ciclopirox, efinaconazole, tavaborole, and even Tolcylen for nail fungus. The downside is that these medications don’t always work, especially for severe infections. Your doctor may also suggest using urea cream to soften the nail and help remove infected tissue.
Oral Antifungal Medications
Oral medications like terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole tend to be more effective than topicals. However, because they’re stronger, you’ll need to be monitored for side effects. Treatment can also last for several months.
Home Remedies
While there are many home remedies for toenail fungus, including a herbal nail fungus soak, they shouldn’t be used in place of medical treatment. Things like vinegar soaks and tea tree oil might offer some temporary relief, but they’re unlikely to cure the infection. More research is needed to know for sure.
Surgical Options
In severe cases, your doctor might recommend removing the nail. This is often done in combination with antifungal medications. It sounds drastic, but sometimes it’s the most effective way to get rid of the infection.
Remember, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. They can assess the severity of your infection and help you choose the right approach.
Prevention Strategies
Want to avoid those nasty nail fungus pictures? Here are some simple strategies you can use to keep your toenails healthy and fungus-free:
- Practice good foot hygiene: Wash your feet regularly with soap and water, and make sure to dry them thoroughly, especially in between your toes.
- Keep your nails trimmed and clean: Trim your toenails straight across and disinfect your nail clippers after each use.
- Wear breathable shoes and socks: Avoid tight-fitting shoes and change your socks regularly, especially if they get damp.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places: Wear sandals or flip-flops in public showers and locker rooms.
- Don’t share nail clippers or other personal items.
- Treat athlete’s foot promptly: Athlete’s foot can easily spread to your toenails.
- Disinfect socks and shoes: To kill any lingering fungus, disinfect your socks and shoes regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a fungus toenail look like?
Fungus toenails can vary in appearance, but common signs include thickening, discoloration (yellow, white, or brown), brittleness, crumbling edges, and a distorted shape. You might also notice a foul odor or separation of the nail from the nail bed. Take a look at the pictures throughout this article for visual examples.
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
No, you shouldn’t attempt to cut off a toenail affected by fungus. This can increase the risk of infection and won’t eliminate the underlying fungal infection. Trimming the nail to keep it short and removing debris underneath can help, but leave the bulk of the nail intact and seek professional treatment.
Is it bad to pick at toenail fungus?
Yes, picking at toenail fungus is generally a bad idea. It can spread the infection to other nails or skin, increase the risk of secondary bacterial infections, and potentially worsen the condition. Resist the urge to pick and focus on appropriate treatment options.
Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of toenail fungus?
While some people use hydrogen peroxide as a home remedy for toenail fungus, there’s limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. It might have some mild antifungal properties, but it’s unlikely to cure a fungal infection on its own. Prescription or over-the-counter antifungal treatments are generally more effective.
What one cup of this will destroy your nail fungus?
There’s no single magic ingredient that will definitively destroy nail fungus in one application. Be wary of claims promoting quick fixes or miracle cures. Effective treatment typically involves a combination of antifungal medications, proper hygiene, and patience. Always consult a doctor or podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and the best course of treatment.
To conclude
It’s important to diagnose and treat toenail fungus early, before it gets worse or spreads. Keeping your feet clean and dry and avoiding things that put you at risk can help prevent toenail fungus from developing in the first place.
If you think you have toenail fungus, see a doctor to get a diagnosis and find out what treatments will work best for you.