Healthy nails aren’t just a cosmetic concern; they’re a sign of overall well-being. But our nails are vulnerable. They take a beating from daily life, and they’re susceptible to infections.
Both nail trauma and fungal infections can cause changes in the appearance of your nails, sometimes making it difficult to tell the difference between the two. Are those discolored, thickened nails the result of stubbing your toe or something more insidious?
This article will help you distinguish between nail trauma vs fungus by outlining the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies for each. Getting the right diagnosis is crucial because misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatments and prolong your discomfort. Understanding the difference is the first step toward healthy nails.
Nail fungus (onychomycosis)
What is nail fungus?
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail that can change the way your nail looks and feels. Nail fungus can affect both fingernails and toenails, but it’s more common on toenails.
What causes nail fungus?
Nail fungus can result from many different organisms, including:
- dermatophytes
- yeast
- bacteria
- molds
These factors may increase your risk for nail fungus:
- older age
- wearing sweaty shoes
- having athlete’s foot
- frequenting damp public spaces, like swimming pools and locker rooms
- experiencing minor skin or nail injuries
- having psoriasis
- having diabetes
- having a weak immune system
Symptoms of nail fungus
If your nail has a fungal infection, including cases of ingrown toenail fungus, you’ll probably notice some visual changes to the nail. Common symptoms include:
- Thickening
- Discoloration (often yellowish or brownish)
- Brittleness
- A crumbly or ragged texture
- Misshapen nails
You might also experience onycholysis, which is when the nail separates from the nail bed. Sometimes, the infected nail will even have a bad odor.
Keep in mind that the symptoms can vary quite a bit. In mild cases, you might only notice slight discoloration. But in severe cases, the infection can be painful and even debilitating, so it’s best to get it checked out by a doctor.
Understanding nail trauma
Nail trauma is physical injury to a fingernail or toenail. Anything that damages the nail structure can cause problems.
Common causes of nail trauma
You might experience nail trauma if you:
- Drop a heavy object on your toe.
- Stub your toe or bang a fingernail.
- Wear shoes that are too tight for your feet.
- Get aggressive manicures or pedicures.
Nail trauma can affect different parts of the nail, including:
- The nail bed, which lies beneath the nail plate.
- The matrix, which is where the nail grows from.
- The hyponychium, the skin just under the free edge of your nail.
Types of nail trauma
Here are some common injuries that can happen to your nails:
- Subungual hematoma: This is when blood gets trapped under the nail, causing the nail to turn red, purple, or black.
- Nail avulsion: This means that part or all of your nail separates from the nail bed.
- Nail bed laceration: This is when the tissue under the nail gets cut or torn.
Symptoms of Nail Trauma
If you’ve stubbed your toe or slammed a finger in a door, you know nail trauma when you see it. Immediately after the injury, you’ll likely feel a sharp, throbbing pain. You’ll also probably see bruising or blood pooling under the nail.
Later on, you might notice discoloration (red, purple, or black), swelling, and tenderness. The nail might even become deformed.
Keep an eye out for signs of infection if the nail is broken or starts to separate from the nail bed. These include increased pain, redness, pus, and warmth around the nail.
Differentiating between nail trauma and fungus
So, how do you tell the difference between nail trauma and fungus?
- Onset of symptoms: Trauma symptoms usually appear suddenly after an injury, while fungal infections develop over time.
- Appearance of discoloration: Trauma often causes reddish-purple or black discoloration because of blood under the nail. Fungal infections tend to cause yellowish or brownish discoloration.
- Pain differences: Trauma is typically more painful at first, while fungal infections may cause pain or discomfort as they advance.
Prevention and treatment
Nail fungus
Nail fungus can be prevented by keeping your nails clean and dry, wearing shoes that let your feet breathe, and avoiding walking barefoot in public places. But what if you already have it, especially during the warmer months? Learn how to hide toenail fungus fast! Also, be sure to treat athlete’s foot right away.
Treatments for nail fungus include topical or oral antifungal medications, laser therapy, or, in severe cases, nail removal. Some may also consider Clobetasol Propionate as a treatment.
Nail trauma
To prevent nail trauma, wear shoes that fit well, protect your feet from injury, avoid aggressive manicures, and trim your nails properly.
If you injure a nail, try rest, ice, elevation, and pain relievers. Sometimes, doctors need to drain blood from under the nail or repair cuts in the nail bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell the difference between a toenail fungus and an injury?
Distinguishing between toenail fungus and trauma involves examining the nail’s appearance and history. Fungal infections often cause gradual thickening, discoloration (yellow, white, or brown), and crumbling edges. Nail trauma, on the other hand, usually follows a specific injury and might involve bleeding under the nail or nail separation.
What does a nail trauma look like?
Nail trauma can manifest in various ways depending on the severity of the injury. You might see bruising (subungual hematoma) under the nail, a crack or split in the nail, or even complete separation of the nail from the nail bed. There’s often a direct correlation to a recent bump, stubbing, or other physical impact.
How do I know if I have nail fungus or something else?
If you’re unsure whether you have nail fungus or another condition, consult a healthcare professional. They can perform a physical examination and, if needed, take a nail clipping for laboratory testing to confirm a fungal infection or rule out other causes.
How do you tell if a nail is damaged or is it a fungus?
Consider the onset and progression of symptoms. Sudden changes after an injury suggest trauma. Gradual changes, discoloration, and thickening without a known injury are more indicative of a fungal infection. Shape changes can sometimes indicate other underlying health issues and medical advice is always best.
How do I get rid of nail fungus ASAP?
While some over-the-counter treatments exist, nail fungus can be stubborn. The fastest and most effective way to treat nail fungus often involves prescription oral antifungal medications or topical treatments prescribed by a doctor. Be patient and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, as it can take several months for the infection to clear completely.
Summary
Nail trauma happens because of an injury, while nail fungus comes from a fungal infection. Because they have different causes, it’s important to know which one you’re dealing with so you can get the right treatment.
If you’re not sure what’s going on with your nails, talk to a doctor. They can help you figure out what’s happening and how to treat it.