Changes in your toenails are surprisingly common. You might notice that your toenails are getting thicker, changing color, or even starting to crumble. Often, these changes are related to a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis.
When you search online for “pictures of thick toenails and fungus,” you’ll find a lot of images that look similar. But it’s important to understand that not all thick toenails are caused by fungus, and not all fungal infections look the same.
That’s why it’s important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for thick, fungal toenails. Early identification and treatment can improve outcomes and prevent complications. This article will cover the various types of fungal infections, risk factors, treatment options, preventative measures, and other conditions that can mimic fungal infections.
What does toenail fungus look like?
Toenail fungus is not pretty, but there are ways to hide it, especially in the summer. If you’re searching for “pictures of thick toenails and fungus,” you probably already know that.
Toenail fungus often causes:
- Thickening of the toenail, making it visibly different from your other nails
- Discoloration, which might look yellow, white, brown, or even black
- Brittleness or crumbling, meaning the nail breaks or crumbles more easily than it used to
- Distortion of the nail shape, so the nail looks misshapen or deformed
- Foul odor coming from the affected nail
There are different types of toenail fungus, and they can look a little different.
Types of onychomycosis and their appearance
Onychomycosis is the medical term for a fungal infection of the nail. Here are a few common types and how they typically look:
- Subungual onychomycosis: This is the most common type. It usually starts at the edge of the nail and spreads toward the cuticle. It causes thickening, discoloration, and separation of the nail from the nail bed.
- White superficial onychomycosis: This type affects the surface of the nail, causing white spots or patches on the nail plate. The nail surface may become soft and crumbly.
- Candida onychomycosis: This type is often associated with yeast infections and weakened immune systems. It can cause thickening, discoloration, and inflammation around the nail. It’s more common in people with chronic paronychia, which is inflammation of the skin around the nail.
What do different types of toenail fungus look like?
Different fungi can cause toenail infections, and each one can look a little different.
Subungual Onychomycosis
This is the most common type of toenail fungus. It starts at the edge of the nail and causes thickening and discoloration as it spreads underneath. The nail may lift away from the nail bed.
The pictures online can be pretty gross, but it’s good to see what you’re dealing with. You may notice the nail getting thick and turning yellow or brown.
White Superficial Onychomycosis
This type of fungus affects the surface of the nail plate. You’ll see white spots or patches that you can scrape off. The nail surface may become rough and crumbly.
It might look like someone spilled white paint on your toenail. Unlike the other types, the nail doesn’t get thick.
Candida Onychomycosis
This type of toenail fungus is often linked to yeast infections and weakened immune systems. It can cause the nail to get thick and discolored, and the skin around the nail may swell.
Candida toenail infections are more common on fingernails, but they can happen on toenails too, especially if your feet are often damp.
Causes and Risk Factors for Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is caused by various fungal organisms, with dermatophytes being the most common culprits. Two that you’ll hear about often are Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
Several risk factors can make you more susceptible to developing a toenail fungal infection:
- Age: Unfortunately, older adults are more likely to get toenail fungus.
- Diabetes: This condition can cause poor circulation and a weakened immune system, increasing the risk of fungal infections.
- Weakened immune system: Conditions like HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressant drugs can make you more vulnerable.
- Poor circulation: Reduced blood flow hinders your body’s ability to fight off infection.
- Nail trauma or injury: Any damage to the nail creates an easy entry point for fungi.
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating): A moist environment is perfect for fungal growth.
- Wearing occlusive footwear: Shoes that don’t breathe create a warm, damp environment.
- Walking barefoot in public places: You can pick up fungi in communal areas like showers and gyms.
Sometimes, bacterial infections can occur alongside fungal infections, making the situation even worse. If your toenails look infected, it’s best to see a doctor.
How to treat thick, fungal toenails
If you have thick, fungal toenails, you’re probably eager to get rid of them. Here are some treatments you can try, starting with the least invasive.
Home remedies
It’s important to know that home remedies are best used in conjunction with advice from a healthcare professional.
- Over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments: These may provide temporary relief for mild infections. Look for products containing tolnaftate or clotrimazole.
- Soaking feet in vinegar or Epsom salt solutions: This may help to soften the nail and inhibit fungal growth.
- Filing down the nail: This can reduce pressure and improve the penetration of topical medications.
- Vicks VapoRub: Some people have said that this product helps, but there’s not a lot of evidence to support that.
- Tea tree oil: This natural antifungal remedy may be effective for some people. Tea tree oil should be used carefully and diluted properly.
Prescription medications
If your fungal toenail infection is more than mild, you may want to consult with a doctor about prescription medications.
- Topical antifungal medications: Applied directly to the nail, these medications include ciclopirox, efinaconazole, and tavaborole, such as Jublia. They can take months to work and are best for mild to moderate infections.
- Oral antifungal medications: Taken by mouth, medications like terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole are more effective than topical treatments, but they can come with side effects. You’ll likely need to take them for 6 to 12 weeks.
- Nail removal: In severe cases, you may need to have the nail surgically removed to allow for direct application of antifungal medication to the nail bed.
- Laser treatment: A newer option, laser treatment uses laser energy to kill the fungus. You may need multiple treatments.
If you’re concerned about your toenails, it’s always a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional. They can help you determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation.
Preventing toenail fungus
Luckily, there are several things you can do to lower your risk of getting a fungal infection in your toenails in the first place:
- Practice good foot hygiene. Wash your feet every day with soap and water. Remember to dry them completely, especially between your toes! Trim your toenails straight across and keep them short.
- Wear breathable shoes and socks. Choose shoes made of breathable materials like leather or canvas. Wear socks made of moisture-wicking fabrics. Change socks regularly, especially if your feet get sweaty.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places. Wear sandals or flip-flops in communal showers, locker rooms, and around swimming pools.
- Disinfect nail clippers and other tools. Clean your nail clippers with alcohol after each use.
- Don’t share personal items. Avoid sharing nail clippers, socks, and shoes, as these can spread fungal infections.
- Treat athlete’s foot promptly. Athlete’s foot can easily spread to your toenails if left untreated.
Other Conditions That Look Like Toenail Fungus
It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis if you think you have toenail fungus because many other conditions can look similar. You might think you’re dealing with a fungal infection, when in reality, something else is going on.
Some conditions that can mimic toenail fungus include:
- Psoriasis: This can cause your nails to get thick, discolored, and pitted.
- Nail trauma: Stubbing your toe can cause discoloration and thickening.
- Lichen planus: This inflammatory skin condition can also affect your nails.
- Yellow nail syndrome: This rare condition turns your nails yellow and thick.
- Nail tumors: Growths under the nail can be either benign or cancerous.
If you’re concerned about a possible fungal infection, see a doctor. They can do a nail biopsy or other tests to figure out what’s going on and rule out other conditions.
Toenail vs. Fingernail Fungal Infections
Fungal infections can affect both fingernails and toenails, but toenail fungus is the more common of the two.
Why? A few reasons:
- Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, so they’re exposed to potential infections for a longer period.
- Toenails are often trapped in warm, moist environments (like socks and shoes), which fungus loves.
- Toes tend to have less blood flow than fingers, making it harder for the body to fight off infection.
The good news is that treatment for fungal infections is similar, whether it’s on your fingers or your toes.
When to see a healthcare provider
If you try treating your toenail fungus at home, but the symptoms don’t go away or get worse, you should see a doctor.
Make an appointment with a healthcare provider if:
- You’re experiencing pain or discomfort.
- You have diabetes, a weak immune system, or poor circulation.
- You’re not sure whether you have a fungal infection.
- You notice any unexplained changes in your toenails.
The doctor can properly diagnose your toenail issue and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Is toenail fungus contagious?
Yes, toenail fungus is contagious, so you can spread it to other parts of your body or even to other people.
You can catch it by:
- Touching an infected toenail
- Sharing personal grooming items like nail clippers, socks, or shoes
- Walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms or swimming pools
To avoid spreading toenail fungus, practice good hygiene and never share personal items. That means keeping your feet clean and dry and using your own socks, shoes, and nail clippers.
In summary
Toenail fungus is a pretty common condition that can cause your toenails to get thick, change color, and generally look not-so-great. The sooner you get it diagnosed and treated, the better your chances are of getting rid of it without complications.
The best way to deal with toenail fungus is to prevent it in the first place. Good foot hygiene can go a long way. If you think you might have a fungal infection in one or more of your toenails, see a doctor to get it checked out and to discuss the best treatment options for you.