Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect one or more of your toenails. It’s not usually a serious condition, but it can cause discoloration, thickening, and even crumbling of the nail, which can be unsightly and sometimes painful.
If you’re treating toenail fungus, it’s important to know how to tell if your treatment is working. Seeing the signs of healing can help you stay motivated and ensure you’re on the right track. It also lets you know if you need to adjust your approach.
This article provides a guide on how to tell if your toenail fungus is healing, so you can effectively manage the infection and achieve healthy, clear nails.
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus (also known as onychomycosis) is a fungal infection that can cause your toenails to become discolored and thick. You might also notice an odor coming from the affected nail.
You’re more likely to get toenail fungus if you: (and you should also be aware of toenail fungus and hot tub safety)
- Are over 60
- Have poor circulation
- Have a weak immune system
- Have athlete’s foot
- Wear sweaty shoes
- Have injured your nail
Key Signs That Your Toenail Fungus is Healing
Dealing with toenail fungus is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time to see results, and it can be hard to tell if your treatment is working. Here are some key signs that your toenail fungus is healing:
Changes in Nail Color
Toenail fungus often causes nails to turn yellow, brown, or even black. As the fungus dies, the discoloration should lessen. You’ll start to see healthy nail growth appearing at the base of the nail. Keep in mind that it takes time for the color to completely return to normal, even after the fungus is gone.
Reduction in Nail Thickness
Fungal infections often cause toenails to thicken. As the infection clears, the thickened nail will gradually thin out. Compare the thickness of the affected nail to your other, unaffected nails. If it’s getting thinner, that’s a good sign.
Decreased Odor
Toenail fungus can cause a foul odor. As the infection heals, that odor should diminish. If you’re not wrinkling your nose every time you take off your socks, you’re likely headed in the right direction.
Improved Nail Texture
Toenail fungus often makes nails brittle and rough. As the infection clears, the nail surface should become smoother and less crumbly. Brittle, crumbling nails are a sign of an active infection, so a change in texture is a positive sign.
Reduction in Discomfort
Toenail fungus can sometimes cause pain or discomfort. As the infection clears, that pain or discomfort should decrease. You might find that your shoes fit better or that you’re not as aware of your toenail throughout the day.
Presence of Healthy Nail Growth
The best sign of healing is new, healthy nail growth coming in from the base of the nail. This new growth should be clear and without any discoloration or thickening.
Fungal Debris Reduction
Fungal infections often cause debris to build up under the nail. As the fungus dies, the amount of debris should decrease.
How long does treatment take?
Before we get into the signs of healing, let’s set some expectations: treating toenail fungus takes a long time. We’re talking 12-18 months to see the infection completely resolve, according to a 2017 research review. So, patience is key.
The most important thing is to stick with whatever treatment plan you and your doctor have decided on. Consistency is critical, and if you don’t keep up with the treatment, you won’t see any improvement, and you won’t be able to tell if the toenail fungus is healing.
Treatments for toenail fungus
Toenail fungus can be stubborn, but there are treatments that can help.
Over-the-counter treatments
If the infection is mild, you might be able to get rid of it using over-the-counter (OTC) products.
Antifungal creams
These creams kill the fungus. For best results, file your toenail before applying the cream so it can soak into the nail more effectively.
Nail softening kits
These kits help you remove the infected part of the nail, getting rid of some of the fungus right away, although you may be concerned with the use of products like Kerasal and whether it can make the nail fall off.
Prescription options
Moderate to severe toenail infections often require prescription treatments.
Oral antifungal medications
These medications work internally to get rid of the fungus. It’s important to talk with your doctor about possible side effects before taking oral medications.
Prescription-strength topical antifungal treatments
These are nail lacquers, such as ciclopirox nail lacquer, that you paint directly onto the nail to kill the fungus.
Laser treatment
Laser therapy can also kill the fungus. This is a newer treatment option, and more research is needed to determine how well it works.
Are there home remedies for toenail fungus?
I know you’re wondering about home remedies! You can find all sorts of advice online, from tea tree oil to vinegar soaks. Some people swear by them. However, the research on whether these actually work is pretty mixed.
Here’s the deal: I wouldn’t rely solely on home remedies to treat toenail fungus without talking to a professional. Be sure to discuss any home remedies you’re considering with a podiatrist (foot doctor) first. They can assess your situation and let you know if a home remedy is appropriate, or if you need a more aggressive treatment.
What Happens if I Stop Treatment Too Early?
Listen, I know dealing with toenail fungus is frustrating. It takes a long time to treat, and you might be tempted to stop once you see some improvement. But don’t!
If you stop treating your toenail fungus too early, it’s very likely to come back. You need to finish the whole course of treatment exactly as your podiatrist prescribed it. Otherwise, you’re just giving the fungus a chance to regroup and come back stronger.
Always talk to your podiatrist before you even think about stopping treatment.
Maintaining Healthy Nails Post-Treatment
So, you’ve finally kicked that toenail fungus to the curb? Congrats! But don’t get complacent, because reinfection is a real possibility. You’ve got to stay on top of your nail health to keep the fungus away for good.
Here are some things you can do:
- Keep your toenails trimmed, clean, and dry.
- Wear shoes that breathe and socks that wick moisture away from your feet.
- Wash and dry your feet regularly.
By taking these simple steps, you’ll be giving your toes the best chance at staying fungus-free and fabulous!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to pick at toenail fungus?
Yes, picking at toenail fungus is generally not a good idea. It can introduce new bacteria, increasing the risk of infection, and may also slow down the healing process. Leave the affected nail alone as much as possible.
How to know if a fungal infection is healing?
Signs that your toenail fungus is healing include new, healthy nail growth at the base of the nail, a decrease in discoloration, and a reduction in thickness. It’s a slow process, so patience is key. Consult with a doctor for confirmation.
What worsens toenail fungus?
Several factors can worsen toenail fungus, including wearing tight-fitting shoes, having sweaty feet, walking barefoot in public places (like gyms or pools), and having underlying health conditions like diabetes. Keeping your feet clean and dry is crucial.
What color is dying toenail fungus?
There isn’t one specific color that indicates dying toenail fungus. The discoloration of the nail typically fades as the infection clears. Healthy nail growth replacing the discolored portion is a more reliable sign of healing.
Should I wear socks to bed with toenail fungus?
Whether you should wear socks to bed with toenail fungus depends. Clean, breathable cotton socks can help absorb moisture if your feet tend to sweat at night. However, if your feet stay dry, it’s fine to go without socks. Prioritize keeping your feet clean and dry.
Putting It All Together
If you think you have toenail fungus, it’s always a good idea to see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Toenail fungus can be stubborn, and a podiatrist can help you manage it effectively. If over-the-counter treatments aren’t working or if your infection is getting worse, be sure to seek professional help.