Toenail problems are extremely common. Whether you’ve stubbed your toe, dropped something heavy on your foot, or have noticed a discoloration or thickening of the nail, you’re probably wondering what’s going on.
An injured toenail and a fungal toenail can sometimes look similar, but they have very different causes and require different treatment approaches. So, the first step is to figure out which one you’re dealing with.
This article will give you an overview of injured toenails and fungal toenails, including what causes them, what the symptoms are, and how you can prevent them.
What are some common toenail injuries?
Toenail injuries are pretty common, especially if you’re active or wear shoes that don’t fit well.
What causes toenail injuries?
Most toenail injuries happen because of:
- Direct trauma: Stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it.
- Repetitive microtrauma: This happens over time, like when your shoes rub against your toes when you run or play tennis.
What are the symptoms of toenail injuries?
If you’ve injured your toenail, you might notice:
- Pain and throbbing
- Bruising under the nail (doctors call this a subungual hematoma)
- The nail getting thicker
- The nail starting to detach from the nail bed
How can you treat and prevent toenail injuries?
Here are some tips:
- Rest and elevate your foot.
- Apply ice to reduce swelling.
- Wear shoes that fit properly.
- Protect your injured toe from further injury.
Is it an injury or a fungus?
Toenails can get damaged in any number of ways. But how do you know whether you’re dealing with a stubbed toe, a fungal infection, or something else?
Let’s take a closer look at toenail fungus, or onychomycosis.
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is a very common fungal infection. It affects toenails more frequently than fingernails.
Symptoms of toenail fungus
If you have toenail fungus, you may notice:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration (yellowish, brownish, or whitish)
- Brittleness and crumbling
- Distorted nail shape
- Foul odor
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed
Risk factors for toenail fungus
You may be more likely to get toenail fungus if you:
- Are older
- Have sweaty feet or shoes
- Have athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
- Walk barefoot in public places (e.g., pools, locker rooms)
- Have had minor nail or skin injuries
- Have certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, psoriasis, weakened immune system)
Treating toenail fungus
If you have a fungal infection in your toenail, you have several ways to treat it.
Over-the-counter treatments
- You can try antifungal creams and ointments.
- There are also antifungal nail lacquers you can paint on your nails like nail polish, such as Dr. Scholl’s Fungal Nail Revitalizer Refill. But is it worth it?
These treatments can be effective for mild infections. However, they require you to use them consistently for a long time.
Prescription treatments
- For more severe infections, a doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication. But these medications can have side effects, so you’ll want to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- There are also topical antifungal medications that are stronger than the ones you can get over the counter.
Other treatment options
- Laser therapy is another option to consider.
- In severe cases, a doctor may recommend removing the nail surgically; recovery and aftercare is important, so learn more about pain, care & recovery tips 6 weeks after toenail removal.
Prevention and care for healthy toenails
Here are some tips for keeping your toenails healthy and avoiding injury or fungal infections:
- Keep your toenails clean and dry.
- Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges.
- Choose socks and shoes that allow your feet to breathe.
- Use an antifungal foot powder.
- Don’t walk barefoot in public places.
- Disinfect your nail clippers and other pedicure tools.
- Get prompt treatment for athlete’s foot.
- Avoid nail polish and artificial nails.
Following these steps can help your toes stay healthy and strong! Even if you have a fungal infection, you can still get a pedicure and overcome embarrassment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kills toenail fungus the fastest?
There’s no magic bullet for toenail fungus, unfortunately. Prescription oral antifungal medications are generally the fastest and most effective, but they can have side effects. Topical treatments take longer and require consistent application. Laser therapy is another option, but its effectiveness varies.
Why does my toenail hurt when I press but isn’t ingrown?
Pain upon pressure but without being ingrown could indicate a subungual hematoma (blood under the nail from an injury), a bone spur beneath the nail, or even early-stage fungal infection causing pressure. It’s worth getting it checked out to rule out anything serious.
How do I know if my toenail is bruised or fungus?
A bruised toenail will typically show a dark red, purple, or black discoloration right after an injury. Fungal infections usually cause yellowing, thickening, crumbling, and often a foul odor. If the discoloration gradually appears and is accompanied by nail changes, it’s more likely fungus.
How do you tell if a nail is damaged, or is it a fungus?
Damaged nails often have a history of trauma and might show signs of splitting, cracking, or lifting from the nail bed. Fungal nails, as mentioned, tend to be discolored, thickened, and brittle. A lab test (nail clipping analysis) is the most definitive way to distinguish between damage and fungus.
When should you see a doctor about a toenail injury?
See a doctor if you experience severe pain, drainage or pus, signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth), difficulty walking, or if the nail separates significantly from the nail bed. Also, consult a doctor if you have diabetes or poor circulation, as even minor injuries can lead to complications.
To Conclude
Toenail injuries usually happen suddenly, while toenail fungus tends to develop gradually. It’s important to get the right diagnosis so you can treat your toenail the right way. If you’re not sure what’s going on with your toenail, see a doctor or other health professional to get it checked out. And don’t forget to take care of your feet to prevent problems in the first place!