Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect the appearance and health of your toenails. It’s more common than you might think, affecting up to 14% of the population, and it accounts for nearly half of all nail disorders.
If you think you might have toenail fungus, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from a healthcare professional. Many other conditions can look like toenail fungus, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis. And, like most things, early intervention can increase the chances of successful treatment.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about toenail fungus, including the different types, symptoms, causes, treatments, prevention tips, and when to see a doctor. We’ll also show you a toe nail fungus photo to help you identify the condition.
What is toenail fungus? Delving into Onychomycosis
Toenail fungus is a common problem, especially as people get older. It’s not usually serious, but it can be annoying and hard to get rid of. Let’s take a closer look at what it is.
Defining Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is just the medical term for a fungal nail infection. It can happen in your fingernails or your toenails, but it’s much more common in toenails. Usually, the first thing you’ll notice is that your nail is getting thicker, turning yellow, and maybe even lifting up away from the nail bed.
Types of Toenail Fungus
There are a few different kinds of toenail fungus.
- Subungual Onychomycosis: This is the most common type. “Subungual” means it’s happening under the nail.
- White Superficial Onychomycosis: This one is caused by different kinds of fungi. You might see white spots on the surface of your nail.
- Candida Onychomycosis: This type is often linked to yeast infections and can be a problem if your immune system isn’t working as well as it should.
Identifying toenail fungus: Signs, symptoms, and visual cues
Toenail fungus isn’t pretty. If you think you might have it, here are some of the common signs and symptoms to look for:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration (yellow, white, or brownish)
- Brittleness or crumbling
- Distorted nail shape
- Nail lifting away from the nail bed (called onycholysis)
If you spot these signs, it’s important to get it checked out by a doctor. Don’t just assume it’s toenail fungus! Lots of other conditions can look like it, so a lab test is key to figuring out the right treatment.
Toenail fungus sometimes appears with other conditions, like athlete’s foot or paronychia (an infection around the nail).
Risk Factors and Causes: Who’s More Susceptible?
While anyone can get a toenail fungus, some people are more prone to it than others. Here’s a rundown of the risk factors:
- Age: Sorry, older adults, but you’re more likely to get it.
- Gender: Men are slightly more susceptible than women.
- Underlying health conditions: If you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or poor circulation, your risk increases. Nail or foot deformities can also make you more vulnerable.
- Other risk factors: A past injury to your nail, spending a lot of time in moist environments (like public pools or locker rooms), and wearing shoes that don’t breathe well can all contribute to fungal infections.
Basically, if you’re an older man with diabetes who likes to hang out at the pool in tight shoes, you might want to pay extra attention to your toenails!
Treatment options: From home remedies to prescription solutions
If you think you have toenail fungus, you’ll want to make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional. They can examine the nail, order tests, and recommend a treatment plan.
Here are some of the treatment options they may discuss with you:
Home remedies
Some people try to treat toenail fungus at home, even using products like Kerassentials oil. However, home remedies tend not to be as effective as prescription treatments. It’s always a good idea to get professional advice on treating toenail fungus.
Some home remedies include:
- Filing off white marks on the nail
- Using over-the-counter antifungal liquids
- Using urea cream to soften the nail
Topical treatments
Topical treatments are medications that you apply directly to the nail; some are effective, while the effectiveness of others, like chlorine dioxide for toenail fungus, is still being studied. Some examples include:
- Antifungal nail lacquers (ciclopirox)
- Antifungal solutions (efinaconazole, tavaborole)
Your doctor can tell you how to apply these medications and how long you’ll need to use them.
Oral antifungal medications
Oral antifungal medications are generally the most effective way to treat toenail fungus. Some common medications include:
- Terbinafine
- Itraconazole
- Fluconazole
It’s important to be aware that these medications can have side effects, and your doctor will want to monitor you while you’re taking them.
Surgical options
In severe cases, your doctor may recommend removing the nail. This is usually only done when other treatments haven’t worked.
Prevention Strategies: Keeping Your Toenails Healthy
The best way to avoid toenail fungus is to keep your toes clean and dry.
Here are some other tips to consider:
- Hygiene: Wash your feet every day with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly. Trim your toenails straight across on a regular basis.
- Footwear and socks: Wear breathable shoes and socks, and change them regularly. Wear sandals or flip-flops in public showers.
- Nail care: Disinfect your nail clippers after each use, and don’t share them with other people. If you have a toenail infection, don’t wear nail polish or artificial nails.
- Treat athlete’s foot promptly: Athlete’s foot can spread to your toenails, so it’s important to treat it as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hydrogen peroxide good for toenail fungus?
While some people try hydrogen peroxide for toenail fungus, its effectiveness is limited. It might temporarily lighten the affected area, but it’s unlikely to penetrate the nail and eradicate the infection. Prescription or over-the-counter antifungals are generally more effective.
What happens if you leave toenail fungus untreated?
Untreated toenail fungus can worsen over time, causing the nail to thicken, crumble, and become discolored. It can also spread to other toes or even fingernails. In severe cases, it can cause pain, difficulty walking, and potentially lead to secondary bacterial infections.
How can you tell the difference between toenail fungus and melanoma?
Distinguishing between toenail fungus and melanoma (a type of skin cancer) can be difficult. Melanoma may appear as a dark streak or spot on the nail that is not related to injury. Changes in nail shape, pigment extending to surrounding skin, or bleeding should also raise suspicion. It’s essential to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis if you’re concerned.
Should I wear socks to bed with toenail fungus?
Wearing clean, breathable socks to bed can help absorb moisture and create a less favorable environment for fungal growth. Choose cotton or wool socks and change them daily. However, make sure your feet aren’t too constricted, as this can hinder circulation.
What does Candida look like on toes?
Candida infections on toes (cutaneous candidiasis) usually appear as red, itchy, and inflamed skin between the toes. You might also see small pustules or blisters. Candida thrives in moist environments, so it’s common between toes that are often sweaty or not properly dried.
In Closing
Toenail fungus is a common condition that can be unsightly and uncomfortable. The sooner you start treatment, the better. It’s important to get a diagnosis from a doctor to confirm you have onychomycosis and rule out other possible causes, especially when considering nail fungus during pregnancy.
Taking care of your feet can help prevent toenail fungus. If you think you might have toenail fungus, don’t wait. Talk with a doctor to get personalized advice and discuss treatment options.