Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects the toenails. In fact, toenail fungus makes up almost half of all nail problems people experience.
It’s important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if you suspect you have toenail fungus. Many other conditions can look like toenail fungus, so it’s important to have a professional take a look and determine the best course of action.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of toenail fungus, including what it looks like (with toe nail fungus photos), what causes it, how it’s treated, and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like?
Toenail fungus is a common condition, and you can usually spot it without a doctor’s diagnosis. Here’s what to look for:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration, such as yellowing or whitening
- Brittleness or crumbling of the nail
- Lifting of the nail away from the nail bed (onychonycholysis)
Toenail fungus is often a cosmetic concern, but it can cause pain or discomfort as well.
Types of Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is the medical term for a fungal infection of the nail. Here are some of the different ways it can show up:
- Subungual Onychomycosis: This is the most common type, and it starts under the nail, causing thickening and discoloration.
- White Superficial Onychomycosis: This type is caused by different fungi, and it shows up as white spots or patches on the nail surface.
- Candida Onychomycosis: This type is linked to yeast infections and weakened immune systems. It’s more common in fingernails, but it can happen in toenails too, often with inflammation of the skin around the nail (paronychia).
Causes and Risk Factors: Who is More Susceptible?
Toenail fungus is caused by various types of fungi, but the most common culprits are dermatophytes like Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. So, who’s most likely to end up with these unwanted guests crashing the party on their toes?
Several risk factors increase your chances of getting a fungal nail infection. These include:
- Older age: Sadly, fungal nail infections become more common as we age.
- Nail or foot deformities: These can create cozy little nooks and crannies where fungi love to hang out.
- Nail trauma: Banging your toe or otherwise injuring your nail can create an entry point for fungi.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk.
- Immunosuppression: A weakened immune system makes it harder to fight off infection.
- Poor circulation: This can impair your body’s ability to combat the fungus.
- Exposure to moist environments: Public pools and showers are fungal playgrounds.
Diagnosis: Making sure it’s actually toenail fungus
Before you start treating your toenail, you need to be absolutely sure it’s a fungal infection and not something else. Lots of things can look like toenail fungus, including psoriasis and, in rare cases, even skin cancer. That’s why getting a professional diagnosis is so important.
Usually, this involves your doctor clipping off a piece of your nail and sending it to a lab for a fungal culture. This helps them identify the exact type of fungus causing the problem and rule out other potential causes. You don’t want to start taking antifungal medication if you don’t need it!
Treatment Options: From Home Remedies to Prescription Medications
When you’re dealing with toenail fungus, you want it gone, like, yesterday. So what are your options?
Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Treatments
First, it’s important to know that home remedies aren’t usually a long-term fix. They may make your toe look a little better for a while, but the fungus can keep coming back. Talk to your doctor before you start trying home treatments.
Some home remedies for toenail fungus include applying tea tree oil or soaking your feet in vinegar.
You can also find over-the-counter antifungal treatments, like creams, ointments such as Kerasal, and nail polishes, at your local drugstore.
Prescription Topical Treatments
If the over-the-counter stuff doesn’t cut it, your doctor might prescribe a stronger topical antifungal medication. Some common ones are ciclopirox, efinaconazole, and tavaborole.
These topical treatments usually work best for mild to moderate infections.
Oral Antifungal Medications
For many people, the most effective way to get rid of toenail fungus is with prescription antifungal pills, such as terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole, but similar medications like Lamisil are also used for fingernail fungus.
Now, these medications can have side effects, so your doctor will want to keep an eye on you while you’re taking them. It’s also worth noting that some research suggests that fungal infections can become resistant to terbinafine.
Other Treatments
If your toenail fungus is really severe and nothing else is working, your doctor might suggest removing the nail altogether as a last resort.
There’s also a newer treatment option called laser therapy, but it’s not always covered by insurance.
Prevention: Protecting your toenails from fungal infections
Toenail fungus is contagious, so taking steps to prevent it is essential. Here are some things you can do to keep your toenails healthy and fungus-free:
- Keep your toenails clean and dry. Wash your feet regularly with soap and water, and be sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes.
- Trim your toenails regularly. Cut them straight across and avoid cutting them too short.
- Wear breathable shoes and socks. Choose shoes made of materials that allow your feet to breathe, such as leather or canvas. Wear socks made of cotton or wool, which absorb moisture.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public areas. Wear shoes or sandals in public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools.
- Disinfect your nail clippers and other tools. Clean them with rubbing alcohol after each use.
- Don’t share nail clippers or other personal items.
- Treat athlete’s foot promptly. Athlete’s foot can spread to your toenails, so it’s important to treat it as soon as possible.
- Choose reputable nail salons. Make sure the salon is clean and that the technicians use sterilized tools.
When to see a healthcare provider
It’s always a good idea to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan if you think you have toenail fungus. Your doctor will be able to tell you for sure what’s going on and recommend the best course of action.
Definitely see a healthcare provider if:
- Home remedies don’t work.
- The infection is severe or spreading.
- You have diabetes or a weak immune system.
- Your toe hurts.
- You aren’t sure if it’s toenail fungus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What one cup of this will destroy your nail fungus?
There’s no single “magic cup” that will instantly eliminate toenail fungus. While some sources suggest vinegar soaks, their effectiveness is limited and not scientifically proven as a standalone cure. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is the number one cause of toenail fungus?
The most common cause of toenail fungus is a dermatophyte infection. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making sweaty feet and shared showers prime breeding grounds. Poor hygiene and nail injuries can also increase your risk.
What kills toenail fungus the fastest?
Prescription oral antifungal medications are typically the fastest and most effective way to kill toenail fungus. However, they can have potential side effects, so it’s essential to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Topical treatments are also available, but they often take longer to work.
What happens if you have toenail fungus for too long?
If left untreated, toenail fungus can worsen, causing the nail to thicken, discolor, and even separate from the nail bed. It can also spread to other nails or even to the skin on your feet. In severe cases, it can cause pain and difficulty walking.
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
While some people report success using Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus, there’s limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. The active ingredients, such as camphor and eucalyptus oil, may have some antifungal properties, but they’re unlikely to completely eradicate the infection. It might offer some temporary relief from symptoms, but it’s not a substitute for proper medical treatment.
Key Takeaways
If you suspect you might have toenail fungus, it’s important to get it checked out and treated as soon as possible. The sooner you address it, the easier it is to treat. You can prevent toenail fungus by keeping your feet clean and dry. If you’re concerned about your toenails, make an appointment to see a doctor or other health professional for medical advice.