Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that impacts about 14 percent of people. It’s not usually painful in the early stages, but it can be unsightly and, if left untreated, can lead to pain and discomfort.
The sooner you identify and treat toenail fungus, the better. Early intervention can prevent the infection from spreading and becoming more severe.
This article will explore the early symptoms of toenail fungus, its causes, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and how you can prevent it from developing. We’ll also take a look at what happens if you don’t treat toenail fungus, including some of the worst toenail fungus pictures early stage.
What are the early symptoms of toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is easier to treat in its early stages, so it’s good to know what to look for.
Visual changes
When you have toenail fungus, you may notice changes in the way your toenails look, like:
- Discoloration. One of the first signs of toenail fungus is often white or yellow spots on the nail. As the infection grows, the nail may turn brown or yellow.
- Changes in texture. The nail may get thicker or become brittle and crumbly. You may also notice debris building up under the nail.
Physical changes
In addition to changes in appearance, you may notice other changes to your toenails, such as:
- Separation. The nail may start to pull away from the nail bed. This is called onycholysis.
- Discomfort. Toenail fungus is often painless in the early stages. But as the infection gets worse, you may feel some discomfort.
- Powderiness. You might notice a powdery substance on the nail’s surface.
If you notice any of these changes, see a doctor or podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is caused by microscopic fungal organisms that love warm, damp places. There are a lot of different species of fungus that can cause the infection, but the end result is the same: nasty-looking toenails.
So, how do you get it?
- Skin-to-skin contact: You can pick up toenail fungus if you come into contact with someone who has it.
- Sharing contaminated items: Nail clippers and towels can harbor fungus, so avoid sharing these items.
- Public places: Walking barefoot in locker rooms, swimming pools, and other public areas can expose you to the fungus.
Heat and humidity create the ideal conditions for toenail fungus to grow, so keep your feet clean and dry to help prevent infection.
Risk Factors for Developing Toenail Fungus
While anyone can get toenail fungus, some factors increase your risk. These include:
- Pre-existing health conditions: Having conditions like cancer, undergoing chemotherapy, or having diabetes or psoriasis can weaken your immune system and make you more prone to fungal infections.
- Age: Older adults are more likely to develop toenail fungus.
- Previous fungal infections: If you’ve had athlete’s foot or other fungal infections in the past, you’re more likely to get toenail fungus.
- Nail injuries: Trauma to your toenail can create an opening for fungi to enter and cause an infection.
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to take extra care to protect your feet from fungal infections.
How do I know I have toenail fungus?
The first step is to regularly check your toenails for any differences in color, texture, or shape. If you catch it early, treatment may be easier.
If you suspect you have toenail fungus, see a doctor for an official diagnosis. While it can be tempting to self-diagnose, it’s not always accurate. A healthcare professional can properly evaluate your condition and develop an effective treatment plan. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the infection from worsening and spreading.
How is early toenail fungus treated?
If you’ve caught your toenail fungus early, you have time to try a few different treatments. Here’s what your podiatrist might recommend.
Non-prescription treatments
You can start with over-the-counter (OTC) creams and ointments, or even explore options like distilled vinegar toenail fungus remedies. These may work in mild cases, but keep in mind that the success of these products varies depending on how bad the infection is and which brand you choose.
Medicated nail polishes are another option. You paint the polish directly onto the surface of the nail, which can help target the infection.
Prescription treatments
If the OTC options aren’t doing the trick, your doctor might prescribe topical antifungal medications like amorolfine, ciclopirox, efinaconazole, or tavaborole. You’ll apply these directly to the affected nail, and you’ll need to stick with it for a while to see results.
For more serious or stubborn infections, your doctor might prescribe oral antifungal medications like fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, or terbinafine. These can have side effects, so your doctor will want to keep an eye on you while you’re taking them.
Other treatments
Trimming or filing the infected nail can help reduce the amount of infected tissue and help topical medications get where they need to go.
Laser treatment is another option that’s becoming more popular; comparing ClearTouch vs. ClearSteps laser treatments can help you decide if it’s right for you. It uses laser energy to target and kill the fungus.
What Happens if Early Stage Toenail Fungus Is Untreated?
If you ignore toenail fungus in its early stages, it’s just going to get worse. Here’s what could happen if you don’t treat it:
- The infection spreads. Untreated toenail fungus can spread to your other toes and even the skin around your toes.
- You could have complications. As the fungus worsens, you may feel pain and discomfort, especially when you wear shoes. It could become hard to walk or do physical activities. Your nail could be permanently damaged. You could even get a secondary bacterial infection.
- Your quality of life suffers. Toenail fungus isn’t just gross to look at. It can make you feel embarrassed, self-conscious, and less likely to want to socialize.
So, don’t wait. Treat that fungus!
Can you prevent toenail fungus?
Here are some things you can do to prevent getting a toenail fungus infection:
- Practice good foot hygiene: Wash your feet every day with soap and water and dry them completely, especially in between your toes.
- Wear the right shoes: Choose breathable socks and shoes that will help keep your feet dry. Wear sandals or flip-flops in public places like pools and locker rooms.
- Don’t share personal items: Do not share nail clippers, towels, or shoes with other people.
- Keep your nails healthy: Trim your toenails regularly and keep them well-groomed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What worsens toenail fungus?
Several factors can exacerbate toenail fungus, including warm, moist environments (like sweaty socks and shoes), trauma to the nail, poor foot hygiene, wearing tight-fitting shoes, and underlying health conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system. Not treating it early also allows it to spread and worsen.
What can be mistaken for toenail fungus?
Several conditions can mimic toenail fungus, leading to misdiagnosis. These include psoriasis, nail trauma, bacterial infections, yeast infections, and nail bed injuries. If you’re unsure, it’s best to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
How to hide toenail fungus?
While treating the infection is the best approach, you can temporarily conceal toenail fungus with breathable nail polish. However, avoid using dark colors, as they can trap moisture. Also, consider wearing closed-toe shoes or sandals that cover the affected area until the infection clears.
What does a severe fungal nail look like?
A severe fungal nail typically appears thick, discolored (yellowish, brownish, or even black), brittle, and distorted. It may also separate from the nail bed, causing pain and discomfort. In advanced cases, there may be a foul odor or pus discharge.
Should I wear socks to bed with toenail fungus?
It’s generally not recommended to wear socks to bed if you have toenail fungus, as socks can trap moisture and create a favorable environment for fungal growth. If you must wear socks, choose breathable cotton socks and change them frequently.
Conclusion
Toenail fungus can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and it can spread to other nails or even other people. That’s why it’s so important to catch it and treat it early.
You can prevent toenail fungus by practicing good foot hygiene, wearing shoes that fit well and allow your feet to breathe, and not sharing personal items like nail clippers or socks.
If you think you might have toenail fungus, see a doctor right away, or seek insights from experts like Dr. Emily Splichal regarding nail fungus and foot care secrets. They can diagnose your condition and recommend the right treatment for you.