Toenail fungus is a common condition that can affect your wellness. Also known as onychomycosis, toenail fungus is a fungal infection that lives under your toenail. There are all kinds of fungi that can cause it, including dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
Millions of people get toenail fungus every year, and it is more common in older adults. While toenail fungus might seem like a cosmetic issue at first, it can cause pain, discomfort, and even more serious problems if it isn’t treated.
That’s what this article, your personal guide to wellness 101, is here to address. We’ll explore:
- the causes of toenail fungus
- the symptoms of toenail fungus
- how toenail fungus is diagnosed
- treatment options (both at-home and medical)
- how to prevent toenail fungus from developing in the first place
We’ll also cover when it’s time to seek professional medical advice for toenail fungus. With the right information, you can take control of your toenail health and prevent or treat this common condition.
What causes toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus can be stubborn and annoying. It’s helpful to know what causes it so you can avoid it in the first place.
Fungal organisms
Fungi, yeasts, and molds can all cause toenail fungus. Dermatophytes are the most common culprit. These organisms love warm, damp places.
How fungi enter the nail
Fungi often enter your nail through small cracks or cuts in your nail or the skin around it. Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the skin on your foot, can also spread to your toenails if left untreated.
Risk factors
Some things make you more likely to get a toenail fungus.
- Environmental factors. If you spend a lot of time in damp places, like swimming pools, gyms, and showers, you’re more likely to pick up a fungus. Wearing closed-toe shoes a lot can also create a warm, moist environment where fungi thrive.
- Lifestyle factors. Sweaty feet and poor foot hygiene are big risk factors. Be sure to wash and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes.
- Medical conditions. Diabetes, a weakened immune system, and poor circulation can all make you more susceptible to toenail fungus.
- Age. Older adults are more likely to get toenail fungus. About half of all people have had a nail fungus by age 70.
- Other factors. A nail injury or surgery can make it easier for fungi to enter your nail. You’re also more likely to get toenail fungus if someone in your family has it. And if you visit nail salons that don’t follow good hygiene practices, you could be exposed to fungi.
Toenail fungus is common, but you can take steps to prevent it. By understanding the causes and risk factors, you can keep your feet healthy and fungus-free.
Symptoms of toenail fungus
How do you know if you have toenail fungus? Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:
- Discoloration of the nail. Your nail might turn white, yellow, brown, or even black. It’s not a good look, trust me.
- Thickening of the nail. The nail might become abnormally thick. It can get so thick that it becomes difficult to trim.
- Brittleness and crumbling. The nail can become brittle, crumbly, or ragged. It can break easily and look pretty rough.
- Distortion of the nail shape. The nail might become distorted or misshapen. It might start to curl or grow in a weird way.
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed. The nail might start to separate from the nail bed. This can create a space underneath the nail where more fungus can grow.
- Pain or discomfort. You might experience pain, especially when wearing shoes or walking. The pressure on the infected nail can be pretty uncomfortable.
- Foul odor. A foul odor might be present. Not all cases of toenail fungus have a smell, but some do. It’s not pleasant.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s worth checking with your doctor to get a diagnosis and start treatment.
Diagnosing toenail fungus
Think you might have toenail fungus? Here’s what you can expect at the doctor’s office:
- Visual Examination: Your doctor will start by taking a look at your toenails. They’ll assess the appearance of your nails, noting any discoloration, thickening, or crumbling.
- Nail Sample Collection: If your doctor suspects a fungal infection, they’ll likely take a sample from underneath your nail. This usually involves clipping off a small piece of the affected nail or scraping some debris from underneath it. It’s quick and painless!
- Laboratory Testing: This is where the sample goes to get analyzed.
- Microscopic examination: The sample is examined under a microscope to look for signs of fungus.
- Culture: A culture is grown from the sample to identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection. This can take several weeks.
- Differential Diagnosis: Your doctor will also rule out other conditions that can mimic nail fungus, such as psoriasis or nail trauma.
Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a common problem, but some people aren’t able to resolve it with over-the-counter and prescription medications. If that’s the case, you might want to consider some of these home remedies.
Topical Treatments and Soaks
There are several ways to treat toenail fungus with items you may already have at home. With all of these, consistency is key.
- Weekly Nail Maintenance: Always keep your nails trimmed, clean, and dry.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Apply hydrogen peroxide to the affected nail.
- Vinegar Soak: Soak your feet in a solution of vinegar and water.
- Baking Soda Paste: Apply a paste made from baking soda and water.
- Epsom Salt Soak: Soak your feet in Epsom salt and water.
- Black Tea Soak: Brew some black tea, and soak your feet in it.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can be a great addition to your wellness routine. Here are some that may help with toenail fungus:
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is well known for its antifungal properties.
- Other Essential Oils: Lavender, clove, and peppermint oil may also provide relief.
Be sure to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin.
Other Natural Remedies
If the soaks and essential oils don’t work for you, here are some other natural remedies you might try:
- Ozonated Oils: Some studies suggest that ozonated oil may be effective against toenail fungus.
- Snakeroot Extract: You can apply snakeroot extract topically.
- Garlic: Some people find relief by applying crushed garlic or garlic oil to the affected nail.
Important Considerations
Home remedies can provide relief from toenail fungus, but they aren’t a quick fix. It takes consistent application over several months to see results.
If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve, it’s important to consult a doctor. Home remedies are not a substitute for medical treatment.
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments
If you suspect you have a mild case of toenail fungus, you might want to try an over-the-counter treatment. Here are a few common options:
- Antifungal creams and lotions: Apply these directly to the affected nail.
- Antifungal nail polish: You apply this like regular nail polish.
- Vicks VapoRub: Some people swear by this old home remedy!
- Listerine: Yes, the mouthwash. Some people soak their feet in it!
Keep in mind that OTC treatments are generally less effective than prescription medications, so they’re best for mild infections. If your toenail fungus is severe or doesn’t improve with OTC treatments, see a doctor.
Prescription treatments for toenail fungus
If your toenail fungus doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, or if it’s severe, you may need prescription medications. Your healthcare provider can help you decide whether a topical or oral treatment would be best for your situation.
Topical prescription medications
Examples of prescription-strength topical treatments for toenail fungus include products like Formula 3.
- Penlac
- Kerydin
- Jublia
You apply these medications directly to the affected toenail, usually after you’ve trimmed and filed the nail as much as possible. Topical prescription medications can be effective for mild to moderate infections, but they may need to be used for several months to see results.
Oral prescription medications
Examples of oral prescription medications for toenail fungus include:
- terbinafine (Lamisil)
- itraconazole (Sporanox)
- fluconazole (Diflucan)
You swallow these medications, and they work by fighting the infection from within. Oral medications tend to be more effective than topical treatments, especially for severe infections. However, they also come with a higher risk of side effects.
Potential side effects of oral medications
Some of the potential side effects of oral antifungal medications include:
- liver damage (your doctor will need to monitor your liver function with blood tests)
- skin rash
- gastrointestinal issues
Also, oral antifungals can interact with other medications you may be taking. Your doctor will need to review your current medication list carefully before prescribing an oral antifungal.
Other medical treatments for toenail fungus
If those home remedies aren’t cutting it, or if your toenail fungus is severe, your doctor might recommend these other medical treatments:
- Laser therapy: This uses laser energy to kill the fungus, a procedure further explained in guides about nail fungus laser treatment. It’s a newer treatment, so the long-term effectiveness is still being studied, but some people have found it helpful.
- Nail removal: In really bad cases, you might need to have the nail surgically removed. Another option is chemical nail removal, where your doctor applies a urea paste to dissolve the nail. Sounds kinda gross, right?
No matter what treatment you choose, patience is key. It takes time to kick toenail fungus to the curb. It can take months, and even then, there’s a chance it could come back. So, stick with your treatment plan, keep your feet clean and dry, and don’t give up!
Preventing toenail fungus
Nobody wants toenail fungus. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent it from developing in the first place:
- Practice good foot hygiene. Wash your feet every day with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes. Those little crevices are a breeding ground for fungus!
- Keep your nails trimmed. Trim your toenails straight across and keep them short.
- Wear proper footwear. Choose shoes and socks that breathe. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every single day so they have time to dry out. And always wear shower shoes or flip-flops in public areas like locker rooms and swimming pools.
- Disinfect tools and footwear. Clean your nail clippers and other tools regularly. You can also use antifungal sprays or powders in your shoes to keep them fresh and fungus-free.
- Treat athlete’s foot promptly. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that can easily spread to your toenails. If you think you have athlete’s foot, treat it right away to prevent it from spreading.
When to see a doctor
While many cases of toenail fungus can be managed at home, there are times when you should seek professional medical advice. See a doctor if:
- Home remedies and over-the-counter treatments aren’t working.
- You’re experiencing significant pain, swelling, or drainage.
- You have diabetes or another underlying medical condition that could complicate treatment. Diabetics should seek prompt medical attention.
- Your nail is severely deformed or starts to detach.
Final Thoughts
Toenail fungus is a common problem, but the good news is that it’s usually treatable. The sooner you can get a diagnosis and start treatment, the less likely you are to experience complications.
One of the best ways to deal with toenail fungus is to prevent it in the first place. Good foot hygiene is key, so be sure to keep your feet clean and dry, as mentioned by experts like Dr Emily Splichal. Choosing the right footwear can also help. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or don’t allow your feet to breathe. In public places like swimming pools and locker rooms, wear sandals or shower shoes to protect your feet from coming into contact with fungus.
If you suspect you have toenail fungus and your symptoms aren’t improving with over-the-counter treatments, it’s time to see a doctor. They can properly diagnose your condition and recommend the most effective treatment plan for you. Don’t let toenail fungus get you down – with the right care, you can get your feet back to their healthy best!