Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) and ingrown toenails are both common foot problems that can cause discomfort and affect your quality of life. Identifying these conditions early and treating them effectively is important to keep them from getting worse.
This article provides an overview of the causes, symptoms, and treatments for both toenail fungus and ingrown toenails. We’ll also provide guidance on how to prevent these conditions from developing in the first place.
Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
Nail fungus is a fungal infection that can affect your fingernails or toenails. It’s more common in toenails than fingernails, and it’s more common in people over 60.
What Causes Nail Fungus?
Risk factors for nail fungus include diabetes and weakened immune systems. Often, the fungus enters through a small injury to the nail. Warm, moist environments, like the inside of your shoes, can promote fungal growth.
What Are the Symptoms of Nail Fungus?
If you have nail fungus, you might notice:
- Thickening and discoloration of the nail
- Brittleness, crumbling, or a distorted shape of the nail
- Occasionally, pain or discomfort
How to diagnose and treat nail fungus
How do doctors diagnose nail fungus?
If you think you have nail fungus, the first thing to do is see a doctor. They’ll visually inspect your nail and, if they suspect fungus, they’ll likely take a scraping of nail debris to look at under a microscope or send to a lab for testing. These tests can confirm whether you have a fungal infection.
How do doctors treat nail fungus?
If you do have nail fungus, there are several treatment options. For mild infections, doctors often prescribe topical creams, gels, or nail lacquers. For more severe infections, oral antifungals like terbinafine are typically prescribed (these cure about one-third of infections), but other treatments such as DMSO for toenail fungus may also be explored.
In rare cases, surgery to remove the infected nail may be necessary.
Preventing Nail Fungus
You can take steps to prevent nail fungus infections. Because moisture and humidity promote fungal growth, it’s important to:
- Keep your shoes dry, and change your socks frequently (especially cotton socks).
- Wear shoes that fit well, giving your feet room to breathe.
- Avoid going barefoot in public places, such as locker rooms and swimming pools.
- Sprinkle antifungal powder or absorbent powder into your shoes.
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of your toenail grows into your skin. It’s most common on the big toe, and it can be painful and get infected.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Usually, ingrown toenails happen when you don’t trim your toenails the right way. Cutting your toenails too short or rounding the edges can make the nail grow into the skin.
Other things that can cause an ingrown toenail include:
- an injury to your toe or toenail
- wearing socks or shoes that are too tight and squeeze your toes
What Are the Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails?
If you have an ingrown toenail, you may experience:
- pain and tenderness along the side of the toenail
- redness and swelling around the nail
- an infection, in more serious cases
How to treat and prevent ingrown toenails
Treating ingrown toenails
If the case is mild, you can try soaking your foot in warm water and gently placing a bit of cotton under the ingrown part of the nail to lift it up and away from the skin.
For more severe cases, you may need to have minor surgery to remove the part of the nail that’s growing into the skin.
Preventing ingrown toenails
The best way to prevent ingrown toenails is to wear shoes that fit well and give your toes plenty of room. When you trim your toenails, cut them straight across and not too short. Don’t round the edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you have toenail fungus for too long?
Ignoring toenail fungus for an extended period can lead to several complications. The infection can spread to other nails, skin, or even other people. It can also cause thickening, discoloration, and crumbling of the nail, making it painful to wear shoes or walk. In severe cases, it can lead to permanent nail damage.
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
No, you should not attempt to cut off your toenail yourself if it has a fungal infection. This can lead to further injury, infection, and potential complications. Instead, consult with a doctor or podiatrist, who can determine the best course of treatment, which may include prescription medications, topical treatments, or, in rare cases, surgical removal of the nail.
What does Vicks VapoRub do for an ingrown toenail?
Vicks VapoRub is sometimes used to soften the skin around an ingrown toenail, which can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. However, it doesn’t address the underlying cause of the ingrown nail. It’s primarily a temporary measure for symptom relief, and you should still seek professional medical attention for proper treatment.
Can you scrape out toenail fungus?
While you might be tempted to scrape out the fungus, it’s generally not effective and can even be harmful. Scraping can damage the nail bed and surrounding skin, increasing the risk of secondary infections. Furthermore, the fungus is often embedded deep within the nail, making it impossible to remove completely by scraping.
How do I get rid of fungus on my ingrown toenail?
Treating fungus on an ingrown toenail requires a multifaceted approach, and it’s important to consider options like whether Hibiclens kills fungus. First, address the ingrown toenail itself by soaking your foot in warm water and Epsom salts, and consider if an Epsom salt soak for infection is right for you. Then, seek medical attention to properly treat the ingrown nail and prevent further complications. For the fungus, your doctor may prescribe oral or topical antifungal medications. It’s crucial to follow their instructions carefully and be patient, as treatment can take several months.
Wrapping Up
Toenail fungus and ingrown toenails are common problems, but with the right prevention and care, you can manage them. For persistent or severe cases, it’s important to seek professional medical advice from your doctor or podiatrist. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you’re concerned about your foot health.