Saturday, March 16, 2024
HomeToeWhat Does Toenail Fungus Look Like

What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like

Injuries To Your Feet Can Encourage Toenail Fungus

What does a Fungus Toenails Look Like? Audubon, West Chester, Newtown Square PA – Podiatrist

Foot injuries happen to anyone. If youre athletic, work outdoors, serve as a combat soldier, or have a job that requires being on your feet a lot, its possible youre getting foot injuries more often than normal.

Wearing shoes that constrict your feet and feel tight means youre sweating, trapping in heat, and not having enough room to move. Your feet cannot breathe properly.

If youre wearing this type of footwear for many hours with an injury, your nail bed can become prone to cracking. This causes the toenail to lift from the bed, creating further problems and opening the door for toenail fungus to seep in.

If youre noticing pain thats emerging from your toenail beds, evaluate your feet and see how they look. Take note of the above-mentioned symptoms, such as color, smell, and what the bed itself looks like.

Even if you cant change the circumstances, you can seek out footwear thats comfortable and offers you greater protection. Look for ways to avoid further foot injuries, so you arent making yourself vulnerable to further toenail infections.

This is the first step in helping your nails recover and preventing further growth that spreads across your feet.

First Off What Is Toenail Fungus

If youre showing signs of discolored toenails and other unpleasant symptoms, you may just be dealing with toenail fungus.

A fungal nail infection develops from the overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. Its common knowledge that fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, so the nails on your feet have ideal conditions for fungi to naturally overpopulate. Most fungal nail infections are caused by the very same fungi that cause athletes foot, ringworm, and jock itch. The rapid overpopulation of fungi that are already present in your body can cause nail infections. Fungal nail infections are quite communicable, so if youve come in contact with someone who had a fungal infection, you may have contracted it too. Toenails tend to be affected more than fingernails, since theyre usually confined to shoes, which are the ideal breeding grounds for these fungi.

Pedicures at nail salons can also lead to fungal nail infections, which is why you need to make sure the tools are cleaned and disinfected regularly and well. Tools like nail cutters and files can very easily spread fungal nail infections from person to person if theyre not sanitised properly.

Symptoms Of Fungal Nails

The good news is that if you catch it early enough, it can be fairly easy to eradicate toenail fungus and save your nails from further damage.

So how do you catch it in the early stages?

Well, inspecting your nails every day is the first step. Especially because toenail fungus can be present a very long time without causing noticeable symptoms.

Here are things you should look for when you examine your nails:

  • Darkening or discoloration of the affected nail
  • White or discolored spots that arent from an injury
  • Thickening or distortion of the nail
  • Unusual white or yellow streaks in your nail
  • Crumbling along the edges or tips of the nail, particularly where its discolored
  • Redness and swelling
  • Foul odor emitting from the nail
  • Pain when walking or wearing shoes
  • The nail starts to separate from the nail bed

If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your toenails, dont wait for them to go away on their own the infection will most likely continue to grow and spread .

Instead, get them diagnosed right away so the fungus can be eliminated quickly and before it causes visible damage to your nail.

You May Like: What To Put On Brittle Nails

Warning Signs Of Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is an unsightly and embarrassing infection that is contagious and often difficult to get rid of. And while some of you may have a mild case and barely even notice the fungal growth at all, others actually suffer from intense pain as their infection grows and spreads.

When patients visit our office looking to relieve pain caused by toenail fungus, they are usually finally doing something about the infection after months or even years! of ignoring the condition and allowing it to thrive.

Waiting to seek treatment they soon find is a huge mistake!

Request an Appointment

Whenever you have an infection, you shouldnt wait to seek medical care the sooner you get the care you need, the quicker and more effective treatments will be.

Its like the old saying goes, the early bird gets the worm. And this is true when it comes to toenail fungus looking for symptoms of this pesky condition before they become a problem will help you make the most of treatment opportunities and minimize complications.

The bottom line is that the more you allow fungus to grow and spread under your nail, the more difficult it will be to actually get rid of it. So staying aware of symptoms and catching them early can really make a huge difference for your recovery.

And of course, if you want to catch it early, you need to know what to exactly look for thats why we are here!

Fungal Nail Infection Treatment

Getting Rid of Toenail Fungus

See your doctor if you think you have nail fungus. It can be tough to get rid of, and youâre more likely to have success with a prescription. Treatments include:

  • Oral antifungals. The doctor may give you a pill to kill fungus in your whole body. This is usually the best way to get rid of a nail infection. Treatment may last 2 months for an infection in your fingernails, or 3 months if itâs in your toenails.
  • Topical antifungals. You rub or brush these medicines onto your nails. They may work for a mild infection, but they canât get deep enough into the nail to cure a more serious one. You might use a topical treatment in combination with a pill.
  • Surgery. If other treatments donât work, the doctor may need to remove your nail entirely and let a healthy one grow back in its place. The new nail could also get infected.
  • Laser or photodynamic therapy. Doctors are studying newer treatments that use special light to try to kill the fungus.

Also Check: Who Sells Opi Nail Polish

What Causes A Fungal Rash

When your skin comes into contact with a harmful fungus, the infection can cause the rash to appear. For example, if you borrowed a pair of shoes from someone who had athletes foot, the fungus could come in contact with your foot and infect you. Rashes often pass from person to person or from animal to person by direct contact.

How Should I Treat Nail Fungus

Podiatrists are experts at recognizing toenail fungus, so if you have any concerns about the condition forming they are the best professionals to consult. The best treatment for toenail fungus is the laser treatment, our laser is FDA approved to cure toenail fungus and typically requires only one treatment to be effective. This laser also has no side effects or downtime. Patients may resume regular activity right after the treatment is performed. To schedule a consultation with our nail doctor for the laser treatment in our Dallas, Tx clinic, give us a call at 1- 672-0625.

You May Like: How To Hang Something Without Nails

What Other Conditions Can Be Mistaken For Fungal Nails

Here are some other conditions you may have instead of fungal nails:

  • Lines and ridges: These are common and may be considered normal. They may worsen during pregnancy. A large groove down the center of the nail can be caused by nail biting. Some people may develop these changes following chemotherapy.
  • Senile nails: As you age, the nails become brittle and develop ridges and separation of the nail layers at the end of the nail. To avoid this, try to clean solutions and dont soak the nails in water.
  • Whitish or yellowish nails can occur due to onycholysis. This means separation of the nail from the nail bed. The color you see is air beneath the nail. The treatment is to trim the nail short, dont clean under it, polish if you want to hide the color, and wait two to three months. Persistent onycholysis can make the nails susceptible to fungal infection.
  • Red or black nails due to a hematoma, or blood under the nail, usually occur from trauma . The discolored area will grow out with the nail and be trimmed off as you trim your nails. If you have a black spot under your nail that was not caused by trauma, you may want to see a dermatologist or a podiatrist if it involves a toenail to make sure it is not melanoma . A simple biopsy can rule out malignancy .
  • Trichophyton

    Also Check: How Do You Take Off Gel Nails

    What Can I Expect If I Have A Toenail Fungus

    Meet a Toenail Fungus Expert

    While toenail fungus is common, its usually not harmful. Symptoms mostly affect the look of your toenail.

    Toenail fungus may spread to the skin between your toes or other areas of your body. When getting dressed, put your socks on first to reduce the chance of spread.

    Treating toenail fungus takes a long time, and it doesnt always work. Even then, toenail fungus often returns. Discuss the pros and cons of treating toenail fungus with your healthcare provider to determine whats best for you.

    Practicing good hygiene and foot care reduces the chance toenail fungus will come back. If you have diabetes, getting regular foot exams may help you address foot problems before they get serious.

    Don’t Miss: How To Treat Fingernail Fungus Caused By Acrylic Nails

    Top 3 Reasons To Treat Nail Fungus

    Cosmetic Concerns

    One of the most common reasons patients want to treat their nail fungus is to improve the appearance of their nails.

    This is especially true of fingernails, but even toenails can be a concern during the summer when they are more visible. Nail fungus can cause embarrassment and some sufferers stop activities, such as yoga or swimming, so that others will not see their toenails.

    Pain and Mobility

    If left untreated, fungal nail infections can cause pain and mobility problems. These can occur as the nails thicken when the infection progresses. It may become uncomfortable to wear closed shoes and to walk, exercise or stand. For this reason, early treatment is recommended before the infection becomes more severe or has spread to other toenails.

    Recurrence and Transmission

    Although nail fungus rarely causes serious health risks, the nail can become a fungal reservoir leading to recurrent fungal infections of the skin. These can cause fissures or cracks, leaving the feet more vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections. People with a weakened immune system, such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, may be more susceptible to both fungal infections and other secondary infections, resulting from it such as cellulitis.

    Dont Miss: Is Listerine Good For Toe Fungus

    How To Treat It

    Mild fungal infections usually respond well to over-the-counter antifungal treatments, which you can find on . Look for something that contains either clotrimazole or terbinafine. You can also try these 10 home remedies.

    If you have a severe fungal infection thats painful or causes your nail to thicken or crumble, its best to see a professional. Left untreated, several fungal infections can cause permanent nail damage.

    You should also see a healthcare provider if you have diabetes and a fungal infection in your toenail.

    Read Also: How To Apply Gel Nail Polish

    What Does Fungus Look Like

    Toenail fungus usually starts off as a small white or yellowish spot near the tip of the nail.

    As the fungal infection spreads and goes deeper into the nail, it causes the nail to discolor and become opaque. The nail thickens and eventually crumbles at the edges.

    Nail fungus varies from white to yellow and can sometimes appear brown.

    Regardless of the color of your fungi, it will be sort of splotchy looking rather than one uniform color.

    The progression of the color of bruising will happen in a matter of days from dark red to black, as opposed to nail fungus which starts off white or yellowish and may eventually turn brown after weeks or months.

    Nail fungus will make the nail look dull as the fungus starts to separate the keratin in the nail plate and it becomes opaque.

    Medications For Nail Fungus From Fake Acrylic Nails

    Types of toenail fungus

    Some nail fungus from artificial acrylic nails may cause the natural nail to detach from its nail bed. If this happens, be sure you perform proper wound care to prevent infection.

    • Clean the wound with water or saline solution.
    • Dab a thin layer of Neosporin or antibiotic ointment onto the nail bed.
    • Cover the wounded nail bed with breathable gauze to provide moist environment.
    • Replace the gauze regularly and prevent it for getting wet.

    Should no home remedies work well for the fungal-infected nails, oral medications can be taken. However, these medications may cause several side effects, such as liver problem, so that prolonged consumption should be avoided.

    Anti-fungal ointment can also be applied to the infected natural nail and nail bed to get rid of the causal fungus.

    Don’t Miss: Does Emuaid Work For Nail Fungus

    Risk Factors For Toenail Fungus

    • Diabetes as this medical condition causes a weakened immune system, making your body more susceptible to infection.
    • Minor skin injuries or skin conditions that cause openings in its protective outer layer like psoriasis.
    • Walking in damp communal areas like the aforementioned gyms, showers or locker room barefoot.
    • Getting athletes foot regularly.
    • Frequent sweating.
    • A reduced blood flow because of age and increased exposure to fungi overtime.
    • Toe may become painful due to the pressure of a thicker nail or the buildup of debris.

    Essie Gel Couture Gloss

    10. Essie Gel No gel nail gloss brand names checklist would certainly be total without Essie. Essie Gel Couture includes a simple two-step gel procedure, guaranteeing that best damages and also chip-free manicure for as much as 14 days. Among the reasons that this is such a terrific at-home gel system is since it does not need an LED or UV light for healing. Furthermore, the one-of-a-kind gloss brush swirl style makes sure ideal shade protection. Despite whether you are an expert manicurist, a beauty salon expert or a nail fanatic, you are bound to locate a premium item what does nail fungus from gel nails look like that is not just advertises that stunning, lasting, as well as healthy and balanced manicure, yet that is likewise budget-friendly as well as readily available in the shade of your selection.

    You May Like: What’s The Best Fungal Nail Treatment Uk

    How Do You Recognize Nail Fungus

    • Discoloration of the nail in the initial stage
    • Deformation and thickening of the nail plate
    • Nails become brittle and individual layers of the nail split
    • apart from the advanced stage of nail mycosis, the nail stands out from the nail bed
    • Complete detachment and loss of the nail in the final stage of nail fungus
    • Inflammation of the nail bed

    Nail fungus can be recognized that the brand loses its luster, is thickened and discolored.

    The color of the nail changes to white or a yellowish-brown tone in the initial stages of nail mycosis.

    In addition, the shape of the toenail or the nail on the hand can change due to the fungi.

    Another symptom that can be used to recognize nail fungus is that the affected nail becomes brittle and parts of the nail split off.

    If it is an infestation with mold, the nail can become darker than if it is an infestation with dermatophytes, and black nail fungus develops.

    Different areas of the nails can be affected.

    In the beginning, the fungus usually penetrates the underside of the nail plate at the end of the nail and only then spreads towards the nail root. Most often, the toe nails are affected, especially the big toe nail.

    Mycosis on the nails should be treated as it cannot heal on its own. If the nail fungus is ignored, the infection can spread to other nails.

    In addition, the nail bed can become inflamed, and this can lead to severe pain.

    Treatment Of Nail Fungal Infection At Different Stages

    Looks Like Nail Fungus: Treating and Trimming Fungal Nails

    Treatment of onychomycosis at the first stage is crucial as the infection hasnt exacerbated yet and therefore is easier to heal. Topical treatments, such as anti-fungal creams and gels or medicated nail polish are the most commonly used at this stage. However, it is ideal to use a topically-applied medication that not only can kill the fungus, but can penetrate the nail as well.

    Most topical treatments dont work because they cant penetrate the nail to get to the fungi. It is therefore recommended for sufferers to use a topical medication that can penetrate the nail and kill the fungus. A solution with 10% undecylenic acid, which can effectively get rid of the infection, and a penetrating agent , is recommended.

    For moderate nail fungus infection, such topical solutions can still work. However, many sufferers use that in conjunction with oral medicines. Many anti-fungal pills in the market can treat fungal nail infection, though it is still suggested to use such medicines along with topical solutions .

    Unfortunately, oral medicines are also more likely to cause side effects to patients. They are also not recommended for the elderly, pregnant women, and those who have other medical conditions or ailments.

    But again, fungi can come back, even without the nail itself. This is why its recommended for patients to use topical anti-fungal ointment to the nail bed and surrounding skin while waiting for the nail to grow back. Otherwise, the fungi will just return.

    Read Also: How To Treat Fungus On St Augustine Grass

    What If I Have Later Stages Of Toenail Fungus

    If your nails have already reached the thick, crumbly, majorly discolored stage, dont fret. Your case is not hopeless!

    Toenail fungus can actually be quite complex, but our experts will take the time to carefully examine your condition, assess both the type and severity of the disease, and then recommend a precisely tailored treatment plan we feel will give you the optimal chance of clearing the fungus. One particular treatment method were particularly proud to be able to offer is laser treatment.

    Laser treatment is able to pass through nail tissue and hit a fungal infection right at the source. Topical medications, on the other hand, can have more trouble reaching the underlying infection. And oral anti-fungal medications, while able to treat the problem from the inside out, can sometimes come with side effects that dont make them recommended for certain patients.

    A course of laser treatment typically requires 3-4 sessions spaced out over a period of weeks or months, depending on the severity of the condition. These sessions dont cause any burning and rarely cause any pain most patients will feel a warming sensation and nothing more.

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Popular Articles