Signs of Toenail Fungus

If you suspect you have a toenail infection, you should become familiar with the signs of toenail fungus. There are many different symptoms involved, though not all of them may be present. Since this type of infection can prove difficult to treat, it's important to act as soon as you notice the first sign of a problem.

It's an unpleasant problem, indeed, but it's also one that requires urgent treatment. A toenail fungus occurs when microscopic fungi enter the toenail through some sort of small, localized trauma, like an invisible, miniscule cut or even a separation between the nail and the nail bed. They make themselves at home in your moist, warm socks and shoes, eventually thriving and spreading.

It's hard to determine exactly where an individual has picked up a toenail fungus, but fungi are prevalent in damp areas like swimming pools, shower stalls and public gyms. For this reason, toenail fungus is common among athletes and even individuals who wear tight shoes and pantyhose – both can cause trauma to the toenails and create an excessively damp environment. Other individuals susceptible to toenail fungus include those with compromised immune systems (such as diabetics) and those who do not dry their feet properly after working out, swimming or bathing.

How do you know if you have a toenail fungus? It might be making itself at home down there, but it's not exactly visible to the naked eye. Fortunately – or unfortunately, as the case might be – there are many symptoms that will likely present themselves in time, making it easy to diagnose the problem and seek treatment. The common signs of toenail fungus include:

• Small white or yellow spot under the toenail's tip (this is often the first sign of toenail fungus)
• Yellowing of the toenail
• Dullness of the toenail, with a distinct lack of shine and luster
• Swelling of the toenail
• Thickening of the toenail
• Crumbling of the toenail (it may also appear ragged or brittle)
• Spots or streaks on the side of the toenail
• Distorted toenail shape
• Changes in color of the toenail (shades can change from yellow to brown to white, all caused by a buildup of debris buildup beneath the nail)
• Odor, which may occur when the infection causes the nail to separate from the nail bed (this is known as onycholysis)

It is imperative to seek treatment at the first sign of anything questionable or out of the ordinary. Even if you're not entirely sure that you're dealing with a toenail fungus, it's better to be safe than sorry. Once the infection has taken control, it can spread quickly from one toenail to another. From there, it is not unusual for the infection to persist indefinitely. The moral here is to head straight to the doctor as soon as you notice any symptoms of toenail fungus.

In addition to simply offering relief from pain and discomfort, prompt treatment is necessary for other reasons, too. A lingering nail fungus can cause permanent damage, and may even lead to other types of infections that can spread beyond the toenails.

Since toenail fungus is generally tricky to treat, and because recurrence is common, it's helpful to seek a doctor's advice instead of simply going for an over-the-counter treatment (these are available, of course, but often prove ineffective in the face of serious infections). Various treatment options for toenail fungus exist, including:

• Oral medications: Antifungal pills, such as Lamisil or Sporanox, may be prescribed. They usually take a few weeks to really show visible results, but in the end the patient is left with a new, infection-free nail. Eliminating the infection completely can often take several months.

• Antifungal nail polish: An antifungal polish is often prescribed for individuals with mild to moderate nail infections. Just like a regular nail varnish, the polish is applied onto the nail – except this polish is applied daily, and also to the skin surrounding the nail. It may take up to one year for the medication to be effective.

• Topical medications: Often used in tandem with antifungal pills, topical creams may help diminish the severity of symptoms.

• Surgery: Used as a last resort for severe toenail fungus infections, surgery is recommended when the entire nail must be removed. It may take up to a year for the new nail to grow back.

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