Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects millions of people everywhere. It can cause nails to be discolored, thick, brittle, and it sometimes even causes a cheese-like odor. When untreated, toenail fungus can spread to other toenails, fingernails, or other people. We will cover everything you need to know about toenail fungus, including how to recognize it, prevent it, and find the best treatment options out there.
10 Signs That You Have Toenail Fungus Guide
Identifying toenail fungus early is crucial to prevent it from spreading or becoming worse. If you’re experiencing any of the following, you most likely have a toenail fungus infection:
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Your toenails smell like cheese. This unpleasant odor becomes especially noticeable when trimming nails, as the fungus comes into contact with the air. Usually, the smell doesn’t go away even with frequent washing.
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Your toenails appear discolored. Discoloration is one of the earliest and most common signs of a fungal infection. This includes discoloration of yellow, green, white streaks, brown, or even black.
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Your toenails are brittle/weak. The fungus disrupts normal nail growth, making the nails more prone to cracking and breaking.
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Your toenails have become very thick. The infection alters the nail structure, causing them to become very thick, making nails difficult to trim at home.
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Your nail lifts from the nail bed. Fungal infections weaken the connection between the nail and the skin. This causes the nail to detach from the nailbed.
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Your nail falls off without trauma. If a nail detaches from the nailbed without an injury, it could be due to a fungal infection.
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The infection spreads to other nails or people. Toenail fungus is contagious and can spread to other nails or to your family or friends who share shoes, communal spaces, showers, and gyms.
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You experience pain in the tips of your toes. A progressed toenail fungus infection will thicken and deform nails, which can put pressure on your toes. This will then lead to discomfort and pain when walking, running, and exercising.
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A lab test confirms the infection. Your doctor can send a nail sample for lab testing, and the results can confirm the presence of fungus.
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Your toenails smell like cheese. Yes, this one is worth mentioning again! A foul-smelling nail is a significant red flag for fungal infection.
10 Ways to Prevent Toenail Fungus
Preventing toenail fungus is easier than treating it. If you follow these 10 essential steps, you’ll be able to keep your nails healthy and fungus-free:
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Bring your own tools to the nail salon. Do not rely on the salon’s sterilization. Using your own clippers, files, and other tools minimizes the risk of infection.
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Avoid tight-fitting shoes. Tight shoes can cause microtrauma to the toenails, making them more susceptible to fungal infections.
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Wear flip-flops in public showers and gym locker rooms. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments like public showers, pools, and gyms. Always wear sandals or shoes in these areas.
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Avoid direct contact with infected nails. Toenail fungus is contagious, and you can transfer it from one foot to another or even to your fingernails by touching infected areas.
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Use an antifungal solution daily if you’ve had toenail fungus before. If you have previously suffered from toenail fungus, use an antifungal oil-based solution as a preventative measure to prevent reinfection. This solution will act as a shield to prevent fungus from reinfecting your healthy nails.
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Keep your feet dry. Moisture encourages fungal growth, so make sure to always dry your feet thoroughly after showering, swimming, or exercising.
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Choose breathable shoes. Open-toe shoes or shoes made from breathable materials help prevent excessive sweating and moisture buildup.
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Use a UV shoe sterilizer. Fungal spores can linger inside your shoes. Using a UV sterilizer can kill any residual fungus and prevent reinfection.
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Apply antifungal cream if you have athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin of the foot, and it can spread to your toenails if left untreated. Using antifungal cream on your feet can prevent this.
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Treat infected nails immediately. If you notice signs of toenail fungus on one foot, seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading to the other foot.
Treatment Options for Toenail Fungus Guide
If you already have toenail fungus, it is essential to start treatment as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to treat. Here are some of the most common treatment options:
Laser Therapy
Laser treatment, such as the PinPointe laser treatment, is one of the most effective and advanced methods for treating toenail fungus. It uses focused laser light to target and kill the fungal infection without damaging the surrounding nail tissue. This method is quick, safe, painless, and most effective.
Topical Antifungal Treatments
Over-the-counter and prescription antifungal creams, spays, and nail solutions can help treat very mild cases of toenail fungus. However, these treatments often require consistent use for several months and may not be effective for severe infections.
Oral Antifungal Medications
Prescription antifungal pills, such as Lamisil, are effective in treating moderate to severe fungal infections. These medications work by targeting the fungus from within the bloodstream, but they can have risky side effects, including liver failure. Thus, this medication requires constant liver function monitoring.
Home Remedies and Natural Treatments
Some people opt for home remedies, such as tea tree oil, vinegar soaks, or hydrogen peroxide. While these methods may help in some cases, they are generally less effective than medical treatments and are not clinically proven to be effective.
Surgical Nail Removal
In extreme cases where the infection is severe and resistant to treatment, a doctor may recommend removing the affected nail to allow a new, healthy nail to grow. This procedure seems a tad barbaric and doesn’t have 100% results since sometimes a new nail may grow back with fungus.
Healthy Nails Start Here
Toenail fungus is persistent and often embarrassing, but it is treatable and preventable when you find the right approach. Identifying the early signs, following proper hygiene, and seeking appropriate treatment can help keep your nails healthy and clear of fungus. If you suspect you have toenail fungus, consider scheduling a consultation with a specialist to discuss the best treatment options for your condition.
For the most effective toenail fungus treatment, consider Laser Nail Therapy, the leader in laser treatment for toenail fungus. Our state-of-the-art PinPointe laser technology offers a safe and effective way to restore your nails to their natural, healthy appearance. Schedule a free consultation today!
