What You Need to Know About Toenail Fungus

The feet can be one of the most overlooked parts of the body. Because feet are typically hidden inside socks or shoes, you may not notice when a problem starts to develop on the skin or toenails.

Infections that affect the feet and toenails have the potential to wreak havoc on your health. One of the infections that can go unnoticed for quite some time is a fungal infection of the toenail. Learn more about toenail fungus to help you better identify, prevent, and treat these types of infections in the future.

What Is Toenail Fungus?

Any cuts or cracks in your skin or toenails can provide an entry point for fungus. Most fungal varieties thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments. A foot that is within a sock or shoe for long periods of time can easily serve as a breeding ground for fungus.

Onychomycosis, the medical name for a fungal infection in a toenail, is caused by exposure to one of the many fungi varieties that can be found in locker rooms, bathrooms, and other damp environments.

The most common fungus at the root of a fungal toenail is a dermatophyte fungi. A fungal toenail can also be caused by exposure to yeasts and nondermatophyte mold spores.

What Are the Symptoms of Toenail Fungus?

Most people don't notice something wrong with their toenail until long after the nail bed has been affected by a fungal infection.

Unlike athlete's foot (a fungal infection of the skin), fungal toenails do not itch. Typically, no pain is associated with the development of a fungal infection, so only a visual inspection will reveal the early warning signs of a problem. You will see a slight discoloration underneath the tip of your nail when a fungal infection is present. This discoloration can be white or yellow in color.

As the infection spreads throughout the nail bed, the entire nail will take on a whitish or yellowish hue. The nail will also become thick and brittle. You may even see some separation of the toenail from the nail bed as the fungal infection spreads deeper into the tissue.

How Can Toenail Fungus Be Prevented?

The easiest way to deal with a fungal infection is to avoid contracting one in the first place. You must be proactive in protecting your feet against exposure to potential contaminants. Always wear shoes in locker room or pool areas. Disinfect your clippers each time you trim your nails, and wash your feet and toes thoroughly on a regular basis.

Sweat-absorbing socks can help to reduce the amount of moisture your feet are exposed to. You should invest in shoes that are made from breathable fabrics to help reduce moisture exposure as well. Going on the offensive will help you reduce the likelihood that you will develop a fungal toenail in the future.

How Is Toenail Fungus Treated?

Patients had to rely on oral anti-fungal medications to eliminate fungal toenail infections in the past. These medications can be effective, but they must be taken over a long period of time to help eradicate the infection.

Your podiatrist can offer an alternative to oral medications. Laser treatment for fungal toenails is becoming more popular. A specialized laser will emit pulses of energy that heat the affected tissue. As the microbes absorb the heat, they die off.

Laser treatment can target fungal infections directly by penetrating through the toenail to reach the affected tissue in the nail bed. This targeted approach helps produce faster results than those achieved through oral medications.

Contact Upperline Health to learn more about your options if you think you have a fungal toenail.