How to Identify and Treat the Different Types of Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a common problem that affects people of all ages, though it’s especially common in adults. Caused by different types of fungal organisms, this infection can make toenails look discolored, thickened, or crumbly. But here’s the thing: not all toenail fungus is the same. There are actually different types, each with its own signs and symptoms. So, if you’ve been using a treatment for your toenail fungus and aren’t seeing any improvement, it might be because you’re dealing with a specific type that needs a different approach.
Knowing which type of fungus you have is key to finding the right treatment. In this article, we’ll look at the main types of toenail fungus, how to recognize them, and which treatments work best for each one. Whether you’re dealing with a mild infection or a more stubborn case, understanding these differences can make all the difference in finally getting your toenails healthy again. Let’s dive in and break down what you need to know
Distal Subungual Onychomycosis: The Most Common Type of Toenail Fungus
Distal Subungual Onychomycosis is the most common type of toenail fungus. It’s caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, with Trichophyton rubrum being the main culprit. This fungus thrives in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, public showers, and even inside sweaty shoes.
Signs and Symptoms
If you notice some yellowing or browning at the tip of your toenail, it could be an early sign of distal subungual onychomycosis. At first, the fungus only affects the outer edge, but it doesn’t stop there—it digs deeper into the nail and starts to spread inward. As it spreads, the fungus feeds on keratin, which is the protein that makes up your nails.
Over time, this feeding frenzy causes the nail to thicken and separate from the nail bed. You’ll probably notice that the nail becomes brittle, crumbly, and ragged, almost like it’s falling apart. At this stage, it may also look darker and more distorted. If the infection is left untreated, it will keep progressing and eventually lead to pain and discomfort. This pain is often more noticeable when you’re wearing tight shoes, as the added pressure can make the infected nail even more tender.
Treatment Options
Luckily, there are several effective treatments for distal subungual onychomycosis. Many of the treatments available are designed specifically for this type of toenail fungus. Here’s a look at some common options:
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Topical Treatments: These are treatments that you apply directly to the nail. They come in creams, gels, and even special nail polishes. Topical treatments can work, but they take time—often several months—because toenails grow slowly. One common ingredient in these products is undecylenic acid, which helps fight the fungus. Our toenail fungus treatment contains this ingredient to target the infection right where it’s needed.
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Oral Antifungals: If the fungus isn’t responding to topical treatments or if the infection is more severe, doctors often prescribe oral antifungals like terbinafine or itraconazole. These medications work faster than topicals because they reach the nail through your bloodstream, allowing them to target the infection from within. However, they can have side effects, so your doctor may want to monitor you while you’re taking them to make sure everything is going smoothly.
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Laser Therapy: Laser treatments can target and kill the fungus directly, without the need for creams or pills. Although laser therapy can be very effective, it’s also expensive, and many insurance plans don’t cover it. For some people, though, it’s worth it if they’ve tried other treatments without success.
- Lifestyle Tips: To help prevent reinfection, keep your feet as dry as possible. Wear breathable shoes and consider using antifungal powders, especially if you tend to sweat a lot. These steps can make a big difference and stop the fungus from coming back.
White Superficial Onychomycosis: A Surface-Level Toenail Fungus
White superficial onychomycosis is a less common type of toenail fungus. As the name suggests, this one is more superficial, affecting only the top layers of the nail without going any deeper. Though it’s less aggressive than other types, white superficial onychomycosis can still damage the appearance and integrity of your nail if it’s left untreated.
Signs and Symptoms
White superficial onychomycosis is easy to spot thanks to its powdery white patches or spots on the surface of the nail. If you touch the infected area, it will feel soft and crumbly, unlike the hardness of a healthy nail. One thing to note about this type of toenail fungus is that it doesn’t cause the nail to thicken, as some other fungal infections do. Instead, it mostly stays on the surface, and even if it’s left untreated, it often won’t go deeper into the nail.
While white superficial onychomycosis doesn’t typically cause pain, it can eventually affect how your nail looks and feels. Over time, the white patches may spread and make the nail look chalky or discolored, which can be concerning for many people.
Treatment Options
Because white superficial onychomycosis only affects the nail’s surface, it usually responds well to topical treatments. Our topical treatment, for example, is designed to penetrate the nail’s surface and eliminate the infection directly where it’s growing.
Another helpful treatment option is nail debridement, which involves carefully filing down the infected nail. This process thins out the nail and helps the topical treatment penetrate more deeply, making it more effective at clearing the fungus.
In cases where the fungus has spread across a large part of the nail or hasn’t responded to topical treatments alone, oral medications might be necessary. These medications work from the inside out, targeting the infection through the bloodstream. Oral antifungals like terbinafine and itraconazole can be prescribed for more advanced cases, but they do come with possible side effects, so your doctor may recommend monitoring while on these medications.
Prevention Tips
To avoid getting white superficial onychomycosis or to prevent it from coming back, consider some simple preventive measures. Always wear sandals or flip-flops in public showers or locker rooms, as these are common places where fungus can spread. Keeping your toenails short, clean, and dry will also help create an environment that’s less welcoming for fungal infections.
White superficial onychomycosis may not be as aggressive as other types of toenail fungus, but it still needs attention to keep your nails healthy and looking their best. With the right treatment and a few preventive steps, you can get rid of this surface-level infection and prevent it from coming back.
Candida Onychomycosis: A Yeast-Based Toenail Infection
Candida onychomycosis is a type of toenail fungus that’s different from most others. Instead of being caused by dermatophyte fungi, it’s caused by yeast from the Candida species. This type of infection is more common in people with weakened immune systems or those who frequently expose their feet to moisture, like swimmers or people who wear damp shoes for long periods.
Recognition, Signs, and Symptoms
Candida onychomycosis has some unique symptoms that can help you recognize it:
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Appearance: If you notice your toenail turning yellow, brown, or even white, it could be a sign of a Candida infection. The nail may also thicken or appear distorted, giving it a misshapen look.
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Texture and Sensitivity: One of the main signs of a Candida infection is that the nail may start to lift away from the nail bed. This lifting can lead to redness, swelling, and inflammation in the surrounding skin, making the area look and feel irritated.
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Pain and Discomfort: Unlike some other types of toenail fungus, Candida infections can be painful, especially if the nail is lifting away from the bed. This discomfort can make it challenging to wear shoes or even walk comfortably.
Treatment Options
Since Candida onychomycosis is a yeast-based infection, the treatments are a bit different from those used for other types of toenail fungus. Here are some effective options:
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Antifungal Creams or Ointments: Many antifungal creams and ointments that target yeast infections can help treat Candida onychomycosis. These treatments often contain ingredients like clotrimazole or miconazole, which are effective against yeast. Applying these creams directly to the nail can help fight the infection over time.
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Oral Antifungal Medications: If the infection doesn’t respond to topical treatments, doctors may prescribe oral antifungals, like fluconazole or itraconazole, which work from the inside out. These medications can be especially useful for stubborn infections, but they may have side effects, so regular check-ups may be necessary.
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Good Hygiene Practices: Keeping your feet dry and clean is especially important for preventing and managing Candida infections. Make a habit of changing your socks often, especially if they get sweaty, and consider using moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry.
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Dietary Adjustments: Since yeast infections can thrive on sugar, reducing your sugar intake might help control the infection. Cutting back on sugary foods may lower the amount of sugar available for yeast in the body, potentially helping to slow the infection.
Candida onychomycosis can be tough to deal with, especially because it can be painful and persistent. But with the right treatment and some lifestyle changes, you can get it under control and prevent it from coming back. Taking good care of your feet and making small adjustments to your routine can go a long way in managing this type of toenail fungus.
Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis (PSO): Infection That Starts Near the Cuticle
Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis (PSO) is a unique type of toenail fungus that usually begins near the cuticle at the base of the nail and then spreads outward. Unlike other types that often start at the tip, PSO starts close to the nail bed and moves forward, making it a bit easier to spot early on. It’s mainly caused by a type of fungus called Trichophyton rubrum, which infects the nail bed from underneath.
Recognition, Signs, and Symptoms
Knowing how to identify PSO can make a big difference in getting early treatment:
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Appearance: PSO usually begins as a white or yellow spot near the cuticle area. As it progresses, the discoloration spreads outward toward the end of the nail. Because it starts at the base rather than the tip, PSO is easier to spot early, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your nails.
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Associated Conditions: PSO tends to be more common in people with weakened immune systems. Conditions like HIV/AIDS or diabetes can make it easier for this type of fungus to take hold. If you notice signs of PSO, it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider, especially if you have an underlying health condition.
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Pain and Sensitivity: As PSO spreads, it can start to cause pain or discomfort. Sometimes, the nail may even begin lifting away from the nail bed, which can make walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable.
Treatment Options
Because of its location near the cuticle, PSO is a bit harder to treat than other types of toenail fungus. Here are the main treatment options:
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Oral Antifungal Medications: Since the infection starts deep near the nail bed, topical treatments may not be as effective. Doctors often prescribe oral antifungal medications like terbinafine or itraconazole. These medications work from the inside out to target the fungus and help clear the infection. Oral medications generally require a few months of treatment, and it’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions closely for the best results.
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Medical Consultation: PSO can sometimes be a sign of a compromised immune system, so it’s essential to get a full health check-up if you notice signs of this infection. Your doctor can assess your overall health and recommend any additional treatments that may help strengthen your immune system while treating the fungus.
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Topical Treatments: Although topical treatments aren’t usually effective alone for PSO, they can sometimes be used along with oral medications to speed up recovery. This combination approach can be particularly helpful if the infection is mild or caught early.
Treating PSO requires patience and consistency, especially since the fungus is located deep near the cuticle. Following a good hygiene routine, regularly washing and drying your feet, and keeping toenails trimmed can also help prevent reinfection. Recognizing PSO early and seeking treatment promptly can make a big difference in managing this type of toenail fungus.
Conclusion
Knowing the specific type of toenail fungus you’re dealing with is key to finding the right treatment. When you understand the type, you can take a more targeted approach, which means you’re more likely to get effective results. This is especially important if the fungus isn’t responding to regular treatments or if it keeps coming back. By identifying the type, you and your healthcare provider can choose a treatment that tackles the infection head-on and helps prevent it from spreading or worsening.
Toenail fungus can be stubborn, but with the right knowledge and a consistent treatment plan, you can work toward healthier nails and relief from discomfort.