Understanding Toenail Fungus and Ingrown Toenails
Toenail fungus and ingrown toenails are two common nail conditions that can cause pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. While they have some similarities, it's important to understand the differences between toenail fungus and ingrown toenails in order to get proper treatment.
What is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection of the toenail. It's caused by dermatophytes, fungi that feed on keratin, the protein that makes up the hard surface of nails.
There are three main types of toenail fungus:
- Distal subungual onychomycosis - the most common type, starting at the nail bed and spreading to the nail tip
- White superficial onychomycosis - appears as white spots on the toenail surface
- Proximal subungual onychomycosis - starts at the cuticle and spreads back under the nail
As the infection progresses, the toenail can become thickened, brittle, discolored, and distorted. Debris may collect under the nail, and the nail may separate from the nail bed.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Fungal spores can enter through tiny separations or cracks in the nail's protective outer layer. Risk factors include:
- Sweaty feet - provides ideal environment for fungi
- Athlete's foot - cracks in skin can allow entry of fungi
- Minor nail or skin injuries
- Walking barefoot in damp public areas like pools, showers, and locker rooms
- Having wet nails for extended periods
- Diabetes or weakened immune system
- Older age
Signs and Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
Signs and symptoms of a fungal toenail infection include:
- Thickened, brittle, ragged nail
- Distorted nail shape
- Dull, lackluster color
- Crumbly, chalky nail debris
- Separation of nail from nail bed
- White, yellow, black, or green discoloration
- Spots or streaks on nail surface
- Foul nail odor
- Pain or discomfort in toe
Treating Toenail Fungus
Several treatment options exist for toenail fungus. Your doctor will determine the best course based on factors like severity, type of fungus, and your health history.
Medications
Oral antifungal medications, such as terbinafine or itraconazole, are commonly prescribed to treat toenail fungus. These medications must be taken for 6-12 weeks to fully eliminate the fungal infection. Topical antifungal lacquers, solutions, or creams may also be used.
Nail Removal
In some cases, the infected part of the nail will need to be removed by a doctor to get rid of the fungus. The nail can be removed surgically or by laser treatment. Medication is still required after nail removal to prevent reinfection.
Natural Remedies
Some people choose to try home remedies before resorting to medications. Soaking the nails in vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, or Epsom salt may help treat mild infections. However, natural treatments alone are often not strong enough to cure a severe fungal infection.
Prevention Tips
You can reduce your risk of fungal toenail infections by:
- Wearing shoes at gyms, pools, showers
- Wearing moisture-wicking socks
- Disinfecting nail tools
- Avoiding nail damage
- Treating athletes foot
- Drying feet thoroughly after bathing or swimming
- Sprinkling antifungal powder in shoes
- Getting pedicures at reputable salons with sanitized tools
What is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail develops when the side edges or corner of the nail grow into the surrounding skin. It usually affects the big toe, though other toes can also become ingrown.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Common causes of ingrown toenails include:
- Cutting nails too short
- Wearing tight shoes or socks that crowd the toes
- Having abnormally curved or thick nails
- Suffering an injury to the nail or toe
- Having unusually shaped nail folds
- Engaging in repetitive activities involving toe pressure, like running
Other risk factors are toenail fungus, diabetes, aging, and poor foot hygiene.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail are:
- Pain and tenderness along the edges of the nail
- Redness, swelling, or infection of the toe
- Pus drainage from the area
- Difficulty wearing shoes due to discomfort
As the condition worsens, walking can become increasingly painful. There may also be a foul odor if the area gets infected.
Treating Ingrown Toenails
Several options are available for treating ingrown toenails:
Soaking
Soaking the foot in warm water with Epsom salt can help relax the skin and reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Cotton Wedges
Gently inserting a tiny piece of damp cotton under the corner of the nail helps lift it away from the skin. This may allow the nail to grow above the skin.
Medications
Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can relieve pain. Antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is present.
Minor Surgery
A podiatrist can numb the toe and surgically remove the ingrown section of nail. Chemical cauterization may also be applied to prevent recurrence.
Permanent Nail Removal
For severe or recurrent cases, the nail can be partially or completely removed permanently. This prevents it from becoming ingrown, though the nail will no longer grow back.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails
You can reduce your risk by taking these preventive steps:
- Cut nails straight across, avoiding rounded edges
- Dont cut nails too short
- Wear properly sized footwear
- Apply petroleum jelly to nail edges
- Soak feet in salt water regularly
Treating athlete's foot, nail fungus, and other foot problems can also keep nails healthy and discourage ingrowth.
Key Differences Between Toenail Fungus and Ingrown Toenails
While both toenail fungus and ingrown toenails affect the toes, there are some important differences:
- Cause - Toenail fungus is caused by a fungal infection. Ingrown toenails result from nail edges growing into the skin.
- Appearance - Fungal nails become discolored, thickened, and crumbly. Ingrown nails look red and swollen around the edges.
- Symptoms - The main symptom of nail fungus is nail deformity. Ingrown nails primarily cause pain and swelling.
- Risk factors - Toenail fungus is associated with things like diabetes, older age, and damp environments. Ingrown nails are linked to improper nail trimming, tight footwear, etc.
- Treatment - Medications are the primary treatment for fungal nails. Ingrown nails may be treated by soaking, cotton wedges, surgery, etc.
- Contagiousness - Toenail fungus is contagious through direct contact or shared environments. Ingrown nails are not contagious.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, it's recommended to see a podiatrist for either toenail fungus or ingrown toenails. Self-treatment is generally not sufficient. Seeing a professional ensures proper diagnosis and treatment to resolve the condition.
See a doctor right away if you experience any of the following:
- Discharge, excessive bleeding, or spreading redness around the nail
- Fever, chills, or red streaks extending from the affected toe
- Increasing pain or inability to walk
- Complete thickening or destruction of the nail
- No improvement after a few months of home treatment
These could indicate a secondary bacterial infection or more serious problem requiring medical attention. Prompt podiatrist treatment can prevent permanent nail loss and other potential complications.
Outlook and Prevention
With proper treatment, the prognosis is good for eliminating toenail fungus and ingrown toenails. However, both conditions may recur if preventive steps are not taken.
To help avoid fungal and ingrown toenails returning:
- Practice good nail hygiene and foot care
- Disinfect home pedicure tools and nail salon equipment
- Wear clean, well-fitted socks and shoes
- Treat tinea pedis (athletes foot) promptly
- Apply antifungal powders and sprays as needed
- Get professional help trimming thickened or ingrown nails
Catching and treating toenail problems early is key to preventing recurrence. Seek medical care right away if you notice any unusual nail changes.
The Bottom Line
Toenail fungus and ingrown toenails have distinct causes and treatments, but both can result from chronic moisture and pressure on the nails. Seeing a podiatrist promptly for proper diagnosis and care can help resolve these uncomfortable conditions and get your nails looking healthy again.
FAQs
What does toenail fungus look like?
Toenail fungus often makes the nail look thickened, brittle, ragged, discolored, or crumbly. There may be white, yellow, black, or green streaks. Debris collects under the nail and there is nail separation.
Is toenail fungus contagious?
Yes, toenail fungus is contagious. It can spread through direct contact, or by walking barefoot in damp public places like locker rooms or pools where fungal spores may be present.
How do you treat an ingrown toenail at home?
Soaking the foot in warm water with Epsom salt can reduce swelling and discomfort from an ingrown nail. Inserting a tiny piece of damp cotton under the corner of the nail lifts it away from the skin so it can grow over the skin edge.
What is the fastest way to get rid of toenail fungus?
The fastest and most effective way to treat toenail fungus is with prescription oral antifungal medication. Topical treatments alone often don't penetrate fully to eliminate the infection. Oral medicines can cure fungal nails in 6-12 weeks.
How can I prevent toenail fungus from coming back?
To prevent recurrence, keep feet clean and dry, wear moisture-wicking socks, disinfect home pedicure tools and nail salon equipment, treat athlete’s foot promptly, apply antifungal powder in shoes, and get professional help trimming any thickened nails.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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