Toenail fungus, known clinically as onychomycosis, is an extremely common fungal infection that affects approximately 1 in 10 people. It begins as a white, yellow or brown spot under the tip of the nail and can cause nails to become discolored, thickened and brittle.
If your condition is mild and not bothering you, treatment may not be necessary – and, in some cases, self-care and non-prescription products can temporarily help clear up an infection. However, if you have other underlying health problems, like diabetes, or if you develop swelling, pain or bleeding around the nails, it’s important to talk to a TPMG primary care provider.
Common Toenail Fungus Symptoms
Toenail fungus may include one or more of the following symptoms:
- Chalky or cloudy appearance
- Yellow, brown or white discoloration
- Green or black discoloration (bacterial infection)
- Thickening, making nails harder to trim
- Brittleness, causing nails to crumble or split easily
- Misshapen appearance or abnormal growth
- Separation from the nail bed
- Foul odor
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Yeast, bacteria and molds can all cause nail infections, but the most common type of toenail fungus is tinea unguium, which is caused by a type of mold known as a dermatophyte. Dermatophytes feed on keratin, the main protein in our nails that makes them hard. When dermatophytes get between your nail and the soft tissue beneath it, they cause the nail to become infected.
How Do You Contract Toenail Fungus?
Many types of toenail fungi are contagious, including tinea unguium. The fungus can be spread through direct contact, or by touching an infected surface. Walking barefoot around a swimming pool or public area, or using a public locker room or shower are common ways people contract toenail fungus. Getting pedicures at nail salons and spas can also put you at risk. Nail fungi thrive in warm, dark moist environments, so wearing shoes that make your feet sweat heavily can increase your risk of developing nail fungus, as well.
Anyone can contract toenail fungus, but it’s much more prevalent in people over the age of 60, and in those who have diabetes, blood flow problems or weakened immune systems.
Treatment for Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is notoriously difficult to treat. It can take several months or even a year to clear up an infection, and it often comes back. Fortunately, toenail fungus usually isn’t harmful, but it can make you self-conscious about the appearance of your feet.
In some cases, at-home remedies can help. However, if your condition doesn’t improve, a TPMG primary care provider can discuss more aggressive treatment options with you. Likewise, if you have diabetes or blood flow problems, or you experience swelling, pain or bleeding, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for toenail fungus treatment.
- Over-the-Counter Treatment – Nonprescription antifungal creams and ointments, and natural antifungal treatments, like tree-tea oil, can sometimes help clear up symptoms, while biotin supplements may help strengthen weak and brittle nails.
- Oral Medication – Your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal drugs, depending on the severity of your toenail fungus and any pre-existing health conditions.
- Topical Medication – Prescription antifungal creams, ointments and lacquers can be applied directly to the nail, but they work best when paired with oral medications.
- Laser Therapy – Lasers can sometimes be used to temporarily increase nail clarity, but cure rates with laser treatment are much lower than with oral and topical medications.
- Surgery – In severe cases, your doctor may recommend temporarily removing the nail so that the antifungal drug can be applied directly to the infection, or, more rarely, permanently removing the nail and its root.
Treatment for Toenail Fungus in Hampton Roads, VA
If you are concerned about toenail fungus, the primary care physicians at TPMG can perform diagnostic tests to confirm the cause and type of toenail fungus that you have, and discuss treatment options with you. We also have dermatologists and podiatrists on staff, should you need a referral.
To schedule a consultation and treatment for toenail fungus throughout Hamptons Roads, VA, use our find a provider tool to choose a primary care doctor near you. We have more than 85 locations across the Virginia Peninsula, including Williamsburg, Newport News, West Point and Virginia Beach.