How do I know what type of toenail fungus I have?
You may have nail fungus if one or more of your nails are:
- Thickened.
- Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration.
- Brittle, crumbly or ragged.
- Distorted in shape.
- A dark color, caused by debris building up under your nail.
- Smelling slightly foul.
What mimics toenail fungus?
Psoriasis can sometimes mimic a fungal infection of the nail even though psoriasis isn’t an infection at all but rather a skin disorder caused by an overactive immune system. Other causes of toenail discoloration include ingrown nails, skin cancer, certain inflammatory conditions, and Darier disease.
What kills toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak.
What type of fungal nail infection do I have?
Distal subungual onychomycosis (DSO) is the most common type of fungal nail infection. It is caused by the same fungi that cause most cases of athlete’s foot (dermatophytes). DSO infects the skin under the end of the nail (nail bed) and in the nail.
What happens if you leave toenail fungus untreated?
Sometimes untreated toenail fungus can spread to the surrounding skin on the foot. This may result in athlete’s foot, a condition marked by itchy, red, cracked skin.
What is the fastest way to cure toenail fungus?
A person can try putting baking soda inside their socks and shoes to soak up moisture. People can also apply a paste of baking soda and water directly to the affected nail and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing. Repeat this several times a day until the fungus clears.
Will nail fungus grow out?
With treatment, many people can get rid of nail fungus. Even when the fungus clears, your nail(s) may look unhealthy until the infected nail grows out. A fingernail grows out in 4 to 6 months and a toenail in 12 to 18 months.
What is the best toenail fungus treatment?
Options include terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. You typically take this type of medicine for six to 12 weeks.
What is the best product for toenail fungus?
Best Overall: Terbinafine Hydrochloride AntiFungal Cream
Prescription orals and topicals are the most effective way to treat toenail fungus,1 but there are products over-the-counter that can also address mild fungal infections.
What do you soak your feet in for toenail fungus?
For mild forms of this condition, a vinegar soak might work well. The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people who have toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually.
What do doctors prescribe for fungal nail?
Antifungal tablets
Terbinafine and itraconazole are the two medicines most commonly prescribed for fungal nail infections. These usually need to be taken once or twice a day for several months to ensure the infection has completely cleared up. If you stop taking the medication too early, the infection may return.
What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?
Keratin is a protein that promotes the development of the skin and nails. Nail psoriasis sometimes causes too much keratin to grow under the nail. This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail.
How long does it take to get rid of toenail fungus?
Your nails may not look “normal” after treatment. It can take as long as a year to 18 months for your nail to grow out a fungus.
Can toenail fungus be a sign of something else?
It may be a fungal infection, but there’s a good chance that another condition could be to blame. If you notice an odd spot on your toenail, you might assume it’s a fungal infection. However, there’s a good chance that it’s not.
When should I go to the doctor for toenail fungus?
When to See Your Doctor
Fungal nail infections can get worse over time. See your doctor if you notice your nail has turned brown or black, if it suddenly hurts, or if it pulls away from the nail bed.
Should I go to dermatologist or podiatrist for toenail fungus?
If your fungus doesn’t clear up at home, you should check in with a dermatologist (a skin, hair, and nail specialist) or podiatrist (a foot doctor.) They may gently scrape under your nail to get rid of some of the fungus or send it to the lab for diagnosis. They can also prescribe stronger medicines.
How does a person get toenail fungus?
Less commonly, nail fungus infects the fingernails. Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis. Toenail fungus happens when fungi get between the toenail and the toenail bed (tissue right underneath the toenail). This usually happens through a break or cut in your toe.