What You Need to Know About Fungal Toenail Infection

Although they often affect your toenails, nail infections can also harm your fingernails. Sometimes, fungal nail infections begin at the nail’s edge and spread throughout the nail area. Other times, the center of the nail is frequently affected by the infection, which causes the nail to become thicker and often discolored.

You might not need to see a doctor if your infection is not troubling you and is moderate. Self-care measures and meds may be helpful in preventing further deterioration. However, if the infection is bothersome, has thickened your nails and is spreading to other nails, visit your podiatrist immediately.

Fungal toenail infection: Symptoms

The following are common signs of fungal toenail infections:

• Toenails are thicker than normal.
• Discolored toenails.
• Nails break off easily.
• Rough textured nails.
• There is a gap between the skin and the nail.
• Unpleasant smell.

Fungal toenail infection: Causes

Common causes of contracting fungal nail infections include:

• An overabundance of fungus around the nail can result in a fungal nail infection. Since fungi like warm, moist settings, wearing closed shoes for extended periods provides the perfect breeding ground for infections to develop and spread.
• You might have acquired a fungal infection if you have come into contact with someone who already has one.
• Ask the personnel at the nail salon how they clean their instruments and how frequently they do it if you are getting a mani or pedi. If tools are not cleaned and sterilized, they might pass an infection from one person to another.
• A fungal infection is more likely to occur if you have diabetes and are over 65 years old. Diabetes restricts blood flow which slows down the healing process, leading to infections. Older persons are more susceptible to developing fungal nail infections due to their decreased circulation. As we get older, our nails likewise thicken and grow more slowly too.
• Artificial nails restrict natural nails from breathng freely, making them prone to infections.
• Using public washrooms, pool areas and other damp spaces more often and without any protective footwear will result in a sure shot infection.

Toenail fungal infection: Prevention and treatment

Here are some useful self-care measures to prevent nail infections:

• Wash, dry and moisturize your feet and hands regularly. Good hygiene is very important.
• Your shoes accumulate sweat. Change your shoes frequently to avoid infections.
• Use anti-fungal sprays inside your shoes to kill any accumulated fungi.
• Wear breathable socks to prevent excessive sweating on your feet.
• Do not use other people’s nail kits or share yours with others. Infections can easily transfer if you share nail cutters and filers.

If self-care measures haven’t worked and the nail starts to get thicker, more discolored, or deformed, you might need to consult a podiatrist, especially if you have diabetes.

The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, have unparalleled experience treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. If you have any questions or want to make an appointment, please call (520) 575-0800.