Fungal Toenails: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Fungal toenails are a common foot problem that can affect people of all ages. The condition, medically known as onychomycosis, occurs when a fungal infection affects the nail.

Fungal nails can cause the toenail to become discoloured, thickened, brittle or difficult to cut. Although a fungal nail infection is not usually serious, it can be persistent and may require appropriate treatment.

At Advanced Chiropody & Podiatry, our HCPC Registered Podiatrists can assess your toenails and advise you on appropriate treatment and ongoing foot care.

What Does a Fungal Toenail Look Like?

A fungal nail infection can cause a number of changes to the appearance and texture of the nail.

Common signs include:

• Yellow, white or brown discolouration

• Thickened toenails

• Brittle or crumbly nails

• Nails becoming distorted or misshapen

• Debris collecting underneath the nail

• Nails becoming difficult to cut

• The nail separating partially from the nail bed

• An unpleasant smell in some cases

Fungal infections can affect one toenail or several nails at the same time.

What Causes Fungal Toenails?

Fungal nail infections are caused by fungi that can live on the skin and nails. They can spread through warm, damp environments and may enter through small cracks in the skin or around the nail.

You may be more likely to develop a fungal nail infection if you:

• Regularly wear enclosed or sweaty footwear

• Use communal changing rooms, swimming pools or showers

• Have previously experienced athlete's foot

• Have a damaged or injured toenail

• Keep your feet in damp environments for prolonged periods

• Have other factors that increase susceptibility to fungal infections

Fungal infections can also spread from one toenail to another.

Is a Thickened Toenail Always Fungal?

No.

A thickened, discoloured or damaged toenail is not necessarily caused by a fungal infection.

Toenails can change because of repeated trauma, footwear pressure, previous injury, psoriasis and other nail conditions. This is why it is important to have a problematic nail properly assessed rather than automatically assuming that it is fungal.

A podiatrist can examine the nail and help determine the most appropriate course of action.

How Are Fungal Toenails Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity and extent of the infection.

For some people, topical antifungal treatments may be appropriate. These are applied directly to the affected nail and generally need to be used consistently for an extended period because toenails grow slowly.

More extensive infections may require assessment by a GP or other appropriate healthcare professional to determine whether prescription treatment is suitable.

Regular podiatry treatment can also help manage thickened or difficult-to-cut nails. Reducing excessive nail thickness and removing loose or damaged nail material can make the nail easier to manage while treatment takes effect.

It is important to understand that a fungal nail infection can take many months to clear, because the affected nail needs to grow out.

Can Fungal Toenails Be Prevented?

There are several practical steps that can help reduce the risk of developing or spreading fungal nail infections:

Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet regularly and dry carefully, particularly between the toes.

Change socks regularly. Clean, dry socks can help reduce moisture around the feet.

Choose suitable footwear. Avoid wearing shoes that make your feet excessively hot or sweaty.

Do not share nail clippers or other foot-care equipment.

Wear appropriate footwear in communal areas. This includes swimming pools, changing rooms and communal showers.

Treat athlete's foot promptly. Fungal infections of the skin can spread to the toenails.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

If your toenails have become thickened, discoloured, brittle or difficult to cut, a podiatrist can assess the nails and advise you on appropriate care.

Professional nail care can be particularly helpful when thickened nails are difficult to cut yourself or are causing discomfort in footwear.

If there is uncertainty about the cause of the nail changes, further assessment or testing may be recommended before starting antifungal treatment.

Fungal Nail Treatment in Hexham

At Advanced Chiropody & Podiatry, our HCPC Registered Podiatrists provide professional assessment and treatment for a wide range of foot and nail problems.

If you are concerned about a fungal toenail in Hexham, we can assess the nail, manage any excessive thickness and provide advice about appropriate treatment and ongoing foot care.

Our Hexham clinic is located at:

Advanced Chiropody & Podiatry 26 Battle Hill Hexham NE46 2EB.

We also provide home visit podiatry and chiropody services across Gateshead, Newcastle, South Tyneside and surrounding areas of Tyne and Wear.

If you have noticed changes to your toenails and are unsure whether they are caused by a fungal infection, contact Advanced Chiropody & Podiatry to arrange an assessment.

HCPC Registered Podiatrists | Est. 1990 | 07899615458 | advancedchiropody@gmail.com