What causes fungal toenails?

Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is caused by fungi (like dermatophytes, yeasts, molds) invading through small nail cracks or skin openings, thriving in warm, damp environments like sweaty shoes, public pools, and locker rooms, often starting from athlete's foot and spreading to nails, especially with risk factors like diabetes, poor circulation, weakened immunity, or nail trauma.

What are the main causes of toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is mainly caused by fungi thriving in warm, damp places, entering through nail cracks or skin cuts, often from athlete's foot, sweaty shoes, or public areas like pools/gyms, with risk factors including older age, poor circulation, diabetes, psoriasis, and weakened immunity. It's an invasion by dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds that get a foothold in moist environments, leading to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling nails.
 

How do you get rid of a fungal toenail?

To get rid of toenail fungus, you'll need consistent treatment, often starting with OTC antifungal creams (like terbinafine, clotrimazole) or prescription lacquers, but deeper infections need oral antifungals (itraconazole, fluconazole) or laser therapy; pairing topicals with thinning the nail (debridement) helps, and good foot hygiene (keeping feet dry, rotating shoes) prevents recurrence, but seeing a doctor (dermatologist/podiatrist) is key for severe cases or underlying issues like poor circulation.
 

What permanently kills toenail fungus?

To permanently kill toenail fungus, professional treatments like prescription oral antifungals, laser therapy, or even nail removal for severe cases are most effective, as topical solutions often struggle to penetrate the nail; however, consistency with topical treatments (prescription or some natural options like tea tree oil) or diligent hygiene can also work, though it takes months to a year to see results as the nail grows out.
 

How to treat fungal nails when pregnant?

Your doctor may prescribe a fungal nail polish such as ciclopirox. This medication is safe to take during pregnancy, although it is best not to use it while breastfeeding. To use medicated nail polish, apply to the nail once daily. After a week, clean the nail with alcohol to remove the layers of polish.

Principal Podiatrist Michael Lai Explains: What Causes Fungal Toenails?

What are three signs of a fungal nail infection?

Symptoms of nail fungus include a nail or nails that are:

• Thickened.
• Discolored.
• Brittle, crumbly or ragged.
• Misshapen.
• Separated from the nail bed.
• Smelly.

Can I use antifungal cream on my feet while pregnant?

Topical terbinafine is often used to treat athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and a variety of other fungal infections. It is assigned pregnancy category B as animal studies with the use of this agent have not demonstrated any adverse effects to the fetus.

What vitamin deficiency causes toenail fungus?

Additionally, biotin deficiency can increase the risk of fungal nail infections and subsequent nail plate discoloration. Changes in nail shape and surface. Nutritional deficiencies can cause several changes in the shape and surface of nail plates.

What happens if you have toenail fungus for too long?

If toenail fungus goes untreated, it can cause worsening pain, thickening, crumbling, and discoloration, leading to difficulty walking, permanent nail damage (like detachment), and spreading to other nails or skin (athlete's foot). For those with weakened immune systems or diabetes, it significantly raises the risk of severe bacterial infections like cellulitis, potentially requiring hospitalization.
 

What do podiatrists recommend for toe fungus?

Podiatrists recommend a multi-pronged approach for toenail fungus (onychomycosis), ranging from OTC antifungal creams for mild cases to prescription oral meds (like Terbinafine, Lamisil), medicated lacquers, laser therapy, and even surgical nail removal for severe infections, often combining treatments for best results and emphasizing good foot hygiene to prevent recurrence.
 

What is the white stuff on my toenails?

White stuff on toenails is commonly keratin granules (chalky buildup from polish/dryness) or a fungal infection (onychomycosis), which starts as white spots but can thicken and discolor; other causes include minor injury, mineral deficiencies (zinc/calcium), psoriasis, or systemic illness; a doctor can diagnose if it's dryness, infection, or something more serious.
 

What nail polish is good for fungal nails?

For fungal nails, medicated nail polishes like prescription Ciclopirox (Penlac) or over-the-counter options with ingredients like Amorolfine, Tea Tree Oil, or Undecylenic Acid (found in brands like DaniPro) help fight fungus, though results take time (months to a year) and require consistent application, filing, and removal of old layers, often needing a doctor's guidance for best results.
 

What not to do with toenail fungus?

Don't pick at the skin around your nails. Don't use nail polish or fake nails on your nails. Don't share personal things, such as towels and nail clippers.

Does toenail fungus indicate health problems?

Yes, toenail fungus (onychomycosis) can signal underlying health issues, especially for those with diabetes, poor circulation, psoriasis, or a weakened immune system, as these conditions make infections more likely and harder to fight, though it's also common in older adults and from environmental exposure. While often harmless, persistent fungus in vulnerable groups can lead to serious complications, making it crucial to get it checked by a doctor.
 

Is it okay to scrape out 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.

Is toenail fungus related to liver disease?

Discussion. Nail changes are among the dermatological disorders associated with liver disease; these include onychomycosis in addition to other changes as onychorrhexis, dystrophic nails, leukonychia, longitudinal striations, brittle nails, clubbing of fingers, and longitudinal melanonychia [8].

What kills toenail fungus permanently?

To permanently kill toenail fungus, professional treatments like prescription oral antifungals, laser therapy, or even nail removal for severe cases are most effective, as topical solutions often struggle to penetrate the nail; however, consistency with topical treatments (prescription or some natural options like tea tree oil) or diligent hygiene can also work, though it takes months to a year to see results as the nail grows out.
 

What are the red flags for fungal nail infection?

Fungal nail infection should be suspected if: The nail looks abnormal and is discoloured. There are white or yellow streaks along one side of the nail. There is a thickening of the nail; white or yellow spots; or complete destruction of the nail.

Does going barefoot help toenail fungus?

Now, we mentioned that walking barefoot increases your risk for toenail fungus, especially when you're in wet public areas such as pool decks or locker rooms. But the shoes you choose matter. They should be well-fitted and breathable since sweaty feet can create a fungal breeding ground inside your shoes.

What foods feed toenail fungus?

What Feeds Toenail Fungus? Foods with lots of sugar and refined carbs feed toenail fungus. You should also avoid alcohol.

What is the simple Japanese trick for nail fungus?

To use this for treating a fungal nail condition, start by mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of either coconut oil or olive oil. Apply this mixture to any infected toenails with a cotton ball. After letting it sit for about ten minutes, gently scrub the treated nails with a clean toothbrush.

What are the signs of B12 deficiency in toes?

Tingling and numbness: One of the most common symptoms is a tingling, prickling or numb sensation in the hands or feet. This can happen if the vitamin deficiency causes damage to the myelin sheath, which is a protective layer that surrounds and protects nerve fibers.

Do I need to throw away my shoes if I have an athlete's foot?

No, you usually don't need to throw away your shoes for athlete's foot; instead, you must thoroughly disinfect them with antifungal spray, powder, or sunlight while treating your feet to prevent reinfection, but you can discard old, worn-out, or smelly shoes that can't be cleaned effectively. The fungus thrives in warm, dark, moist shoes, so treating them is crucial for a full recovery, alongside keeping your feet clean and dry and washing socks in hot water.
 

What is the safest antifungal tablet?

Terbinafine is the safest oral antifungal. Low-dose fluconazole (up to 150 mg) may be used in vaginal candidiasis, however, higher doses are not recommended. Itraconazole, ketoconazole, and griseofulvin may be best avoided due to lack of reliable human data.

What is the golden rule for every pregnant woman?

The golden rule for every pregnant woman is never to miss meals and ensure she gets all the necessary nutrients for the baby. She can include foods rich in various nutrients and take supplements to avoid nutritional deficiencies and encourage the healthy growth and development of the baby.