Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesRisk FactorsTreatmentOther ConditionsIs It Contagious?PreventionWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Risk Factors
Treatment
Other Conditions
Is It Contagious?
Prevention
When to See a Provider
There are three main types of toenail fungal infections, also known asonychomycosisortinea unguium, that can change the appearance of your toenails. They’re quite common, affecting up to 14% of people.
While fungal nail infections aren’t a serious health problem, they can sometimes cause pain. More often, though, they’re a cosmetic problem, as the toenail may become thick, discolored, or cracked.
What Do Different Types of Toenail Fungus Look Like?
You can pick up a toenail fungus from your environment. It often gets in through small cracks in the nail or the skin around it.
The fungus may infect one nail or multiple nails and the surrounding skin. Each type has its own signs, symptoms, causes, and appearance.
Subungual Onychomycosis
The most common type of toenail fungus issubungualonychomycosis. It may affect the tip or sides of the nail. Look for:
The fungus, oftenTrichophyton rubrum, typically invades the nail bed and the underside of the nail plate. It then moves toward the base of the nail.
Less often, the infection begins at the base of the nail. This area then thickens and becomes discolored. This is associated with a compromised immune system, especially human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
What Does “Subungual” Mean?“Sub” means “under,” and “ungual” refers to a fingernail or toenail. Thus, “subungual” means “under the nail.”
What Does “Subungual” Mean?
“Sub” means “under,” and “ungual” refers to a fingernail or toenail. Thus, “subungual” means “under the nail.”
White Superficial Onychomycosis
The most common cause of white superficial onychomycosis is the fungusTrichophyton mentagrophytes.
Candida Onychomycosis
Candida (yeast) onychomycosis is most common in people who:
Luliia Petrovskaia / Getty Images
Symptoms include:
This type of infection is especially common in agricultural workers due to exposure to wet environments, mud, and animal waste.
Anyone can get a fungal toenail infection. But you may be more likely to develop it if you have:
They also become more likely with age.
Bacterial Plus Fungal InfectionIf abacterial infectionoccurs along with your fungal infection, it can cause serious illness. A person with diabetes or a compromised immune system may increase this risk.
Bacterial Plus Fungal Infection
If abacterial infectionoccurs along with your fungal infection, it can cause serious illness. A person with diabetes or a compromised immune system may increase this risk.
Treatment Options
Toenail fungus can be difficult to clear up, and it usually doesn’t go away without treatment. You’re more likely to be successful if you starttoenail fungus treatmentsright away.
You’ll know the treatment is working when you see healthy growth at the base of the nail.
Home Remedies
Keep in mind that this is a temporary measure and not a solution. Even if it seems to go away, the fungus is likely to come back.It’s best to make an appointment with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Antifungal nail creams are widely available in drug stores and online. You may want to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to recommend a product, as not all of them are proven effective.You might also want to use a nail-softening cream, which can make the infected areas easier to scrape off.
It may help to disinfect your socks and the insides of your shoes to ensure they’re not reintroducing the fungus when you wear them.
Prescription Medications
Side effects of topical agents can include:
However, some research suggests fungal infections can become resistant to terbinafine, so let your healthcare provider know if treatment doesn’t seem to be working.
ForCandidainfections, common drugs include:
Side effects of oral antifungal medications can include:
It’s also common to combine oral andtopical treatments.
More and more, experts are urging healthcare providers to get alaboratory diagnosisbefore they start treating a patient. That way, they can begin the proper treatment as soon as possible.
It may take several months or even a year for your fungal infection to clear up.
In the case of a severe and painfully malformed nail, your healthcare provider may suggest removing the entire nail permanently. This is a minor procedure that’s usually done with a local anesthetic to numb the area.
Fungal Infections Can SpreadAn ongoing fungal infection can spread from your toenail to other places, or to your nails from somewhere else. If you have or suspect a toenail fungus, take swift action to keep the problem from becoming worse.
Fungal Infections Can Spread
An ongoing fungal infection can spread from your toenail to other places, or to your nails from somewhere else. If you have or suspect a toenail fungus, take swift action to keep the problem from becoming worse.
Other Conditions That Look Like Toenail Fungus
Not all conditions that affect your toenail are fungal infections. Other conditions that can resemble a toenail fungus are:
Seeing a healthcare provider is the best way to determine what’s causing your toenail symptoms and find the right treatments.
Is Toenail Fungus Contagious?
Yes, toenail fungus is contagious. Just as it can spread to other nails or skin, it can also spread to other people.
You may catch or spread toenail fungus in the shower—including at the gym—or through practices such as sharing toenail clippers or shoes. This means that preventive measures are especially important when you have a fungal infection.
How to Prevent Toenail Fungus
You can take steps to prevent toenail fungus, such as:
If you get pedicures, be sure to choose a clean, licensed salon. Ensure they sterilize all instruments before using them on you. You may also be able to bring your own supplies, but if they’ve been used, disinfect them first.
Toenail vs. Fingernail Fungal InfectionsBoth toenails and fingernails can develop fungal infections. However, it’s more common in toenails.
Toenail vs. Fingernail Fungal Infections
Both toenails and fingernails can develop fungal infections. However, it’s more common in toenails.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You should see a healthcare provider such as a podiatrist for a toenail fungus if you notice your toenails are:
You may need more aggressive treatment if:
To avoid complications of a toenail fungal infection, it’s best to seek treatment as soon as you noticeearly-stage symptoms.
Summary
Toenail fungal infections are common and can be difficult to treat. You may be prone to them if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Symptoms may include thickening, discoloration (white or yellow), crumbling, lifting, and spreading to the skin around the nail.
Many conditions cause similar symptoms. See your healthcare provider if you notice concerning changes in your toenails.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of ringworm and fungal nail infections.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: Signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: Who gets and causes.DermNet New Zealand Trust.Fungal nail infections.Rather S, Keen A, Shah FY, Yaseen A, Farooq S, Bakhshi A.Candidal onychomycosis: clinicoepidemiological profile, prevailing strains, and antifungal susceptibility pattern-a study from a tertiary care hospital.Indian J Dermatol. 2021;66(2):132-137. doi:10.4103/ijd.IJD_395_20American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: diagnosis and treatment.National Health Service.Check if it’s a fungal nail infection.American Podiatric Medical Association.Toenail fungus.Gupta AK, Venkataraman M, Renaud HJ, Summerbell R, Shear NH, Piguet V.A paradigm shift in the treatment and management of onychomycosis.Skin Appendage Disord. 2021;7(5):351-358. doi:10.1159/000516112American Academy of Dermatology Association.Twelve ways to prevent another nail infection.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is nail psoriasis, and how can I treat it?American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to check your nails for melanoma.MedlinePlus.Darier disease.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Yellow nail syndrome.National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.National Health Service: NHS Inform.Fungal nail infection.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of ringworm and fungal nail infections.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: Signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: Who gets and causes.DermNet New Zealand Trust.Fungal nail infections.Rather S, Keen A, Shah FY, Yaseen A, Farooq S, Bakhshi A.Candidal onychomycosis: clinicoepidemiological profile, prevailing strains, and antifungal susceptibility pattern-a study from a tertiary care hospital.Indian J Dermatol. 2021;66(2):132-137. doi:10.4103/ijd.IJD_395_20American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: diagnosis and treatment.National Health Service.Check if it’s a fungal nail infection.American Podiatric Medical Association.Toenail fungus.Gupta AK, Venkataraman M, Renaud HJ, Summerbell R, Shear NH, Piguet V.A paradigm shift in the treatment and management of onychomycosis.Skin Appendage Disord. 2021;7(5):351-358. doi:10.1159/000516112American Academy of Dermatology Association.Twelve ways to prevent another nail infection.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is nail psoriasis, and how can I treat it?American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to check your nails for melanoma.MedlinePlus.Darier disease.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Yellow nail syndrome.National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.National Health Service: NHS Inform.Fungal nail infection.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of ringworm and fungal nail infections.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: Signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: Who gets and causes.DermNet New Zealand Trust.Fungal nail infections.Rather S, Keen A, Shah FY, Yaseen A, Farooq S, Bakhshi A.Candidal onychomycosis: clinicoepidemiological profile, prevailing strains, and antifungal susceptibility pattern-a study from a tertiary care hospital.Indian J Dermatol. 2021;66(2):132-137. doi:10.4103/ijd.IJD_395_20American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: diagnosis and treatment.National Health Service.Check if it’s a fungal nail infection.American Podiatric Medical Association.Toenail fungus.Gupta AK, Venkataraman M, Renaud HJ, Summerbell R, Shear NH, Piguet V.A paradigm shift in the treatment and management of onychomycosis.Skin Appendage Disord. 2021;7(5):351-358. doi:10.1159/000516112American Academy of Dermatology Association.Twelve ways to prevent another nail infection.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is nail psoriasis, and how can I treat it?American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to check your nails for melanoma.MedlinePlus.Darier disease.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Yellow nail syndrome.National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.National Health Service: NHS Inform.Fungal nail infection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of ringworm and fungal nail infections.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: Signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: Who gets and causes.
DermNet New Zealand Trust.Fungal nail infections.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: diagnosis and treatment.
National Health Service.Check if it’s a fungal nail infection.
American Podiatric Medical Association.Toenail fungus.
Gupta AK, Venkataraman M, Renaud HJ, Summerbell R, Shear NH, Piguet V.A paradigm shift in the treatment and management of onychomycosis.Skin Appendage Disord. 2021;7(5):351-358. doi:10.1159/000516112
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Twelve ways to prevent another nail infection.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is nail psoriasis, and how can I treat it?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to check your nails for melanoma.
MedlinePlus.Darier disease.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Yellow nail syndrome.
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.
National Health Service: NHS Inform.Fungal nail infection.
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