What does nail fungus look like?

When one or more of your nails suddenly have a white or yellow spot right beneath the tip of it, it is a telltale sign of nail fungus. Nail fungus infects your nail and slowly grows. The white or yellow spot you see beneath the tip of the nail is its initial growth stage. Many people tend to brush it off and ignore it because there is no pain during this stage. However, when it starts to develop and grow deeper in your nails, your nails will start to discolor to either dead white or dark yellow, it will thicken, and sooner or later it will start to develop crumbling edges.

It looks ugly, and more importantly it hurts. Nail fungus could be pretty hard to treat once it is at its progressed stage, but there are still chances of getting rid of it. Nail fungus can infect both fingernails and toenails, but it tends to infect the toenails easier. This is because the toenails are often covered with socks and shoes, making them humid and warm, the perfect environment for nail fungus to grow. Toenails are also generally easier to get infected especially when they are exposed to public places such as gym bathrooms and swimming pools. It is difficult to detect nail fungus infection early at the toenails because people often do not pay attention to their toenails as much as their fingernails.

There are different types of classifications for nail fungus infection, and each and every one display different symptoms based on its type of fungus that infects, as well as its manifestation. However, all of the nail fungus infection share a few common symptoms. Also known as onychomycosis, nail fungus, as aforementioned, starts with a small yellow or white spot beneath the tip of the nail. As it progresses, your nail will start to thicken. Once it is fully engulfed with the fungus, the nail will be discolored to either dark yellow or dead white. There will be no shine or luster, and the nail will look dull.

As it gets worse, the nail will start to have crumbled edges and develop irregular shapes. Most of the time, there is no pain associated with nail fungus infection, unless it gets very bad and it cracks the nail, causing it to protrude the skin, then there will be pain involved. You might feel slight irritation at your fingertips or toes where the nail is infected, and often times it produces foul smelling odor. So as soon as you spot a white or yellow spot beneath the tip of your nail, immediately seek help of a doctor before it gets worse, spread and progress.

Nail fungus infections are typically caused by fungus which comes from a group of fungi called dermatophytes. However, molds and yeasts could also cause nail fungus infection. The perfect fungus grow perfectly in warm and humid environment, like in shoes, lockers, swimming pools and bathrooms. It can easily invade your skin through small cuts, and in this case, your nails through small separations in the nails. It will get worse especially when it invades your nail, and your nail is exposed to a warm and humid environment, which will encourage its growth.

One of the most common places where people get nail fungus infection is in public showers and bathrooms. It is easy for it to infect from one person to another as it is able to stay in the shower space for a long time until another person walks in. Barefooted, the fungus can easily infect with contact. This usually happens in public showers such as in gyms, swimming pools, spas and many more. One way to help prevent it is to use flip flops or slippers when you take a shower at public places.

You can also get nail fungus while submerged in water which contains the fungus from the mold generation of Scytalidium, Aspergillus, Scopulariopsis and Candida. Those with lower immune system are also much easier to get infected with nail fungus because of the nail’s weakened ability to defend itself from fungal infections. This is especially for those who are aged, as well as those who are immunocompromised due to diseases such as diabetes, hyper-perspiration, psoriasis, HIV, circulatory problems and so much more.

Although it is difficult, but nail fungus infection can be treated with oral and topical medication. Oral medication is usually prescribed by doctors for those with diabetes, cellulitis, as well as pain caused by the infected nail. Antifungal topical cream and ointments are common type of medication. It is best to seek the help of a doctor while it is still in its early stages. Some popular home remedies for nail fungus infection are the likes of WD-40 lubricant, vinegar, and Vicks vapor rub. If you suspect you have nail fungus infection, take it seriously and take action immediately before it spreads or gets worse.