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What Are the Early Symptoms of Toenail Fungus?
That area of the nail mayturn a color such as white, brown, or yellow.
The nail may also start to pull away from the bed, and the top may become powdery.
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Over time, the nail may become discolored and thickened and may start to split and break down.
Eventually, this may spread to the other nails.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungal infections arecaused by various species of fungi, which flourish in heat and humidity.
Fungi can also cause other infections, such asringwormandathlete’s foot.
If your toenail has a crack or injury, you may be particularly susceptible.
If there is a black area underneath the nail, that is likely what it is.
You may also want to check to see if the nail is still fully attached to the bed.
If it has begun to separate, it may be a case of toenail fungus.
How Is Early Toenail Fungus Treated?
They will thenprescribe medicinefor you to apply to the affected nail every day or every week.
What Happens if Early Stage Toenail Fungus Is Untreated?
It may be easy to dismiss toenail fungus, especially in the beginning.
But it’s important not to forgo treatment.
As toenail fungus gets worse, it can become more unsightly and painful.
In some cases, it may even become painful to wear shoes.
The condition also becomes more difficult to treat.
Early on, topical treatment is the mainstay, but it may not be sufficient to eliminate the infection.
The nail can grow back, but the fungus may return as well.
Your healthcare provider can also treat the area so that the nail will not return.
Can You Prevent Toenail Fungus?
It may resemble a simple nail injury, which will resolve on its own.
This may be treated early using topical fungal medication.
But if this progresses, then more aggressive oral treatment may be necessary.
If left untreated, this may spread to other nails and even affect the surrounding skin.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fungal nail infections.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: who gets and causes.
NHS Inform.Fungal nail infection.
Children’s Skin Center.Is that a bruise or nail fungus?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Nail fungus: diagnosis and treatment.
