Have you looked down at your feet recently and wondered why your toenails have turned white, yellow or brown, thick, crumbly or even started to fall apart?
Perhaps you've been hiding them under socks, avoiding sandals or hoping that a fresh coat of nail polish will magically make everything better.
If so, you might have a fungal nail infection!
And here's the important bit: a fungal nail infection will not clear up on its own. It needs appropriate treatment. Left untreated, it can gradually get worse, causing the nail to become thicker, more brittle and crumbly, and in some cases to disintegrate.
So, before your toenails decide to crumble away like an old digestive biscuit, let's talk about what's happening and what you can do about it!
What Exactly Is A Fungal Nail Infection?
A fungal nail infection, also called onychomycosis (a very fancy word for something nobody wants), happens when tiny fungi get into your nail and start growing.
These fungi feed on a substance called keratin, which is what your nails are made from.
Unfortunately, they don't pop in for a quick visit and leave the place tidy. They can settle in and slowly damage the nail.
You might notice:
Yellow, white or brown discolouration.
Nails becoming thick and difficult to cut.
Nails that are crumbly or flaky.
The nail lifting away from the skin underneath.
Nails becoming misshapen or breaking apart.
Sometimes, the infection starts at the edge of the nail and gradually spreads further across it.
And no, it doesn't mean your feet are dirty! Fungal nail infections are common and can affect anyone.
Why Have My Toenails Become Infected?
Fungi love warm, damp places. Unfortunately, our feet spend a lot of time inside shoes, where conditions can be just right for them.
You may be more likely to develop a fungal nail infection if you:
Have athlete's foot, which can spread to your toenails.
Regularly wear shoes or trainers that make your feet hot or sweaty.
Use communal changing rooms or showers.
Have damaged your nail.
Have circulation problems, diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Sometimes, it seems to happen for no obvious reason at all. You can look after your feet carefully and still develop an infection.
So please don't blame yourself, or your favourite pair of shoes!
Will It Go Away By Itself?
Here's where we need to get serious for a moment.
A fungal nail infection usually needs treatment to clear it. Unlike a bruise that gradually disappears, an infected nail can remain infected for years.
You might think the nail doesn't look too bad at the moment, so you'll leave it and see what happens.
But fungi don't usually take the hint and leave!
Without effective treatment, the infection can spread across more of the nail and often to other nails. The nail may become increasingly thick, brittle and crumbly. As the nail structure breaks down, pieces can chip away, and in severe cases much of the nail can disintegrate.
It can also become uncomfortable in shoes and make ordinary nail cutting difficult.
The earlier you seek advice, the sooner you can find out what you're dealing with and discuss suitable treatment.
Can I Just Paint Over It?
Ah, the temptation!
A lovely coat of nail polish can make you feel better about your feet, but it won't treat the fungus underneath.
It's a little like painting over damp on the living room wall. It might look better temporarily, but the underlying problem is still there!
It's best to get the nail checked before relying on cosmetic products or nail reconstruction to disguise the problem.
Also, not every thick or discoloured nail is caused by fungus. Injury, psoriasis and other nail conditions can look similar, so testing may be helpful before starting treatment.
How Do You Treat Fungal Nails?
The right treatment depends on how much of the nail is affected, how many nails are involved and your general health.
Treatment options may include:
Antifungal nail products: These are applied directly to the nail. They can be suitable for some mild infections, but they need regular use over a long period.
Prescription antifungal tablets: These may be recommended for certain infections. A GP will consider your medical history, other medicines you may take and also check you are suitable by performing a blood test first.
Professional nail care: As a Foot Health Practitioner, I can carefully reduce excess thickness and remove loose, crumbly nail material where appropriate. This can make the nail more comfortable and help with ongoing care. However, reducing the nail is not the same as killing the fungus.
Why Does Treatment Take So Long?
Toenails grow very slowly. Even when treatment successfully tackles the fungus, the damaged part of the nail doesn't suddenly become healthy again.
Instead, the healthy nail needs time to grow from the base and gradually replace the damaged section.
A big toenail can take around 12–18 months to grow out fully. So patience is essential!
Think of it as a very slow renovation project, with your toenail doing all the building work itself.
Give Your Nails A Helping Hand!
Keep your feet clean and dry. Dry carefully between your toes, change socks regularly and allow shoes to dry out between wears. If you have athlete's foot, treat it promptly to help reduce the risk of it spreading to your nails. Treat your shoes too. Don’t share towels or bathmats.
If your nails are changing colour, thickening or crumbling, don't wait until they're falling apart to seek help.
At Happy Feet Hove & Steyning, I offer professional foot care and fungal nail testing to help identify the problem and guide you towards appropriate treatment.
Remember, the sooner you tackle a fungal nail infection, the better the chance of preventing further damage. Healthy nails take time, but ignoring the problem won't make it disappear!
So, let's stop those fungi in their tracks and get your feet sandal-ready again.
Happy feet, healthier nails and a happier you!
If you have diabetes, poor circulation, a weakened immune system, or a painful, red or swollen toe, seek professional medical advice promptly rather than attempting to treat the problem yourself.
