Types of Nail Fungus
Our feet are the powerhouses of our body - carrying the load and doing the work day-by-day. And, most of the time, they do so unobserved and largely unappreciated; unless we find ourselves with symptoms that can be both uncomfortable and disconcerting. Toenail fungus, a relatively common malady, comes in several forms; and while they may all look slightly different, they all fall under the umbrella of fungal infection. At this point, experts have categorized toenail fungus into these varying types.
Distal Subungual Onychomycosis
The most common of the toenail fungus, distal subungual onychomycosis is an aggressive type of fungus that specifically targets the keratin in the nail. The result is significant discoloration along the sides of the nail bed. In fact, this particular fungal infection is recognized by the manner in which the toenail becomes discolored - white, yellow, and even green. As the fungal infection progresses, the toenail can become thicker and thicker and begin to detach from the underlying skin.
White Superficial Onychomycosis
While not as common as distal subungual onychomycosis, white superficial onychomycosis is still one of the leading types of toenail fungus. As its name suggests, the symptoms of white superficial onychomycosis include the whitening of the toenail - often seen, at least initally, as white spots on the surface of the nail (this white matter can be scraped off easily in the beginning stages). It first affects the top layer of the toenail but can quickly spread to cover the entire nail bed.
Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis
Less common that other types of toenail fungus, proximal subungual onychomycis is a deeper infection that can cause significant pain as it progresses. The fungus - in this case - works its way under the nail through the cuticle. While early stages of this particular toenail fungus can produce mild to severe discoloration, later stage symptoms can include a cracking/flaking toenail and a painful separation of the nail from the skin.
Candida
Essentially a yeast infection, candida is typically associated with infections of the fingernails. A candida toenail infection is often recognized by the clouding of the nail. As the fungal infection progresses, the skin around the nail bed becomes increasingly irritated, inflamed and painful; and the nail bed itself becomes thick and rough.
Black Nail Fungus
Also common in the world of fungal infections, black nail fungus derives its black coloring - and its subsequent name - from blood that has been left to accumulate under the nail bed. Initially, the nail will likely show a yellowing or other abnormal coloring and, gradually, if the blood remains, the nail will continue to grow darker. In severe cases, the nail will turn black.
Regardless of the toenail fungus you think you may have, it’s important to diagnosis it correctly so that it may be treated appropriately. While there are a variety of natural home remedies and over-the-counter options available for treating toenail fungus, it may become necessary to consult a medical professional; especially if the infection - and its subsequent symptoms - continue to negatively impact your daily living.
Distal Subungual Onychomycosis
The most common of the toenail fungus, distal subungual onychomycosis is an aggressive type of fungus that specifically targets the keratin in the nail. The result is significant discoloration along the sides of the nail bed. In fact, this particular fungal infection is recognized by the manner in which the toenail becomes discolored - white, yellow, and even green. As the fungal infection progresses, the toenail can become thicker and thicker and begin to detach from the underlying skin.
White Superficial Onychomycosis
While not as common as distal subungual onychomycosis, white superficial onychomycosis is still one of the leading types of toenail fungus. As its name suggests, the symptoms of white superficial onychomycosis include the whitening of the toenail - often seen, at least initally, as white spots on the surface of the nail (this white matter can be scraped off easily in the beginning stages). It first affects the top layer of the toenail but can quickly spread to cover the entire nail bed.
Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis
Less common that other types of toenail fungus, proximal subungual onychomycis is a deeper infection that can cause significant pain as it progresses. The fungus - in this case - works its way under the nail through the cuticle. While early stages of this particular toenail fungus can produce mild to severe discoloration, later stage symptoms can include a cracking/flaking toenail and a painful separation of the nail from the skin.
Candida
Essentially a yeast infection, candida is typically associated with infections of the fingernails. A candida toenail infection is often recognized by the clouding of the nail. As the fungal infection progresses, the skin around the nail bed becomes increasingly irritated, inflamed and painful; and the nail bed itself becomes thick and rough.
Black Nail Fungus
Also common in the world of fungal infections, black nail fungus derives its black coloring - and its subsequent name - from blood that has been left to accumulate under the nail bed. Initially, the nail will likely show a yellowing or other abnormal coloring and, gradually, if the blood remains, the nail will continue to grow darker. In severe cases, the nail will turn black.
Regardless of the toenail fungus you think you may have, it’s important to diagnosis it correctly so that it may be treated appropriately. While there are a variety of natural home remedies and over-the-counter options available for treating toenail fungus, it may become necessary to consult a medical professional; especially if the infection - and its subsequent symptoms - continue to negatively impact your daily living.