Have your toenails changed in colour or texture? If you’ve noticed yellowing, thickening, or brittleness, toenail fungus, also referred to as Onychomycosis or Tinea Unguium, could be the reason. This condition is most often caused by Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale, which are fungi that thrive in certain environments. Tinea Unguium becomes more prevalent with age and can spread from other fungal infections, such as Tinea Pedis (athlete’s foot). It often affects one or more toenails, particularly the big toenail or the little toenail.
While symptoms may begin mildly, toenail fungus can gradually worsen if not managed early, leading to discomfort and potential complications. Therefore, understanding the factors that contribute to its development is essential in addressing and preventing further spread. Now, let’s take a closer look at the common causes and symptoms that make your toenails more vulnerable to this infection.
Common Causes of Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus often starts small but can become more troublesome if conditions favour its growth. Several factors increase the likelihood of infection, making it easier for the fungus to thrive and spread. Below are some of the most common causes linked to fungal toenails:
- Warm, Damp Environments: Public pools, locker rooms, and tight-fitting shoes can trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for fungi to thrive. This increases the chances of fungal infections developing.
- Wet Weather Season: During the south-west monsoon, from June to September, rain and humidity create lingering moisture in shoes and socks. This added moisture makes fungal infections more likely to occur.
- Poor Feet Hygiene: Failing to wash and dry feet properly, especially after exposure to wet conditions, allows fungal growth. Excessive perspiration in the feet (hyperhidrosis) further promotes a damp, warm environment for fungi.
- Athlete’s Foot: Those with a history of athlete’s foot are more prone to toenail fungus. The infection can easily spread from the skin of the feet to the toenails if it isn’t properly managed.
- Nail Trauma: Repeated trauma to the toenails, like stubbing or pressure from tight shoes, make them more vulnerable to infections. Damaged nails are more likely to harbour fungi and become infected.
- Weakened Immune System: Those with weakened immune systems or older adults face a higher risk of toenail fungus. As nails age, they grow more slowly, providing more time for fungi to settle in.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
After understanding the causes of toenail fungus, it is equally important to recognise the symptoms for timely intervention. Common symptoms of fungal toenails include:
- Discolouration: The toenail may become yellow, white, or brown, which is one of the earliest signs of fungal infection.
- Thickening of the Nail: As the infection progresses, the toenail may become thickened and more difficult to trim.
- Brittle or Crumbly Nails: Infected toenails may become brittle and start to break or crumble easily, losing their natural strength.
- Distorted Nail Shape: The shape of the toenail may change, appearing more curved or warped, often due to thickening and uneven growth.
- Separation from the Nail Bed: The toenail may begin to lift away from the nail bed, a condition called Onycholysis, which can cause discomfort.
- Foul Odour: In some cases, a mild to strong unpleasant smell may be present due to the fungal infection.
Because fungal toenails don’t always cause significant discomfort early on, it’s easy for the condition to be neglected. However, routine nail and skin care at the podiatrist’s is crucial for those at risk. Regular check-ups help catch any subtle changes in the nails, ensuring timely intervention before the infection becomes more serious.
Toenail Fungus Management and Prevention
In Singapore, several methods are available to address toenail fungus, ranging from managing symptoms to eliminating the infection. When choosing the most suitable option, it’s important to keep in mind the causes and the potential for recurrence. While over-the-counter treatments exist, seeking professional advice from a podiatrist might improve the chances of long-term success.
Management Methods
Depending on the severity of the infection, different approaches can be used. Below are some available options:
- Topical Antifungal Medicines: Applied directly to the affected nail, these can take several months to show results. They are often considered a gentler option for long-term use.
- Oral Antifungal Medication: For more severe cases, tablets may be prescribed but come with potential side effects. They also require monitoring and may not be suitable for everyone.
- Toenail Debridement: This procedure involves thinning the toenail to improve the efficacy of other care methods. It is commonly performed alongside additional procedures.
- Special Light Technology: This option, called Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT), uses a photosensitising gel and light to target the fungus.
- Toenail Removal: In cases of severe infection, the toenail may be removed (avulsion) in a minor procedure under local anaesthetic, allowing a new, healthy toenail to grow back.
Preventive Care
Preventive care is just as important as management, particularly if you have experienced repeated fungal infections. Here are some measures to follow:
- Address Athlete’s Foot Early: Address athlete’s foot quickly to prevent it from spreading to your toenails.
- Keep Feet Dry and Clean: Ensure your feet are dry after washing and change socks regularly to avoid moisture buildup.
- Wear Proper Footwear: Choose breathable shoes that fit well, avoiding high heels or narrow-toed shoes that can trap moisture.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Do not share towels, shoes, nail clippers, or scissors, as they can spread fungal spores.
- Use Antifungal Products: Consider using antifungal sprays or powders inside your shoes to help prevent fungal growth.
Get Rid of Toenail Fungus at East Coast Podiatry
At East Coast Podiatry, we understand how frustrating toenail fungus can be when it persists over time. As Singapore’s leading podiatry clinic, we offer a range of care methods, including Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT) and topical applications, to target fungal infections and restore healthy nails. In rare cases where the infection is more severe, toenail avulsion may be considered, but our primary focus is on less invasive options to promote nail recovery.
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, addressing it early can help prevent complications. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward clear, healthy nails. Our team of podiatrists is here to provide personalised care and solutions to support long-term nail health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fungal Toenails
The primary cause of toenail fungus is the presence of fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. You can contract these organisms through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection or by walking barefoot in communal areas such as pool decks and locker rooms. Additionally, poor foot hygiene, such as not washing and drying your feet regularly, can create conditions that promote fungal growth. Wearing tight or non-breathable shoes also contributes by trapping moisture around the toenails, making it easier for the fungus to invade. By understanding these causes, you can take preventive measures to protect your toenails.
Toenail fungus can be tricky to manage with over-the-counter creams alone, as they often require consistent use over time and may not fully address the issue. For more targeted methods, Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT) and toenail debridement are available to directly address the infection. In more advanced cases, toenail removal (avulsion) may be necessary to ensure the infection is eliminated. Visiting a podiatrist can help prevent the condition from worsening and promote healthier nail regrowth with a personalised care plan tailored to your needs.
Fungal toenail infections often begin with mild changes but can worsen if ignored. Early signs include a change in the nail’s colour, such as yellow, white, or brown discolouration. As the infection progresses, the toenail may thicken and become harder to trim. The nail may also become brittle or crumbly, making it prone to breaking or cracking. Over time, the shape of the toenail may become distorted or uneven, and in some cases, the nail may begin to separate from the nail bed, causing discomfort. A foul odour may also develop due to the infection. Identifying these symptoms early and seeking help can prevent further complications and support healthier nail growth.
Nail avulsion is a procedure used to manage severe fungal toenail infections that have not responded to other care methods. It involves the complete removal of the toenail to ensure that all infected areas are eliminated and to promote healthy nail regrowth. This approach is typically necessary when the infection is severe and other options have proven inadequate. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and is considered minimally invasive. Following proper post-procedure care is essential to ensure healing and minimise the risk of infection.
Ignoring toenail fungus can lead to several complications as the infection may spread to other areas of your body. You might experience itchy, red, and cracked skin around the toes or on the feet, which can cause discomfort and increase the risk of secondary infections. Additionally, if left unmanaged toenail fungus can worsen over time, leading to discomfort in the affected toe, thickening of the nail, and potential detachment from the nail bed.
