What are the Signs and Symptoms of Onychomycosis?

Every one in 10 people suffers from toenail fungal infection and can have similar signs and Symptoms of Onychomycosis. People with a past medical history of fungal infections can be more affected and precise treatment is necessary to prevent the spread of toenail fungal infection to the other nails.

Onychomycosis also known as Toenail Fungal Infection or Tinea Unguium is the most common fungal infection and can affect anyone irrespective of age and gender. It is caused by the excessive growth of fungi on the toenails, fungi love to thrive in damp and moist environments, so, people with sweaty feet, people spending more time in the water bare feet or people who wear shoes all the time are more at risk than any other. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but the following can be the most common symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Onychomycosis

It can cause a variety of changes in the appearance and health of the affected nails, leading to discomfort and potential social embarrassment. Here’s a detailed look at the signs and symptoms of onychomycosis:

Visual Changes: Signs of Onychomycosis

The changes which we can see and appear outside are called signs and the following can be the common signs seen in patients with onychomycosis. One thing to note here is not all the people who have these visual changes suffer from toenail fungal infection, in some because of psoriasis and nail injury we can see the same signs.

• Discolouration: The most common sign is a change in the colour of the nail. The nail plate can turn white, yellow, brown, or even black.
• Thickening: The nail may become thicker and lose its normal smoothness. It might become crumbly or develop ridges and uneven surfaces.
• Deformation: The nail can become misshapen, distorted, and lose its normal curved shape. In severe cases, the nail may even crumble and break off completely.
• Separation: The nail plate might separate from the nail bed, leaving white or yellow debris underneath. This separation can sometimes cause pain or discomfort.

These Signs of Onychomycosis can be easily detected by the doctor as these can be seen by the naked eye.

Other Symptoms of Onychomycosis

The following are the symptoms of onychomycosis which are felt by the patient and can be explained to the healthcare physician during consultation.

• Brittleness: The affected nail may become brittle and easily crack or break, especially at the edges.
• Loss of lustre: The nail can lose its natural shine and appear dull.
• Debris buildup: Crumbled nail fragments and debris can accumulate under and around the infected nail.
• Pain: In some cases, onychomycosis can cause pain, especially when pressure is applied to the affected nail.
• Foul odour: In rare cases, a foul odour may be present due to the accumulation of fungus and debris under the nail.

It’s important to note that not everyone with these symptoms will have onychomycosis. Other conditions, like psoriasis or injuries, can also cause similar changes in the nails. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage to the nail and improve the chances of successful treatment.

Home remedies for Onychomycosis

These home remedies can help the patient get some relief from the signs and symptoms before seeking medical treatment and can prevent onychomycosis in normal individuals.

• Wearing clean and dry socks, changing them daily and washing them on proper premises. Sun drying can help to kill the fungus if any.
• Prefer breathable footwear over tight-fitting to avoid excessive moisture.
• Keep the nails short and trim frequently to remove the debris.
• Maintain good foot hygiene by washing them with soap and water after entering the home from outside and letting them dry thoroughly, wiping out excess moisture in between the toes.
• Applying tea tree oil or aloe vera can help to some extent with the pain and discomfort.

Practising good hygiene and certain home remedies can provide some relief from Symptoms of Onychomycosis. However, for precise and early treatment, one needs to consult a healthcare professional.

A quick wrap-up

Toenail Fungal Infection or Onychomycosis or Tinea Unguium is the most common fungal infection and commonly affects the toenails more than fingernails. Even though people who sweat more or follow unhygienic practices can be at more risk, but prone to fungal infections can be an internal thing. People with weakened immune systems and imbalanced doshas are the real culprits of being attacked by an infection. Because their body loses the immune power to fight against infections and hence the infection grows easily, the above-mentioned are the most common signs and Symptoms of Onychomycosis and can be seen in anyone with toenail fungal infection. But there are chances of misdiagnosis with psoriasis or any nail injury, so, it’s always better for the patient to consult a doctor or healthcare expert and seek medical treatment. If the condition is left untreated it can be spread to other nails and the fungi can eat all the nails leaving the patient feeling self-conscious of his/her appearance and socially embarrassed to move out.