See White Toenail Fungus – Nails Turning White Due to Fungal Infection? in its original form on www.YellowToenailsCured.com or read the entire post below.
Not surprisingly, white toenail fungus got its name due to the chalky, powdery specs that are found on the surface of the nail. But, why did it happen?
It's likely caused by a type of fungus. If that is the case, it won't go away on its own, and it might spread to other nails. This must be avoided at all costs. Washing your feet and cutting your nails regularly is recommended, but it won't 'cure' the problem.
With white superficial onychomycosis, the fungal spores enter the layers of your nail’s plate. These are referred to medically as “white islands.” It's believed to account for up to 10% of all cases of fungus. The condition is 'usually' caused by a fungus, but there are exceptions.
We're going to look at the symptoms so you can make a self-diagnosis. Note that there are other reasons why your toenail has turned white, such as trauma to the nail, the use of polishes, underlying health issues, and dietary deficiencies. If it is a fungal infection, we'll let you know the how to get rid of toenail fungus permanently. We'll also recommend ways to prevent fungus from returning in the future.
What Are Common Symptoms of White Toenail Fungus?
When you see white discoloration, this is the first sign that you might have white superficial onychomycosis. You can confirm your suspicions if your nails have become thick, painful, split from the nail bed, and emit an unpleasant odor. The pain might mean that you can no longer wear closed shoes that would crowd the toes.
Dermatophytes are the same fungi that cause athlete’s foot and are responsible for your fungal nail infection, too. Dermatophytes enjoy living in a damp, darkened, and warm environments. The space between your toes inside your closed shoes is ideal.
The condition can cause your toenails to have a whitish, crusty or chalky appearance. The longer you delay treatment, the thicker the nail(s) or big toenail will grow and the more difficult it will be to cure the condition.
It's the thickness of the nails that cause the pain, and you're more vulnerable to a secondary bacterial infection. If the condition reaches this stage, it will be far more troublesome. It's associated with gangrene for people with diabetes. You'll definitely need medical attention from a podiatrist.
How to Diagnose Why Your Toenail is Turning White
You can consult with your doctor if you require medical confirmation that you have a fungal infection.
An accurate diagnosis requires that the following is done:
- The doctor will clip off a small piece of your chalky white toenails and send it away to a lab for testing.
- Perform a careful examination of the nail under a microscope. Medical professionals will put the clipped nail into a container to see if the fungus starts to grow. They can identify the type of nail fungi once they examine the spores.
This completely removes all of the guesswork if you're unsure if you have a different medical condition. Aside from fungi, other disorders may exhibit the same symptoms.
Why Are My Toenails Turning White?
Here are some of the 'other' causes of white marks on toenails (that aren't a fungus):
Injury or Trauma
If you've stubbed your toe and it chips (or grazes) your nail, you might find that your big toenail has turned white. If you've banged your nail somehow, you will likely experience pain (when you press on the toe or walk in your shoes) or notice scratch marks on the surface.
- Note: A nail injury is also an entry point for a fungus, so you may notice white stuff under the toenail. It needs to be monitored closely. If you also see any black spots or yellowing (that aren't just bruising), you should treat it as a fungus.
Toenail Polishes
This is caused by the use of over-the-counter nail polishes (or nail polish remover) over an extended timeframe.
Both substances are equally toxic. Medical compounds, such as acetone, can cause the nails to become really dry. They can become dehydrated, which could be due to an allergic reaction to the potent chemicals in the polish.
Whiteness and discoloration are common side effects that arise from the continual application of polish (and the use of untested brands) without giving your nails sufficient time to recover. Polishes should never be worn 24/7.
Vitamin Deficiency
You may notice white marks on the toenails if you don't provide your body with enough vitamins and minerals. If this is the case, your hair and skin may also be affected. The best way to resolve a skin and nail problem is through the appropriate dietary modifications.
Increase your intake of vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin), L-lysine, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), iron, copper, selenium, zinc, and calcium. You can either adjust your diet or take a quality supplement each day if you dislike certain types of foods.
Failure of Vital Organs
If you have a disease that affects the liver, kidneys, heart, etc. the color of your nails may be your body's way of alerting you that there's a severe problem. You'll likely notice that the tips of the nails have become reddened or darkened.
Medical conditions, such as cirrhosis, diabetes, liver failure, and hyperthyroidism, lead to a condition known as Terry's nails. The only way to fix white toenails is by resolving the underlying health condition. There is no quick or easy cure due to the nature of the problem.
What Are the Underlying Causes of White Stuff Under Toenail?
Most cases of toenail fungus are caused by an infection triggered by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. This is the specific spore that causes fungus and other painful foot infections. As you'll now find out, it'll develop further if the nails are exposed continually to moist and humid environments.
Why are my toenails white? Here are some of the main reasons:
- Sweaty feet. Wearing shoes that cause your feet to sweat excessively. Use the StinkBOSS shoe deodorizer to kill fungal spores in your old shoes and wear moisture-wicking socks. You should purchase more than one pair of shoes and switch them up each day.
- Shoeless in public. Walking barefoot in public areas, such as gym changing rooms and public swimming pools, can be problematic. Try wearing a pair of flip-flops or sandals.
- Toenail polishes. Wearing several layers of nail polish (or never giving the nails time to breathe at the weekend or when at home). When the toenail doesn't get enough ventilation, this encourages the fungus to grow. Considering switching to Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish.
- Circulation. People with poor circulation are more at risk, so the incidence rises with age. You may be able to improve the situation with a Revitive foot circulation booster machine. Losing weight and exercising more often will also be highly beneficial.
- Athlete's foot. If you have ringworm of the feet, as it is also known, this can cause the fungus to spread to your toenails. You should take action to get rid of athlete's foot, especially if you're particularly prone to fungal infections.
How to Get Rid of White Toenail Fungus
But, before modern drugs were introduced, nail fungus was hard to treat. The difficulty arises because the fingernails and toenails receive little blood compared to other parts of the body. Older medications failed to reach the bloodstream, rendering them ineffective.
Prescriptions & Topical Creams
Doctors may prescribe an oral toenail fungus medication and combine it with topical creams or ointments. This combination usually proves useful, especially when followed through for a minimum of 3 to 6 months.
The most effective topical creams will reach the nail bed, where the fungus lies, and kill it entirely. It can be difficult to penetrate the nail bed, which now acts as a protective barrier for the fungus.
Unfortunately, prescription meds can have some unpleasant side effects, one of which is liver damage. They should be avoided if you have other health concerns, such as a heart condition.
Ask your doctor for more information on prescription drugs can affect your health before you get started. Make sure that your medical practitioner is fully aware of your health and medical history.
Treat the Toenail with a Laser
An alternative, such as laser treatment for toenail fungus, is a safer option than taking an oral medication. If you're concerned about the cost, you could use the Cure Ex laser device. It's not cheap, but it's a more cost-effective option than getting treated by a doctor or podiatrist.
Treatment with a laser isn't covered by medical insurance, so the price is a vital consideration. Insurers consider fungal infections to be cosmetic and not a medical problem. Consider if your condition has become more advanced or you've been infected on many occasions.
Fungal Infections Can Return
Medications work, but they don't guarantee that the infection won’t return. If you continue doing the same things that led to the problem, you're likely to become infected again in the future. You need to modify your behavior to maximize the chances of keeping your toenails safe.
If you want to get rid of the infection, use a tea tree product, such as the Purely Northwest Toenail Fungus System. It includes three proven types of treatment that minimize your recovery time. The sooner that you treat the condition, the easier it will be to eliminate. Don't ignore the problem until it causes pain or negatively affects the appearance of the nail(s).
Don't let this happen because there are treatments that work. The early treatment of a fungus can fix this condition within weeks.
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