Recognize nail fungus: pictures of typical symptoms

Infection of the feet with fungi is common. The pathogens are mostly filamentous fungi, which thrive in warm, humid climates and primarily affect the feet. Colloquially, nails affected by fungus are also called lime nails. In medicine, one speaks of nail fungus (onychomycosis) when the nail is affected and the athlete’s body when the infection occurs between the toes. The pathogens of the two forms are closely related, so nail fungus can develop in an athlete’s body and vice versa. But the hands can also be affected by nail fungus. However, the fungal infection occurs much less frequently on the fingers than on the toes. The following pictures show the symptoms you can use to recognize nail fungus on your feet or hands.

What does nail fungus look like?

Nail fungus often begins insidiously and only leads to changes in the nails over time. Since the signs are very different and inconspicuous, especially in the early stages, many people find it challenging to recognize nail fungus.

Usually, the pathogens attack the nail’s free edge and spread from there to the entire nail if the fungal infection is not treated. Microbiological diagnostics can only prove whether nail fungus is actually behind the changes. If you suspect nail fungus, you should seek medical advice early.

You can recognize nail fungus by these symptoms:

• Discoloration and thickening of the nail
• Separation of the nail from the nail bed
• cracked, brittle, brittle or peeling nails
• dull, opaque nails
• itching
• Redness and inflammation in the affected area
• Transverse grooves or reinforced longitudinal grooves

You can find out more about the typical symptoms of nail fungus below.

Healthy nails without nail fungus

Healthy toenails and fingernails are slightly curved outwards. Due to the protein keratin formed in the top layer of skin, they are strong and naturally shine. The nail plate is 0.5 to 0.75 mm thick in healthy nails, and the nail bed shines through slightly pink. The nails protect toes and fingers from injury and make gripping easier by supporting the fingertips.

First changes in nail fungus

Affected people often need to pay more attention to the first signs of nail fungus because they are very inconspicuous. In most cases, the nails appear only a little dull at the beginning of the infection. Over time, you can perceive a whitish clouding of the nails, intensifying.

Nail fungus first on the big toe

Nail fungus often begins on the big toe. This is because the big toe is on the outside of the bar. This makes it particularly susceptible to minor injuries through which pathogens can penetrate the nail. The little toe can also be affected first by nail fungus. If left untreated, the fungus can spread from the big or little toe to other toenails.

Discoloration of the nails due to nail fungus

As the nail fungus infection progresses, the nails become discoloured – often white, yellow or brown. As a result, the nail plate no longer shimmers through pink. The nail often thickens at this stage, another sign of a fungal infection.

Whitening caused by nail fungus

The initial stage of nail fungus is shown by a white discolouration of the nail, as shown in the photo. Typical are white spots and stripes on the nail, which can appear as longitudinal or transverse grooves. But not all spots and grooves in toenails or fingernails have to indicate nail fungus. Here, we present other possible reasons for changes in the nails.

Yellow discoloration from nail fungus

The yellow discolouration, as shown in this picture, strongly indicates a nail fungus infection. At this stage, the nail plate often thickens.

Nail fungus: Nails become crumbly

As the fungal infection progresses, the nails thicken and become porous. Sometimes, they appear downright crumbly. Larger nail fragments will detach if the infection is not treated at this stage. The crumbs break down into infectious dust containing fungal pathogens and can promote further infection.

In the picture, the first three toes are affected by nail fungus. However, the remaining toes also show a dull nail plate and white lines. These are also signs of an infection, so the entire body is probably affected by nail fungus.

A nail plate can detach nail fungus.

If a nail fungus is not treated, the infection can spread so rapidly that the nails not only discolour and become porous, but the nail plate slowly detaches from the substrate. In the advanced stage, the nail dissolves completely: Larger nail fragments crumble off. The infectious dust contains pathogens of the nail fungus, which can cause further infections.

Black nail fungus

Nail fungus can also result in a dark, discoloured nail. This happens when cavities form in the nail. Infections with darkly pigmented filamentous fungi (Neoscytalidium dimidiatum) can also result in black-brown nails.

In addition to nail fungus, an infestation with the bacterium Proteus mirabilis and (in the case of temporary discolouration) a bruise under the nail can also trigger the black discolouration. Skin cancer under the toenail can also appear as a dark spot in rare cases.

Treat nail fungus in time.

If you suffer from nail fungus, it does not have to go so far that the nail slowly dissolves or the nail plate detaches. In most cases, local treatment is sufficient. This is especially true when less than 40 per cent of the nail surface is affected by the fungal infection.

The best systemic therapy against nail fungus

Different treatment options exist for toenail fungus, depending on how advanced the fungus is. Unique nail polishes or tinctures can be used for external treatment. Lasers can also be used, but very high temperatures (more than 50 degrees Celsius) would have to be reached to kill the fungus completely. Such temperatures would not be easily endured by those affected. Internal treatment of the nail fungus with tablets is also possible – however, the medication often has to be taken for several months.

Specialists, therefore, rely on systemic therapy to combat fungi and their spores. The treatment combines the following methods:

• Creams and varnishes containing antifungal agents
•  Remove diseased nail material with a medical pedicure
• prescription tablets (antifungals)

Unlike athletes, those affected by nail fungus must be patient until the treatment shows visible results. Nevertheless, the earlier the nail fungus is treated, the better the chances of success. If the person affected also suffers from the athlete’s body, this should also be treated to prevent the nails from becoming infected again.

Nail fungus: contagion and risk factors

The pathogens of the fungal infection are transmitted from person to person through spores in skin flakes. Everyone loses countless skin flakes daily, most of which end up on the floor. If you walk Barbara in a place with many people, you can easily get infected with toenail fungus. The main places you get infected with the pathogen include swimming pools, saunas, changing rooms or hotel showers.

There are several risk factors for nail fungus:

• genetic predisposition
• circulatory disorders in the feet
• weakened immune system
• Metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus
• excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• Shoes and socks that are too tight or impervious to air
• deformities of the feet

Prevent nail fungus

These seven tips will help you prevent nail fungus and keep your fingernails and toenails healthy:

1. To avoid damaging the nails, you should be careful with manicures and pedicures: cut your nails straight and leave enough space on the nail bed. Always file in one direction only.
2. Gently push back the cuticle slightly with a rosewood stick or cotton swab. The best time to do this is after showering or washing your hair when the skin is soft.
3. Using gloves when cleaning and washing dishes is best to protect your hands from detergents and chemicals. Regular application of lotion also helps to keep the nails supple.
4. Usually, you can use nail polish without hesitation. However, solvent-based nail polish remover removes moisture from the nails and causes them to dry out severely.
5. Brittle nails can be strengthened with unique nail polishes containing keratin. For healthy nails, you can also use biotin bards, such as nuts, oatmeal, soybeans or egg yolk.
6. Avoid shoes that are too tight, and make sure your feet are adequately ventilated. Cotton socks are recommended. These measures will also help you avoid heavy sweating on your feet.
7. To avoid infection, you should not share towels with others and wear bathing shoes in public baths.