If your toenails are thicker than usual and ragged, or if they an abnormal color, such as yellow, white or black, then you may have a toenail fungus. According to the Harvard Medical School, toenail fungal infections account for half of all nail problems. There are four types of nail fungal infections.
Distal subungual onychomycosis
According to the OurHealthNetwork, distal subungual onychomycosis toenail fungus is the most common. It's usually caused by a fungus called Trichophyton rubrum. In the early stages of the infection, part of the nail changes color. The color can range from green to yellow or white, or a combination of these shades. This toenail fungus most often occurs on the end tip of the toenail or around the edges of the nail. The infected nail detaches from the skin beneath it. In the late stages of the infection, the entire toenail becomes discolored, thick and rough. If the nail is very thick, it may rub against your shoe and cause pain.
White superficial onychomycosis
White superficial onychomycosis is the second-most common type of toenail fungus infection, according to the OurHealthNetwork, although it only accounts for ten percent of cases. It is usually caused by a fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes. In the early stages of the infection, only the outer surface of the nail is affected. The infected part appears white, and you can scrape this white material off easily. In the late stages of the infection, the entire nail can turn white. It may look like it is falling apart and dry. This type of toenail fungal infection usually doesn't hurt.
Proximal subungual onychomycosis
Proximal subungual onychomycosis toenail fungus is the least common. It is usually caused by the same fungus that's responsible for the most-common type of infection: Trichophyton rubrum, but it enters the nail in a different place -- close to the cuticle. As the fungus grows, it works itself deeper and deeper into the nail and it appears as a yellow or white discoloration. In the late stages of the infection, the entire nail can become discolored, crumbly and thick. As the nail pulls away from the skin, it can cause pain.
Candida
A Candida nail infection is more common to fingernails than toenails. It's caused by Candida albicans, a type of yeast. In the early stages of the infection, the nail becomes cloudy and the skin surrounding it becomes painful and inflamed. In the later stages of the infection, the nail becomes thick and deformed. It may separate from the nail bed, which appears thick and callused.
References
- Harvard University Medical School Family Health Guide: Nails
- OurHealthNetwork: Nail Fungus
- "Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology;" James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al.; 2006
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