Toe Fungus Symptoms

Toenail fungus can appear any time of the year and on anyone. It is a highly contagious disease that can cause discomfort and embarrassment. There are specific symptoms of toenail fungus to be on the lookout for.

Discoloring of Nail Plate

• Toenail fungus causes discoloring of the nail. It may start at the free edge or side of the nail and spread to the entire nail plate. The discoloring starts out as a white or greenish hue and, if left untreated, may progress to black.

Formation of Pus

• One of the most tell-tale signs of toenail fungus is pus. As the infection proceeds, pus will form under the nail bed and become painful. A bad smell may also develop.

Lifting of the Nail

• If left untreated, the nail will begin to lift off of the nail bed. This lifting may occur at the sidewall, cuticle area or free edge of the nail.

Potential Complications

• If left untreated, toenail fungus will cause permanent damage to the nail bed, causing the nail to become misshaped. Many times the damaged nail grows into a horn shape. This causes discomfort and pain because of shoe pressure on the nail.

Treatment

• There are many over-the-counter and home remedy treatments, but most effective are oral medications prescribed by health care professionals.