Toenail fungus, commonly known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that can spread from one toenail to
another, as well as to the skin on the feet and other parts of the body. The fungus can easily be spread from
one person to another through contact with infected items such as socks and nail clippers. Practicing good
hygiene is the key to preventing the spread of toenail fungus. Thankfully, there are several options available for
treating toenail fungus, but first, you need to determine what stage of the infection you are facing.

Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus can progress through different stages of severity from early to severe. This is what the
progression looks like:

1. Early Stage: In this stage, the fungus may begin to infect the nail and cause discoloration, but the
infection is not yet completely visible to the naked eye.
2. Mild Stage: The fungus begins to subtly discolor the nail, appearing white or yellow. The nail may
become thicker and harder.
3. Moderate Stage: The fungus has spread further, and the nail becomes brittle and crumbly. The
infection may cause the nail to separate from the nail bed.
4. Severe Stage: The toenail fungus has spread throughout the entire nail and causes the nail to become
misshapen, thickened, and discolored. At this stage, the infected nails may also become painful and
cause difficulty in walking. The fungus may also have encroached upon the skin of the foot and bottom
of the ankle.
It’s important to note that not all cases of toenail fungus will progress through all of these stages. In some
patients, the infection remains mild or moderate, while in others it may progress quickly to become severe. It’s
also important to see a specialist as soon as possible if you suspect you have toenail fungus to avoid it from
progressing to the severe stage and causing more damage to your nails.

Treatment Options
The type of treatment recommended for toenail fungus can include topical antifungal medications, oral
antifungal medications, and the actual removal of the affected nail. The type of treatment recommended will
depend on the severity of the infection and your overall health. Topical medications are applied directly to the
affected nail, while oral medications are taken by mouth. In some cases, a combination of both topical and oral
treatments may be suggested. If the infection is severe, or if it’s not responding to over-the-counter treatments,
it’s best to seek a specialist for professional advice and a treatment plan. A proper diagnosis is important to
determine the correct treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.

The medications used to treat toenail fungus orally, include terbinafine hydrochloride, itraconazole, and
fluconazole. Topical medications may include amorolfine and ciclopirox. There are anecdotal home remedies
such as using tea tree oil, and OTC creams and sprays. What’s most important is to realize that healing toenail
fungus is a process. It can take several months to a year depending on the severity of the infection. It is very
important to adhere to a course of treatment until the infection is gone.

At North Texas Foot and Ankle, we know the reality of living with toenail fungus. It can be painful and embarrassing and if left untreated, can affect your overall health. If you suspect your nail(s) are in the early stage and are unsure of how to proceed, please call us at 214-574-9255 to schedule an appointment. Successful treatment of toenail fungal infections is possible with early diagnosis and the appropriate treatment
plan.