Nobody wants to end up with toenail fungus, but unfortunately, it’s a condition that is very easy to contract. Many people have infected toenails, but they don’t know what type of fungus they’ve been infected with.
Since there are only four main types of toenail fungus, it’s fairly easy to make a diagnosis. These different types of fungus have been given their names based on where they reside on the nail. Research shows that the majority of nail infections are caused by dermatophytes.
WSO
Out of the four main types of nail fungus, white superficial onychomycosis is the second most common. Fortunately, this type of fungus can be treated easily. It’s known to affect the upper or top layer of the toenail.
When it’s first starting to develop, it has the appearance of white spots, and it develops on the surface of the nail. If given enough time, this fungus will completely cover the nail surface. The white spots will turn into a chalky, crumbly powder.
What differentiates this type of fungus from the rest is the fact that it does not cause toenails to separate from the skin and thicken. Its primary function does nothing more than change the nail’s appearance. However, regardless of how it affects the nail, this type of fungus should be treated and eliminated.
PSO
The scientific name for this fungus is proximal subungual onychomycosis. This type of fungus is also caused by dermatophytes. However, people who have HIV are much more likely to develop this form of nail fungus.
The HIV virus makes a person much more vulnerable to developing PSO. Unlike WSO, this fungus affects the base of the toenail, which is the skin that is located at the nail fold. Thickening of the skin is what makes this fungus quite easy to diagnose.
If a person is infected with this form of fungus, it’s likely that the skin around the nail will become thick and move away from the nail. It can also cause the nail base to become white. The nail might also become opaque, and in some cases, the skin on the foot becomes infected.
Candida Onychomycosis
Oftentimes, experts call this type of fungus a yeast infection. When compared with the other forms of fungus, this one is quite uncommon. A yeast infection can affect both the skin and nail, but it almost always develops in fingernails.
Like the other types of fungus, a yeast infection can cause the toenail to separate from the nail bed.
It prefers to invade the weakest areas of the nail. A yeast infection can cause toenails to become brownish, green or white, and it can cause the nails to grow into odd shapes. It can also make toenails become much thicker than normal.
DSO
Research says distal subungual onychomycosis is the type of fungus that is most common. It’s actually caused by the fungus that is known to cause athletes foot, which is dermatophytes.
This type of fungus is known to affect the skin that is located under the end of the toenail, but it can also infect the inside of the nail. It can cause the nail to turn white or yellow. Over time, it can also cause the nail to split and crumble.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
There are several signs and symptoms to watch out for, and they’re really obvious. Any amount of discoloration is a symptom of toenail fungus. For example, the nail might turn yellow or white.
If they’re infected by fungus, toenails might also become flaky and thick. It’s also important to watch out for tenderness of the skin around the nail. Fortunately, all types of nail fungus can be eliminated with laser treatment.
