What mimics toenail fungus?
Psoriasis can sometimes mimic a fungal infection of the nail even though psoriasis isn’t an infection at all but rather a skin disorder caused by an overactive immune system. Other causes of toenail discoloration include ingrown nails, skin cancer, certain inflammatory conditions, and Darier disease.
What causes thick toenails besides fungus?
Toenails can thicken as a result of sudden or repeated trauma or injury. Mostly, this happens to people involved in sport or exercise, such as soccer players, runners, and dancers, but also to people with ill-fitting shoes. Often, thick nails due to injury are mistaken for fungal infections.
Can you have thick toenails without fungus?
Are thick toenails always fungus? No, thick toenails are usually not fungus. The toenail root responds to pressure by growing a nail plate that is thicker and sometimes detached from the nail bed — a place where the fungus can hide and grow.
Can toe nails show health problems?
Your toenails tell a lot about your overall health. A fungal infection often causes thickened yellow toenails. Thick, yellow nails also can be a sign of an underlying disease, including lymphedema (swelling related to the lymphatic system), lung problems, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
What is Candidal onychomycosis?
Candidal onychomycosis is an infection of the nail plate by fungus caused by Candida. In one study Candida parapsilosis was the most common species; Candida albicans is also a common agent.
What is proximal subungual onychomycosis?
Proximal subungual onychomycosis is the least common form of tinea unguium in healthy persons (Figure 5). It occurs when the infecting organism, usuallyT. rubrum, invades the nail unit through the proximal nail fold, penetrates the newly formed nail plate and then migrates distally.
Can thickened toenails be reversed?
Thick toenails can be reversed if the underlying cause is addressed or proper preventative measures are taken. Polishing rough surfaces to make them smoother is a great way to treat thick toenails. Avoid pedicures because they may cause fungal infection to flare up when cuticles are removed.
Can a podiatrist treat thick toenails?
Treatment for Thickened Nails: Toenails which are thickened or starting to curve as a result of increase thickness are best treated by a podiatrist. Well Heeled Podiatry is experienced in dealing with all kinds of nail problems, including nails that are splitting, pitting, lifting or ridged.
What can a podiatrist do for thick toenails?
A podiatrist will grind the nail at frequent intervals. In some cases, trauma to the nail is permanent and the nail may require removal under local analgesia. In such cases the nail root matrix will need to be destroyed because damaged growth cells will continue to produce a thick new toenail.
Can B12 deficiency cause nails?
Nail plate discoloration can result from several nutritional deficiencies. Research has shown vitamin B12 deficiency to cause brown-gray nail discoloration. White nails can be the result of anemia and pink or red nails may suggest malnutrition with several nutrient and vitamin deficiencies.