Is This Nail Fungus? Phoenix Podiatrist Explains

Sondema Tarr
Aug 9
2 min read

Have you noticed changes in your nails and wondered if it's a fungus? Let’s break down how you can tell the difference. Here's what you need to know.

What Nail Fungus Looks Like

Nail fungus usually makes your nail thick, yellow or white, crumbly, or smelly. Sometimes, it can cause the nail to lift, and you might find debris under the nail. This type of infection often starts in one toenail and can spread to others.

Other Conditions That Look Like Fungus

There are several other conditions that can look a lot like nail fungus:

Nail Injuries: If you've hurt your nail in the past, it might change color, become thicker, or start crumbling, just like with fungus.

Psoriasis: This skin condition can affect your nails, making them dented or white.

Getting Older: As we age, it's normal for our nails to get thicker and change color.

Health Problems and Medicines: Conditions like diabetes or treatments like chemotherapy can change your nails.

Other Infections: Bacterial infections can turn your nails green, like in Green Nail Syndrome.

Why You Need a Nail Sample Test

The best way to really know what’s happening with your nail is to get a small piece tested, also known as a nail biopsy. This painless procedure involves trimming your nail and sending it to a lab to see what's causing your issue. This helps ensure you get the right treatment for whatever is affecting your nail.

A Real-life Example

I had a patient with nail problems for 20 years. They thought they might have a fungus and wanted treatment to make their nails look better. After a test, we found out they had a common fungus type, which made it easy to treat because we knew exactly what to target.

Why Knowing Matters

Getting the right test is important before starting treatments like medications or laser treatment for toenail fungus. This makes sure you're treating the real problem and not wasting time or money.

Wrap-Up

If you're worried about nail changes, visit a foot doctor for a test to find out what’s really going on. Whether it's a fungus or something else, getting a clear answer is the key to getting better.

Have you had nail problems? What did you find out? Share your story in the comments. If you found this helpful, like it and subscribe for more.

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