Are there different types of toenail infections?
There are two basic causes of toenail infections, either bacterial or fungal. A toenail infection is different from having an infection of the toe. This would include an ingrown toenail or infection of the surrounding cuticle. The most common cause of bacterial infections in toenails is due to staphylococcus aureus, or staph.
Staph infections that are resistant to some antibiotic therapy are Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA.
MRSA infections require a stronger antibiotic to kill the bacteria causing the infection. The bacteria strain is becoming stronger as it changes to adapt to the commonly used antibiotics.
Toenail Infections and Fungi
There are a variety of fungi responsible for infecting toenails. The most common type of fungi responsible for toenail infections is dermatophytes. Other common fungi include yeast or mold. It helps to understand that fungi are very tiny or microscopic organisms that flourish in moist, dark, and warm areas.
In other words, places where it is consistently humid. Fungi love humid places, such as indoor swimming pools, community locker room showers, and shoes. Each of these places sees little or no sunlight, and receives little or no fresh cool air, enhancing the growth of fungus.
Fungal infections of the toenail may begin with a small yellow or white dot at the tip or base of the toenail. If left untreated it can lead to a thickening of the toenail. Eventually the nail becomes brittle, causing the toenail to break as it grows out.
Medical Causes of Toenail Conditions
Many medical conditions and deficiencies will mimic bacterial or fungal toenail infections. See the list included below:
• Lines, ridges, or grooves that occur from biting nails, using nails as tools, or naturally occur during pregnancy
• Brittle nails occur naturally with aging. Yet, other causes include soaking nails in water, or jobs that require frequent hand washing
• White or yellow nail color due to nail bed separation
• Reddened cuticles around the nail bed stems from a cuticle or skin infection at the base of the nail bed
• Red or black nail beds occur when the nail has experienced a physical trauma, such as slamming a finger in a door. The redness is blood building up under the nail, which can be painful
• A black dot under the nail bed that is not a direct result of a physical trauma. This injury to the nail bed may instead be a sign of a melanoma, or type of skin cancer
Finding a Board Certified Podiatrist
It is important that one does not try to self-diagnosis toenail problems. The best practice is to contact your primary care.
A podiatrist is a physician trained in treating foot disorders, including infections and other medical conditions. So, make an appointment today to get your toenails evaluated and treated.
