Did you know there are types of toenail fungus, or onychomycosis? The rates of onychomycosis are increasing among people. Many people do not have sufficient knowledge to understand the various types.

Do you have Onychomycosis?

If you do, understanding the type of toenail fungus will help you to better heal. Let us discuss the various types. There are common symptoms relative to each type of nail fungus. First of all, let’s cover the basic nature of the infection.

Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, loves to grow in places of darkness and moisture. These types of conditions support the development of the disease. Fungus can even thrive and grow on the skin given the right conditions.

Do you have a cut, or open wound? The fungus can enter the open skin and gain entry into the nail bed. This can result in an infection of the tissues and nail. Under the nail, the fungus can find conditions which will promote growth.

Workers who are in warm environments are more prone to get onychomycosis. This is especially true if the work area is full of moisture. The main causes of nail infections (fungal) are yeasts, molds, and fungi.

Onychomycosis of Different Types

DSO – Distal Subungual Onychomycosis

This type of nail fungus is the most common type found which is caused in the nail itself. The dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum) adapt to living in the hair, nails, and skin. This type normally arises under the nail edge of the finger, or toe. It will extend over the nail-matrix. This type of fungus will cause infection in both the nail bed, as well as the nail.

Generally, you will see the nail detaching from the nail bed. It will also show some nail discolorations. As the infection spreads, the whole nail will become discolored and thickening may occur.

Read more on Distal Subungual Onychomycosis.

WSO – White Superficial Onychomycosis

This form of nail fungus is the second most common seen in individuals. It normally infects the toe nails and not the finger nails. The cause of this type is normally from the dermatophytes known as Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Uniquely, this type of onychomycosis develops in the upper layers of the nail, and will eventually spread to the whole nail plate. In the beginning, tiny patches of white will appear on the surface layer of the nail. With progression, the nail will dry out and become brittle, flaky, and crumbly.

Over time, the nail shape will become distorted. This particular type of onychomycosis feeds upon protein and keratin to gain nutrition and grow. This will weaken the nail plate over time.

Read more on White Superficial Onychomycosis.

PSO – Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis

This form of nail infection is not seen as often. This type of onychomycosis is mainly caused by Trichophyton rubrum. Fungus will enter the nail bed through the area around the cuticle. The flap of skin covering this end of the nail is the doorway.

When dealing with this type of onychomycosis, the fungus will invade the root of the nail, where the nail is built. It will progress and move toward the tip of the nail. When PSO progresses, infection occurs in the nail folds and the skin will thicken. This in turn will cause the nail to lift up from the nail bed. If the individual with PSO is healthy otherwise, they will need to be checked for immune system disorders.

Candidal Onychomycosis

This type of onychomycosis is caused by a common yeast infection. Infections will result around the skin of the nails. This infection will begin around the cuticle area and will infect the skin as well. The nail will develop discolorations of green, brown, and white. This will potentially spread to the other nails which may also result in the nails lifting up from the nail beds.

Individuals who have candidal infections of the nail will typically have other locations of infection. This will include the oral cavity (mouth), as well as the vagina area. This type of onychomycosis can also be seen in people who have repeated exposure to their hands being in water, or who have gained a nail injury. This form of nail infection is more difficult to treat and can develop into a situation which is very hard to cure.

Read more on Candidal Onychomycosis.

Seek Medical Treatment

If you suspect any type of onychomycosis, or nail infection, it is important to seek medical treatment. Each case can take several months to control. If you are seeking current treatment and do not feel you are making any progress, do not get discouraged. Results will not be immediate, and take time.

Once the type of fungal infection has been confirmed, treatments can be used to gain control and help to cure the problem. Home remedies, or naturally-based treatments can be used in some cases. Otherwise, prescriptions are available to treat the challenge.