Some people do not pay attention to their toenails daily, but they can give you early signs if something isn’t right. If you have ever noticed your toenails look different, maybe a strange color or texture, you might have brushed it off as nothing serious.
Ignoring these small changes in your nails can lead to a fungal infection that gets worse with time. Nail fungus infection often starts quietly and by the time it becomes hard to treat, it has already advanced. That’s why it’s important to catch it early on. Knowing what to look for can save you a lot of stress and help you get treatment in the early stage of the infection.
Changes a Podiatrist Would Notice Early
One of the first signs of nail fungus is a change in the way your nail looks or feels. You might see white or yellow spots showing up near the tip of your nail. A podiatrist is trained to spot even small signs of a fungal infection. They look at the nail’s color, thickness, and how it’s growing.
If your nail starts to look cloudy or brittle, or if the edges begin to crumble, those are also signs something could be wrong. Getting checked early can help you avoid needing more serious treatment down the road. A podiatrist can guide you to the right solution before the problem grows worse.
Look for Nail Discoloration
Healthy nails usually have a light pink color with a clear white tip. If you start noticing a yellow, brown, or even greenish tint, that’s a sign fungus could be present. This kind of discoloration often starts near the edge of the nail and slowly spreads toward the cuticle.
Sometimes, it might look like a stain that won’t wash off, which is another clue that you could be dealing with something more than just dirt.
Check for Nail Thickness or Brittleness
Another common early symptom is a change in how thick or hard your nail feels. The fungus can make your nail grow in uneven layers, causing it to thicken in some spots and become weak in others.
When this happens, your nails might start to break easily or feel uncomfortable in your shoes. If your nail feels harder than usual or looks warped, it could mean fungus is affecting how the nail is forming.
Watch for Changes in Nail Shape
Fungus can slowly change the shape of your nail. It might start to curl upward or downward or appear distorted in a way that doesn’t match your other nails.
These small shifts might seem like minor cosmetic issues, but they can be early signs of infection. As the fungus spreads, it can affect how your nail grows, making it look less like a normal toenail and more like a thick shell.
Pay Attention to Discomfort or Pain
In the early stages, nail fungus doesn’t hurt. But if your toe starts to feel tender or sore when you press on the nail or wear tight shoes, that discomfort might be coming from pressure caused by damaged nails.
Even a small amount of pain is worth noting, especially if you are also seeing other changes like discoloration or strange odor. Spotting these symptoms early gives you a better chance of treating the problem quickly and avoiding long-term damage.
