Feeling Better Than Ever Before

A lot of people feel embarrassed when they begin to suspect that they have toenail fungus, but this isn't a foot condition that you should ignore. Regardless of how long it has been since you first noticed some changes in the appearance of one or more of your toenails, you shouldn't hesitate to seek help from a local podiatrist. They'll be able to check the severity of the condition and introduce you to a number of treatment options and lifestyle changes that can make your toenail fungus a thing of the past. Here are some warning signs of toenail fungus.

Thickening

One of the early indicators that you have toenail fungus is a noticeable thickening of your toenail. You likely have a good idea of roughly how thick your toenails are, and it can be a surprise if you look down and see that one or more nails appear to be significantly thicker than the others. The thickness will cause the top surface of the nail to sit well above the cuticle area, which can dramatically change the appearance of the affected toe as a whole.

Discoloring

Another telltale sign that you have fungus affecting one or more of your toenails is a change in the nail's color. When healthy, toenails have a color that is slightly pink and slightly clear. When fungus is present, other colors will become evident. The exact look of an affected toenail depends on the severity of the condition, but it's common to see various shades of yellow. You might feel ashamed about this appearance change and begin to avoid wearing open-toed shoes or go barefoot, so it's important to seek treatment so that you aren't limited about what footwear you choose.

Odor

Toenail fungus also has an odor, although this odor isn't always easy to detect. In most cases, you won't be able to smell it during regular activities. If you move your nose close to your foot, however, you might pick up on the scent. This could occur when you're bending to put your socks on, for example. In other scenarios, you might be trimming your toenails and be aware of an unpleasant odor when you cut through the nail. If you're aware of the odor, you might feel self-conscious about it and concerned that other people might notice it at some point.

Set an appointment with a local podiatrist if you have the symptoms of toenail fungus.