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How do you tell if changes in your nails are caused by a fungal infection? Chances are, they aren't. Unless your hands or feet are continuously moist or damp, or unless you walk around barefoot in locker rooms or restrooms, these changes in your nails' appearance are not caused by fungus.
But if you're still worried, here are some signs to look for.
A ringworm infection (onychomycosis) starts as a small white or yellow spot on your nails that then spreads outward. Left untreated, the nail may become infected and discolored, deformed, or thickened. The skin surrounding your nails may also become red, swollen, and itchy. If you reach this point and still do not seek treatment, the area may become painful and give off a foul smell. On the foot, some scaling may appear on the sides. This often looks like dry skin and is usually diagnosed as such by mistake.
What about lines or ridges on my nails? If the ridges are horizontal, this can be an indication of severe stress (physical or psycological). Try to eliminate the stress in your life and apply a lotion with lactic acid, such as Eucerin. If the ridges on your nails are vertical, this often occurs in older people and is a common sign of aging. Just try to keep your nails moisturized as much as possible.
White or yellowish nails, is usually the cause of ringworm or another fungal infection such as a candida infection. The fungus causes the nail to separate from the nail bed and become discolored. Seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Black or brown spots under your nails are caused by bruising or some other type of trauma to your nails. If the injury was serious, the area may be sore for a while, but just wait it out and the bloody areas will go away by itself.
Green nails or pus is caused by a bacterial infection. Again, as with a fungal infection, seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid damage to your nails.
Swelling of the skin around your nails is definitely caused by a yeast infection. The candida has infected the cuticle or skin surrounding your nails and may cause some pain in addition to the swelling and redness. Treat this with any of the natural topical candida treatments listed on this blog.
I hope this helps you diagnose what's wrong with your nails. But if you have any doubts whatso ever, it's always best to consult a doctor and to do so as soon as possible. Again, it is important to treat an infection as soon as possible to avoid damage to your nails or the surrounding tissue
