THINK YOU HAVE TOENAIL FUNGUS?
Slide the scale below to find a visual match with your toenail.
Think you have toenail fungus?
Slide the scale below to find a visual match with your toenail.
Mild
Moderate
Severe
WHAT IS TOENAIL FUNGUS?
Toenail fungus—or onychomycosis—is very common and affects about 10% of people
It's a fungal infection
- About 50% of all nail problems are fungal infections
It must be treated
- Toenail fungus can worsen with time
- Toenail fungus usually does not go away on its own
- Untreated infections can be painful and make it difficult to walk
It's contagious
- Toenail fungus can spread to other nails and to the surrounding skin
- Areas like locker room floors and public pools have higher exposure risks
WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TOENAIL FUNGUS?
Yellow, white, or brown toenail discolouration
Brittle and crumbly toenail(s)
Toenail(s) that are thicker and raised
Debris under the toenail(s)
Loose or lifting toenail(s)
Next step
If you suspect you have a toenail fungus infection, you should consult a healthcare professional right away.
WHO CAN PRESCRIBE TREATMENT FOR TOENAIL FUNGUS?
In some places, healthcare professionals other than doctors can prescribe treatment for toenail fungus. Choose your province or territory to see who can help.
Mild
Area Affected
20% or less
Although 20% or less of the nail plate is affected, it may go unnoticed. At this stage, the earlier the diagnosis the better the chance of successful treatment. Show it to a doctor as soon as possible.
Nail Crumbling
The nail may be flaky, and its condition may worsen over time.
Photos provided by Dr A.K. Gupta, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Nail Deformation
Nail thickening may appear and progress over time.
Discomfort
Some discomfort may be experienced where the nail is ingrown, deformed and thick enough to rub on inside of shoes.
Nail Discolouration
Fairly constant and is typically cream, white, yellow or orange coloured.
Note: The colour remains fairly constant throughout the stages, so it is not necessarily an indication of how far along the toenail fungus is. Rather, the discolouration will affect a larger area of the nail as it progresses.
These photos look familiar? Show your nails to a doctor.
Moderate
Area Affected
20% to 60%
20-60% of the nail plate is affected. It will not resolve itself and go away. Show it to your doctor as soon as possible.
Nail Crumbling
The nail may be flaky, and its condition may worsen over time.
Photos provided by Dr A.K. Gupta, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Nail Deformation
Nail thickening may appear and progress over time.
Discomfort
Some discomfort may be experienced where the nail is ingrown, deformed and thick enough to rub on inside of shoes.
Nail Discolouration
Fairly constant and is typically cream, white, yellow or orange coloured.
Note: The colour remains fairly constant throughout the stages, so it is not necessarily an indication of how far along the toenail fungus is. Rather, the discolouration will affect a larger area of the nail as it progresses.
These photos look familiar? Show your nails to a doctor.
Severe
Area Affected
60%
60% of the nail plate is affected. Make sure to consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Nail Crumbling
The nail may be flaky, and its condition may worsen over time.
Photos provided by Dr A.K. Gupta, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Nail Deformation
Nail thickening may appear and progress over time.
Discomfort
Some discomfort may be experienced where the nail is ingrown, deformed and thick enough to rub on inside of shoes.
Nail Discolouration
Fairly constant and is typically cream, white, yellow or orange coloured.
Note: The colour remains fairly constant throughout the stages, so it is not necessarily an indication of how far along the toenail fungus is. Rather, the discolouration will affect a larger area of the nail as it progresses.
These photos look familiar? Show your nails to a doctor.