Welcome to Canada’s Nail Fungus Resource
Think you have toenail fungus?
Use the interactive tool to find your toenail on the nail fungus scale.
Mild
Moderate
Severe
It's an infection
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection, usually of the toenails, that is progressive. Fungal nail infections are estimated to account for up to 50% of all nail problems.
It must be treated
A fungal infection is progressive and generally does not go away on its own. If left untreated, it can cause pain and mobility problems, like difficulty walking. Show your symptoms to a doctor as soon as possible.
It's contagious
The fungi that cause nail infections can be transmitted from nail to nail and to the surrounding skin. The risk of exposure to the type of fungi that cause infection is high in areas like locker room floors and public pools.
Next step
If you suspect you have a toenail fungus infection, you should see a doctor at the first signs.
Ask a doctorMild
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 Discoloration
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 discoloration 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. If 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.
Some discomfort may be experienced where the nail is ingrown, deformed and thick enough to rub on inside of shoes.
Nail Discoloration
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 discoloration 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 Discoloration
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 discoloration will affect a larger area of the nail as it progresses.
These photos look familiar? Show your nails to a doctor.