TOENAIL FUNGUS. IT MAY BE WORSE THAN IT LOOKS.
Slide the meter below to find a visual match with your toenail.
How it looks
Area Affected: 20% Or Less
Although 20% or less of the nail plate is affected, it may go un-noticed. At this stage the earlier the diagnosis the better chance of successful treatment. Show it to your doctor as soon as possible.
Pictures provided by Dr A.K. Gupta, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Discoloration
Fairly constant and is typically cream, white, yellow or orange coloured. Note: colour remains fairly constant throughout the stages, so it is not necessarily an indication of how far along the toenail fungus is but the discoloration will affect a larger area of the nail as it progresses.
Number Of Toenails Involved
1 to 2
What To Expect
Loss Of Nail Attachment
At this early stage, the nail may be slightly detached, and will get worse without treatment.
Nail Deformation
Nail thickening is none to minimal, no nail crumbling yet, but it will progress over time.
Discomfort
Some discomfort where nail is ingrown, deformed and thick enough to rub on inside of shoes.
How it looks
Area Affected: 20% to 60%
20-60% of the nail plate. If left un-treated the condition will worsen and not resolve itself. Show it to your doctor as soon as possible.
Pictures provided by Dr A.K. Gupta, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Discoloration
Fairly constant. Typically cream, white, yellow or orange coloured. Same as mild. As noted, discoloration is not necessarily an indication of progress but the discoloration will affect a larger area of the nail as it progresses.
Number Of Toenails Involved
2 to 5
What To Expect
Loss Of Nail Attachment
Debris below the nail and the nail may begin to thicken and change shape.
Nail Deformation
Mild crumbling begins, some fungus involving scaling, redness and itchiness.
Discomfort
Some discomfort where nail is ingrown, deformed and thick enough to rub on inside of shoes.
How it looks
Area Affected: 60%
60% of the nail plate. Make sure to consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Pictures provided by Dr A.K. Gupta, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Discoloration
Fairly constant. Typically cream, white, yellow or orange coloured. Eventually, a vertical streak will appear – yellow, white or pigmented.
Number Of Toenails Involved
More than 5 nails.
What To Expect
Loss Of Nail Attachment
Further loss of attachment. Symptoms progress further down the nail. Possible loss of nail and even a double nail growing in.
Nail Deformation
Nail can become very thick, and moderate to heavy crumbling can occur with significant loss of nail plate.
Discomfort
Some discomfort where nail is ingrown, deformed and thick enough to rub on inside of shoes.
