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toe fungus foot
Evolution chart

TOENAIL FUNGUS. IT MAY BE WORSE THAN IT LOOKS.

Slide the meter below to find a visual match with your toenail.

0
Mild Moderate Severe

How it looks

mild toefungus graphic

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

moderate toefungus graphic

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

severe toefungus graphic

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.

See Treatment Options See A Doctor For More Symptoms
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Quick Facts

One in five

Canadians have or have had a toenail fungus infection.*

Less than 30%

of Canadians believe that a nail fungus infection is contagious.*

Almost 30%

of Canadians believe that nail infections are caused by poor hygiene.*

Nearly 2/3

of Canadians who suffer from toenail fungus are embarrassed about their condition.*

Up to 50%

of nail problems are due to a fungal nail infection.*

12-18 months

is the time required for toenails to re‑grow completely.*

What Dermatologists Say

Dr. Richard Thomas, dermatologist

Dr. Richard Thomas

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Quote

Be patient when treating nail fungus. Once the infection progresses beyond a certain point, the treatment will take time to work.”

Dr. Stuart Maddin, dermatologist

Dr. Stuart Maddin

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Quote

Don’t neglect your nails. If your nail has changed in appearance without knowing why, have a doctor check it. A fungal infection becomes progressively more challenging to treat with time.”

Dermatologist Dr. Charles Lynde

Dr. Charles Lynde

Markham, ON, Canada

Quote

Patients need to understand that it takes a long time to cure nail fungus. It can take from 6-12 months for the nail to fully grow out and replace the diseased nail.”

Dr. Richard Thomas, dermatologist

Dr. Richard Thomas

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Quote

Onychomycosis brings a unique therapeutic challenge—the nail structure makes it difficult to penetrate with topical treatment, but the side effects become a concern with oral treatment.”

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