Toenail fungus is caused by a fungi infection while psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes the skin cells to grow too quickly.
A more thorough response to your request
Toenail fungus and psoriasis are both common foot problems that can cause discomfort and embarrassment. While they may share similar symptoms, the underlying causes and treatments are quite different.
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects the toenails. It is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and moist environments such as sweaty shoes or public showers. Symptoms of toenail fungus include thickening and discoloration of the nails, crumbling edges, and a foul odor. Treatment options for toenail fungus include topical or oral antifungal medications, laser therapy, or in severe cases, surgical removal of the affected nail.
On the other hand, psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the skin cells to grow too quickly, leading to thick patches of red, scaly skin. While psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, it often affects the feet and hands, causing itching, burning, and cracking of the skin. Psoriasis is not contagious, and the exact cause is still unknown. Treatment options for psoriasis include topical creams, light therapy, and in severe cases, oral or injected medications.
Despite their differences, toenail fungus and psoriasis can both be managed with proper care and treatment. It is important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.
Interesting facts:
- Approximately 10-15% of the population has toenail fungus
- Psoriasis affects up to 3% of the world’s population
- Both toenail fungus and psoriasis can be exacerbated by factors such as poor hygiene, stress, and a weakened immune system
A helpful table comparing the differences between toenail fungus and psoriasis:
| Toenail Fungus | Psoriasis |
|---|---|
| Caused by a fungal infection | An autoimmune disorder |
| Feels itchy or painful | Feels itchy or painful |
| Thickened, discolored nails | Thick, red and scaly patches of skin |
| Foul odor | Cracking and bleeding of skin |
| Treated with topical or oral antifungal medications | Treated with topical creams, light therapy, or medications |
| Can be prevented with good hygiene practices | Exact cause is unknown |
As the famous saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” By regularly practicing good foot hygiene and keeping feet clean and dry, one can reduce the risk of developing toenail fungus or exacerbating psoriasis symptoms.
Video answer to your question
Dr. Mark Green explains how not all toenail issues are caused by fungus and that there are many other reasons, including trauma, medical conditions, and medication, that can cause toenails to become thickened, discolored, brittle, and loose. Although deformed toenails can be an invitation for fungus to invade, a proper diagnosis from a specialist is necessary to confirm a fungal infection. Once confirmed, proper treatment is essential to prevent the spread of the condition and further complications.
Some more answers to your question
While psoriasis is more commonly found on fingers, fungal infections typically occur on your toenails, and most often on a single toe unless it’s left untreated and spreads. “If you see a single toenail involved, it’s much more likely it’s a fungal infection or trauma-related, not psoriasis,” says Dr. Braue.
Also people ask
Keeping this in view, What does psoriasis look like on toenails?
If you have psoriasis, it’s important to check your fingernails and toenails for signs of nail psoriasis. Common signs include: Tiny dents in your nails (called “nail pits”) White, yellow, or brown discoloration.
How do you get rid of psoriasis on your toenails? As a response to this: How do you treat nail psoriasis?
- Corticosteroids: Your healthcare provider may prescribe a corticosteroid cream, ointment or nail polish.
- Medicine injections: In more serious cases of nail psoriasis, your healthcare provider may use a thin needle to inject medicine into the skin around your nails.
Does psoriasis look like fungus? Answer will be: The two can be differentiated by the appearance, as psoriasis has a classical yellow nail pitting (indentation) which is not found in any fungal infection. The yellow pitting in psoriasis and hyperpigmentation (dark discoloration) in the case of fungus can be the strong differentiating points.
Similar
Also to know is, What causes psoriasis of the toenails? Response will be: Nail psoriasis is caused by the same immune system response as skin psoriasis. Your provider can look at your nail changes and see if they are typical of psoriasis or are more likely being caused by another condition. Many treatments, like prescription medications, are used to treat nail psoriasis.
What is the difference between nail psoriasis and fungus?
Response to this: Psoriasis is more likely than a fungus to make the nails detach from their beds, leading to nail loss. The nails may fall off entirely or break off in pieces. Before a nail falls off, a gap usually develops between the nail and the fingertip.
Herein, What are the risk factors for nail fungus? The reply will be: Men, especially those with a family history of fungal infections, develop nail fungus at a higher rate than women. You’re also at increased risk of nail fungus if you: People who have circulatory problems or diabetes also have an increased risk of nail fungus. Any injury to the nail bed can also make you more vulnerable to nail fungus.
What are the symptoms of nail psoriasis? Answer: If you have nail psoriasis, you may first notice a yellow discoloration at the tip of a nail. The color and lifting of the nail may eventually go all the way down to the cuticle. Bacteria can get into the space under the nail and cause infection, which can turn the whole nail a dark color. The color of your nail may also change.
In this regard, What are the symptoms of nail fungus?
Response will be: If you’re experiencing toenail fungus, you might notice that your nail has become yellow-brown in color, distorted or warped, or usually brittle or thick. Many people with toenail fungus also report a slight odor coming from the infected nail.
What is the difference between nail psoriasis and fungus? Psoriasis is more likely than a fungus to make the nails detach from their beds, leading to nail loss. The nails may fall off entirely or break off in pieces. Before a nail falls off, a gap usually develops between the nail and the fingertip.
Besides, What are the risk factors for nail fungus?
The reply will be: Men, especially those with a family history of fungal infections, develop nail fungus at a higher rate than women. You’re also at increased risk of nail fungus if you: People who have circulatory problems or diabetes also have an increased risk of nail fungus. Any injury to the nail bed can also make you more vulnerable to nail fungus.
Regarding this, What are the symptoms of nail psoriasis? If you have nail psoriasis, you may first notice a yellow discoloration at the tip of a nail. The color and lifting of the nail may eventually go all the way down to the cuticle. Bacteria can get into the space under the nail and cause infection, which can turn the whole nail a dark color. The color of your nail may also change.
Secondly, What are the symptoms of nail fungus? If you’re experiencing toenail fungus, you might notice that your nail has become yellow-brown in color, distorted or warped, or usually brittle or thick. Many people with toenail fungus also report a slight odor coming from the infected nail.