What do white spots on toenails mean?

Fungal Nail Infection When fungus takes hold of your toenails, it starts feeding on the keratin that your nails are composed of. This causes changes to their appearance, including white spots, streaks and patches. Fungal nail infections have different types and severities.

What causes white spots on big toenail?

Do you have a toenail that’s turned white, or has large powder-like patches? You could have a fungal infection, most likely one called white superficial onychomycosis. If possible, see a doctor as soon as you notice it. This infection spreads across the toenail.

How do you get rid of cat nail fungus?

Infections can be treated with either oral medications, or topical ointments that are applied directly to the nail. These treatments often last for a period of 2-4 weeks, after which time the cat should return to normal.

Are white spots on toenails fungus?

Fungi. A common nail fungus called white superficial onychomycosis can appear on the toenails. The first sign of the infection may be a few small white dots on the nails. The infection can grow and spread to the nail bed.

How long does it take for white spots on nails to go away?

In most cases, when white spots appear on a single or a couple of fingers or toes, the most common cause is injury to the base (matrix) of the nail. When this is the case, white spots disappear after around eight months, which is the amount of time necessary for nails to regrow completely.

Will toenail fungus go away on its own?

Fungal infections of the toenails — also known as onychomycosis — don’t go away on their own, and if left untreated, the fungus will spread and can eventually destroy the nail.

What does cat nail fungus look like?

When talking about cat nail fungus, it refers to an infection that causes inflammation of the tissue around the nail. It is also called onychomycosis. The responsible fungus is often Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Cats will show abnormally shaped, swollen and yellowish nails.

Does Vicks Vapor Rub cure toenail fungus?

Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in the treatment of toenail fungus. To use, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.

How do I know if my cat has fungus on his nails?

Press the pad between your pointer finger and thumb to protract his claws for a closer look. In addition to the glaring presence of fungus, your cat may show other symptoms of fungal infection, including redness or swelling around the nail or abnormal nail color.

Why does my cat have a bump on his nail?

It could also be a symptom of internal health problems, including immune system-related diseases. Cause aside, fungus builds up in, on and around cat nails, often spreading to other paws and claws. In the short term it usually causes brittle nails, called onychorrhexis.

What kind of nail disorder does a cat have?

Nail and Nailbed Disorders in Cats. The disorders are generally known as dystrophies. One type of nail disorder, paronychia, is an infection that causes inflammation of the tissue around the nail or claw. Onychomycosis, or fungal infection, can also occur in and around the nail bed.

What color nails should I get for my cat’s paws?

In cats with light-colored paws, the quick is pink — a stark contrast to white nails. If your cat has darker nails, look for a drastic change and err on the side of caution.