If you’ve noticed your toenails looking thicker, discolored, or just plain weird lately, you might be wondering: “Is this toenail fungus or psoriasis?” It’s a common question we get at Restore Podiatry because both conditions can make your nails look damaged, unhealthy, and embarrassing to show in sandals. It’s confusing, especially when you search online and everything starts to sound the same.
Here’s the thing: telling the difference matters because treatment is different. You don’t want to waste months using antifungal creams if it’s actually nail psoriasis, or ignore a fungal infection that could spread to your other toes.
In today’s blog, we’re here to break it down in a clear way so you can figure out what’s going on with your nails and get them back to looking healthy.
Toenail fungus, known medically as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that often starts small and gradually takes over the nail. It usually happens when fungus gets under your nail from environments like public pools, locker rooms, or sweaty shoes, which is common for active Long Islanders.
Toenail fungus is contagious, meaning it can spread to your other nails or even to family members if untreated. It also thrives in warm, damp environments, making it easy to pick up and hard to clear without the right treatment.
Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects your skin and nails. It isn’t contagious, but it can be uncomfortable and cause changes that look similar to toenail fungus.
Many people with nail psoriasis also have psoriasis on their skin, such as patches on the elbows, knees, or scalp. However, for some Long Islanders, nail changes might be the first sign of psoriasis, which can make it even more confusing to know what you’re dealing with.
Both toenail fungus and nail psoriasis can cause:
This is why many people in Hicksville and Long Island mistake one for the other, especially if they’ve never had psoriasis before. However, there are subtle differences you can look out for.
Wondering if it’s toenail fungus or nail psoriasis? It’s a common confusion for many Long Islanders around Hicksville. Here’s how to spot the difference so you can take the next step toward getting your nails back to healthy.
First, check if you have pitting or small dents in your nails. These tiny, pinpoint depressions are a classic sign of nail psoriasis and aren’t typical of a fungal infection. If your nails look like they’ve been tapped with a tiny hammer, psoriasis may be the reason.
Next, give your nails a quick sniff (we know it’s weird, but it helps). If you notice a foul odor or see crumbly debris under your nail, that’s more of a fungal infection giveaway. Fungus loves to build up gunk under the nail, while psoriasis doesn’t cause a smell.
Take a minute to check the rest of your skin, too. Do you have scaly patches on your elbows, knees, or scalp that get itchy or flaky? If so, and your nails are also looking rough, it might point to nail psoriasis since it often shows up alongside skin psoriasis.
Look closely at how your nails are lifting. If your nails are lifting slowly from the edges with yellowish debris underneath, it often signals toenail fungus working its way under the nail plate. On the other hand, sudden nail changes like pits, horizontal lines, or discoloration across the nail are more commonly tied to nail psoriasis.
Here’s the thing: even with these clues, it can still be tough to tell for sure. Both conditions can cause thick, discolored nails that are embarrassing to show off in your sandals. If you’re tired of guessing, the best move is to book a consultation with your Hicksville podiatrist so we can get to the bottom of what’s causing your nail issues and get you on the right treatment quickly.
Living in Hicksville, NY, or Long Island, you’re busy balancing work, family, and daily life. The last thing you need is to worry about hiding your toenails or dealing with discomfort in your shoes. Whether it’s toenail fungus or nail psoriasis, you don’t have to keep guessing or hiding your feet. At Restore Podiatry, we’re dedicated to helping Long Islanders get clear answers and effective treatments so you can get back to living confidently and comfortably.
If you’re tired of wondering whether you have toenail fungus or psoriasis, it’s time to get a clear diagnosis and a customized treatment plan that actually works. Call us today or schedule your consultation online at Restore Podiatry to get started on your journey to healthier nails.
Treating patients from Jericho, Syosset, Glen Cove, Brookville, Old Brookville, Muttontown, Old Westbury, Westbury, Greenville, Glen Head, Locust Valley, Roslyn, Roslyn Heights, Manhasset, East Hills, Port Washington, Sand Points, Great Neck, Mineola, Garden City, Hempstead, East Meadow, Levittown, Wantagh, Bellmore, Merrick, Oceanside, Lakeview, Hewlett, Seaford, Amityville, Lindenhurst, Babylon, West Islip. Plainview, Bethpage, Woodbury, Melville, Dix Hills, Elwood, Huntington, Cove Neck, Lloyd Harbor, Greenlawn, Deer Park, Brentwood.
Yes, it’s possible to have both toenail psoriasis and a fungal infection at the same time, which can make diagnosis tricky. That’s why it’s important to see a podiatrist in Hicksville to get clear testing so you can receive the right treatment for each condition.
Nail psoriasis typically does not go away on its own and can worsen over time if untreated. While you can manage symptoms and improve nail appearance with treatment, psoriasis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care.
Clearing toenail fungus takes several months, depending on severity and the treatment method used. Nails grow slowly, so even after the fungus is gone, it can take time for healthy nail growth to fully replace the damaged nail.
Yes, nail psoriasis can increase your risk of developing a fungal infection. The nail lifting and tiny cracks from psoriasis can let fungus in, leading to a mixed condition that needs a specific treatment plan. If you have psoriasis and notice new debris, odor, or changes, it’s best to get checked by your Hicksville podiatrist to prevent it from spreading.
Have any questions or concerns? Our team at Restore Podiatry is here to help! Reach out to us anytime, and we’ll be happy to assist you with expert advice and personalized care.
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