Another Fungus question - Nail Problems Message Board

anxiousgrl · 09-17-2006, 06:25 PM

Sorry - this is a long one:

About three months ago, I found a small patch on my left big toe that appeared to have been scraped off - I figured I had stubbed my toe. I continued getting pedicures and thought nothing of it. About a month and a half ago, I noticed that I was getting a few more peeling, white spots and that the side of my toenail was yellowing. I could peel the spots and dig into my nail. On top of this, I found two small (pin-point) dark brown spots under my nail on the border of the yellowing area. I started to worry a little and again, got another pedicure. When I last removed my polish (about two weeks ago), I noticed that the superficial peeling spots were healed and that the white (cloudy areas) now appear under the nail. The brown dots are still there with the yellow area, but they appear to be growing out with the nail. I have no separation or lifting as of yet and I am using vicks twice daily in the case this is fungus...

I do remember the nail technician accidentally cutting the skin at the edge of my nail (on two occassions on the same spot

) and putting an anti-bacterial on my skin. I know that fungal infections can invade this way. Does this sound like onychomycosis?

Any help would be appreciated!

Marti · 09-18-2006, 01:10 PM

Sometimes, the peeling and white spots can signify that the technician was too aggressive in the cuticle area with her implements, such as the metal pusher. In this event, the surface nail plate cells would have been compromised while they were still in a softened state, before they turned hard. The result is usually either cells that slough off, or a depression in the nail plate.

The brown spot sounds classic for pseudomonas bacterial infection since it starts as a light green color, progresses through the stages of brown, then turns black. Wearing polish would allow for excess moisture to build up in the nail plate and keep the bacterial infection 'alive'. Remove the polish from the effected nail and apply a drop or alcohol into/onto the area twice a day and after getting out of the shower. Don't apply the Vicks because it will harbor and 'feed' the bacterial infection.

Be CERTAIN that the technician does not cut you in any way during a pedicure/manicure service and be CERTAIN that you see her sanitize her instruments, implements, files and/or drill bits before she uses them on you. If she does not or has not sanitized her instruments, etc. she can transfer infection and fungus from one client to another.

anxiousgrl · 10-20-2006, 06:53 PM

Marti, thank you for the response.

In the past month since my last post, I have stopped using vicks and have left my toenails alone. The damaged areas on both big toenails are definitely growing out, including the yellow discoloration and black spots on the left big toenail. I noticed today, when I was clipping my nails that the discolored area on the left toenail was a bit crumbly and had debris under the nail (although the nail is not lifted) that I was able to scrape out. Does this at all sound like fungus at this point? Would fungus have grown out? The nails growing in on both toes are fine and the discolored areas have remained towards the tips.

As I mentioned, the technician did definitely cut the skin on the side of my left big toenail. In the case that this was pseudomonas, would it have grown out without medication?

Just wondering what this issue was.... Perhaps just a result of frequent pedicures and polishing? Regardless, I have a heightened awareness of salon cleanliness...

Although I understand that you cannot diagnose conditions online, Any further input that you might have will be appreciated!

Thank you!

Marti · 10-21-2006, 07:09 AM

If it was Pseudomonas, simply exposing the nail to air will help to dry out the nail plate. Keeping it clean and dry will help as well as the bacteria need moisture to survive. Pseudomonas will make the nail plate crumbly depending on how deep into the nail plate the infection traveled. If the spots are black or dark brown, it had invaded all the layers of the nail plate. Still keep it dry by cleansing with alcohol twice a day and always after your shower.

The stain is a by-product of the infection and is composed mainly of iron compounds. The stain will grow out with the nail plate.