Toenail fungus itself doesn't directly cause cancer, but fungal infections can cause inflammation, potentially increasing cancer risk, and dark spots from fungus can mimic subungual melanoma (nail cancer), a serious condition requiring prompt diagnosis to rule out malignancy. It's crucial to see a doctor for any persistent dark spots or nail changes, especially if there's no injury, as melanoma often appears similar to a fungal infection, and early detection is key for melanoma treatment.
Subungual melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops under your nail. It most commonly appears as dark brown or black streaks on your nail. Early detection and prompt treatment yield the best outcomes.
For pregnancy-safe toenail fungus treatment, consult your doctor for options like topical antifungals (clotrimazole, miconazole), which are generally preferred, or laser therapy, a medication-free choice; avoid oral medications unless necessary, and consider home remedies like Epsom salt soaks or tea tree oil (diluted, with professional guidance) while waiting for professional care, as oral antifungals and some natural remedies carry risks.
People with toenail fungus are at a higher risk of developing other fungal infections—including those that affect the heart. Toenail fungus can sneak up on you—especially if you're immunocompromised or have preexisting health conditions.
Signs of Skin Cancer on the Feet
Look for the signs of melanoma
Aside from looking like a changing mole, a melanoma on the foot can appear as a: Brown or black vertical line under a toenail. Pinkish-red spot or growth. New spot or growth where you injured your foot.
If toenail fungus (onychomycosis) goes untreated, the nail becomes thicker, brittle, discolored, and may crumble, causing pain and difficulty walking, and it can spread to other nails or skin, potentially leading to serious bacterial infections like cellulitis, especially for those with diabetes or weakened immunity, and can even cause permanent nail damage or loss.
Circulatory problems linked with heart disease or linked to uncontrolled diabetes can cause ridges, grooves or pitted patterns across toenails. Illness, trauma and these disease conditions serve as stressors that temporarily halt matrix cells that produce new nail material. Have them evaluated by your podiatrist.
“If the pigment band becomes wider than 3 millimeters (mm), especially near the cuticle; becomes more irregular in pigmentation, such as a mixture of light and dark brown shades; or develops blurred borders extending to the skin around the nail fold [or, bottom of the nail], you have historical indicators of nail ...
To permanently kill toenail fungus, you need professional treatment, with oral antifungal medications like terbinafine (Lamisil) being the most effective for clearing the infection, though they require months of use and liver monitoring. Prescription topical creams (e.g., Jublia, Kerydin) and medicated nail polishes (Penlac) are also options, often used with nail thinning or combined with oral meds. Laser therapy can be effective by heating the fungus but isn't a first-line treatment and lacks strong evidence for a permanent cure.
To use it, apply Vicks VapoRub with a cotton swab and try to work it under the nail a bit, Dr. West says. Put a sock on to keep the product in place. Repeat at least three to four times per week, though daily is safe, too.
You're more likely to get a fungal nail infection if: your feet are constantly warm and damp. you wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty. you don't keep your feet clean and dry.
While no definitive evidence suggests that fungus directly causes cancer, remaining vigilant about your health is essential.
The 5 key signs of melanoma, often remembered by the ABCDE rule, are Asymmetry (uneven halves), Border irregularity (ragged edges), uneven Color, a Diameter larger than a pencil eraser (6mm), and Evolving (changing) size, shape, or color, plus other signs like non-healing sores, itching, or bleeding from a spot.
Equipment used for Nail Biopsy
For numbing your skin during the biopsy, a local anesthetic called 1% lidocaine solution is often used. This prevents you from feeling pain during the procedure.
Three early warning signs of heart failure include persistent fatigue/weakness, shortness of breath (especially with activity or lying down), and swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles, and feet, often accompanied by rapid weight gain from fluid buildup, all signaling your heart isn't pumping efficiently enough. Other key indicators are a chronic cough (sometimes with pink mucus) and heart palpitations.
In rare cases, toenail fungus can cause an infection called cellulitis. Without prompt treatment, cellulitis may pose a serious danger to your health. You should seek treatment guidance from a trusted healthcare provider if you have: Circulation problems.
A podiatrist can treat the infection effectively and thoroughly with prescription anti-fungal medications and creams. They may alternatively use a special laser that passes light energy through the nail and under the nail bed to target and eradicate the fungi.
If your nail turns white and chalky or yellow, it's not a good sign. If it turns brown or green, it's a very bad sign. It means the fungus has really gotten out of control, and your toe is infected.
Keratin granules are areas of damage to the top layers of the nail. They show up as small, chalky white spots or rough patches and happen when nail polish, especially if left on too long, dries out and weakens the surface of the nail.
Signs and symptoms of subungual melanoma
Some conditions that may look similar to subungual melanoma include: a fungal nail infection. paronychia, an infection of the nail bed. pyogenic granuloma, which are overgrowths of nail tissue.
The 7 warning signs of skin cancer, often remembered by the ABCDEFG rule, include changes in moles (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter > 6mm, Evolving), plus new growths, sores that don't heal, and persistent itching or bleeding, indicating a spot that's changing or looks different from others (the "Ugly Duckling" sign).