Do you have toenail fungus? If you have fibromyalgia, it’s likely that if you don’t have it right now, you’ve probably had it in the past. While discussing fungus isn’t fun, healing it begins when we know more about what it is and why it happens.

Sneakers or Sandals?

Do you have sandal envy? Avoid flip flops like the plague? When you go to the beach, do you immediately ditch your sneakers and bury your toes in the sand in an attempt to distract attention from your feet?  

If toenail fungus prevents you from wearing what you like or going where you like, that’s a big problem.

But it’s not the big problem that you think.

The bigger problem (even more than your embarrassment) is that toenail fungus is an alarming indicator of a bacterial battleground warring inside of you. The battle wages on … where you can’t see it.

From this perspective, we can be grateful for the outward signs of toenail fungus.

Are you grateful for the outward signs of toenail fungus? Here's why you should! Click To Tweet

It’s also important to note that fungus issues are super common. While they’re nothing to be embarrassed about, they’re also not to be taken lightly. Despite the word “fun,” an out of control fungus is not funny at all.

Fungus is simply an opportunistic organism.

If it’s raging inside, it will eventually show up outside.

Signs of Toenail Fungus

You may be surprised to know that there can be a lot of differences in how toenail fungus shows up from one person to the next. Time and circumstances play a big role in the appearance. You may see just a spot or two, or the entire nail may be affected.

Fungal infections seem to favor the big toe. It may start on either side of the nail and then creep toward the center, or begin with spots on the nail itself.

Here are signs and indications to look for. Any of the following may indicate the presence of fungus and by no means do all need to be present:

• White spots or patches across the toenail
• Dry, flaky, yellowy appearance on the sides of the nail
• Nails that separate from the nail beds
• Streaks across the nail varying in color from yellow to shades of brown
• Black spots or flecks on the nail
• Increased nail thickness
• White or pale yellow powdery substance on the nail
• Ridges and uneven surface of the nail
• Pain or tenderness on the nail area
• Foul smelling odor

Fungus: Not Just the Toes

This article focuses on facts and remedies for toenail fungus, however, fungus isn’t limited just to the toes. Fungal infections can be found in a variety of external locations. 

• Skin rashes (itchy areas in the armpits, waistline, and folds of the skin such as between fingers and under the breasts)
• Hives
• Cracking and blisters forming at the corners of the mouth and/or surrounding the lips
• Vaginal yeast infections
• Diaper rash
• Dandruff
• Acne
• Thrush (tongue)
• Jock itch
• Athlete’s foot
• Ringworm

Does Fibromyalgia “Cause” Toenail Fungus?

No, fibromyalgia doesn’t “cause” fungal infections.

But … don’t dismiss the important connection. The two conditions are definitely related. The cause is sort of the other way around. Systemic imbalances (which I’ll detail further in Part 2 of this article) create the environment for fibromyalgia to flourish. These imbalances also trigger co-existing conditions such as IBS, lowered immunity (chronic infections), poor nutrient absorption, and much more. These co-factors create a hospitable environment for infections and overgrowth of bacteria.

Before I wrap up Part 1 of this 3 part series, I want to point out another important factor when it comes to the health of your feet. You may be unaware of this potential danger due to your desire to have pretty looking feet.

Is Your Toenail Fungus Wearing a Disguise?

Do you regularly apply toenail polish and enjoy the look of colorful, sparkly, or glossy nails? Many women do. If you wear polish all the time, you may be unaware of what lurks beneath. You may be covering up a problem that needs your attention.

If your nails are polished, look for tell-tale signs of fungus such as the polish chipping or flaking on one side. Look to see if the tip of the nail looks or feels flakey. Of course, the best thing to do is remove the polish on a regular basis and inspect the nails for any signs of infection.

There’s much more to come in Part 2 and Part 3 of this article!

Check in next week to read Part 2 about the causes of toenail fungus so that you create your own plan of attack. Part 3 – the final part of this article – details tips and natural remedies to eradicate this problem for good. 

Turning the tide on fungus reaps health benefits

 that reach far beyond the toes. 

Do you have issues with toenail fungus? Share your experiences below!