Ava Monroe
Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, are characterised by nails that are brittle, discoloured, or thicker than usual. They are caused by a fungus that normally lives in the nails and usually start at the edge of the toenail, though they can also occur in the fingernails. While these infections are not serious, they can take a long time to treat and may require antifungal medication or, in severe cases, surgical removal of the nail. The infection is considered cured when healthy nail growth is observed, but it can return even after treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cure | A fungal nail infection is cured when healthy nail growth is observed at the base. |
| Treatment | Antifungal nail medicine that is brushed onto the nail. In severe cases, antifungal tablets are prescribed. |
| Treatment duration | Treatment can take a long time, with tablets needing to be taken for up to 6 months. |
| Side effects | Side effects may occur due to treatment. |
| Prevention | To prevent infection, avoid walking barefoot in places like communal showers and gyms. |
| Symptoms | The nail becomes thick, discoloured (white, yellow, brown, or black), brittle, and easy to break. |
| Complications | In severe cases, there may be permanent damage to the nail, requiring removal. |
| Recurrence | Fungal nail infections can return even after successful treatment. |
| Cause | The infection is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus that is normally present in the nails. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Fungal nail infections are caused by fungi that cause athlete's foot
- The infection can turn nails brown, white, yellow, or black
- It can be treated with antifungal medication or tablets
- In severe cases, the infected nail may need to be surgically removed
- The infection is cured when healthy nail growth is visible
Fungal nail infections are caused by fungi that cause athlete's foot
Fungal nail infections are characterised by nails that become thick, discoloured, brittle, and easy to break. They are not typically serious but can take a long time to treat. Most fungal nail infections are caused by the same type of fungus that causes athlete's foot, which thrives in warm, dark, and moist places like the feet. This fungus can multiply and spread from one part of the foot to another, such as from the toes to the toenails.
The fungus gets between the toenail bed and the toenail through a cut or crack in the nail. Known as "Tinea unguium", toenail fungus is a widespread infection that can affect people of all ages but is more common in older adults over 60. The risk of contracting toenail fungus increases in moist and warm environments, including public swimming pools, communal showers, and gyms, where people walk barefoot.
Fungal nail infections can be treated with antifungal medications, which may be applied topically or taken orally. Topical treatments can include brushing an antifungal medicine onto the nail regularly for several months. In more severe cases, oral antifungal tablets may be prescribed by a doctor. To ensure the infection has been cured, patients should continue treatment until advised to stop by a healthcare professional.
In some severe cases, temporary nail removal may be recommended to apply medication directly to the nail bed for permanent relief from the infection. This is a minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic.
Minoxidil's Surprising Effect: Nail Growth
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The infection can turn nails brown, white, yellow, or black
Fungal nail infections are characterised by nails that become thick, discoloured, and brittle. The discolouration can manifest as brown, white, yellow, or black hues. This is accompanied by nails becoming fragile and easy to break. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail and spreads to the rest of the nail, causing the nail to crumble or break easily.
Mycotic nails, or fungal infections, turn the nail brown, white, or black. The nail also thickens and becomes fragile, and may separate from the nail bed. The word "mycotic" refers to an infection or disease caused by a fungus.
Fungal melanonychia, a type of onychomycosis, is caused by fungi such as Scytalidium, Alternaria, and Exophiala, resulting in brownish or blackish discolouration. Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection that affects the interior of the nail plate but not the nail bed.
Edonyx onychomycosis is a type of onychomycosis where the interior of the nail plate is infected without affecting the nail bed. Totally dystrophic onychomycosis is the end stage of distal or proximal onychomycosis, resulting in extra nail thickness and height due to excess keratin. Yeast onychomycosis, often caused by Candida, indicates a potential immunodeficiency and is more likely to affect fingernails than toenails.
Fungal nail infections are typically treated with antifungal medications, which may be prescribed by a pharmacist or GP. Treatment can be lengthy, and side effects may occur. In some cases, infected nails may need to be removed via a minor procedure performed under local anaesthesia.
Nail Nerve Growth in Dogs: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It can be treated with antifungal medication or tablets
Fungal nail infections are characterised by thick, discoloured, and brittle nails that can affect both the toenails and fingernails. While it is not a serious condition, it can take a long time to treat. Fortunately, there are effective antifungal medications and tablets available for treatment.
Antifungal Medication
A pharmacist may recommend an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail. This treatment should be applied regularly for several months before improvements are observed. It is important to continue using the medication until advised to stop by a healthcare professional. Discontinuing treatment prematurely may result in the infection's recurrence.
Antifungal Tablets
If pharmacy treatments are ineffective, your general practitioner (GP) may prescribe antifungal tablets. Prior to initiating treatment, your GP will collect a nail sample to determine the specific type of infection you have. Additionally, a blood test may be necessary to assess the proper functioning of your liver. Antifungal tablets may need to be taken for up to six months. It is important to note that individuals with certain conditions may not be suitable for this treatment option.
One example of an antifungal tablet is terbinafine, which is taken orally. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the patient's age and the type of fungal infection being treated. For instance, the recommended dosage for onychomycosis (fungal toenail infection) in adults is 250 milligrams once daily for 12 weeks. It is crucial to maintain a consistent amount of this medication in the blood, so patients should take the medicine at the same time each day and avoid missing doses.
Terbinafine may cause side effects such as a temporary decrease in white blood cell count, increasing the risk of contracting other infections. Patients taking this medication should avoid exposure to sunlight as their skin may become more sensitive. Additionally, elderly patients should exercise caution due to potential age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems.
Strong, Long Nails: Overnight Growth Tips
You may want to see also
Explore related products
In severe cases, the infected nail may need to be surgically removed
Fungal nail infections are characterised by nails that are brittle, discoloured, or thicker than usual. They may also cause nails to crumble and crack easily. While fungal nail infections are not serious, they can take a long time to treat. In some cases, they can lead to permanent damage to the nail, and the infected nail may need to be removed.
Fungal nail infections are caused by a fungus that normally lives in the toenails or fingernails overgrowing. This fungus thrives in warm, dark, and moist places like the feet. It can enter the toenail or fingernail through small cracks in the keratin or the nearby skin and cause an infection.
Most fungal nail infections can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medications. However, in some cases, the infection may be resistant to medication. If the fungus is not dying off, it may be necessary to surgically remove the infected nail. This procedure, known as debridement, is done under local anaesthesia to numb the area.
After the infected nail is removed, it can take up to a year for a new nail to grow back. Even with treatment, fungal nail infections can return. To reduce the risk of recurrence, it is important to follow prevention measures such as maintaining good foot hygiene and avoiding walking barefoot in places like communal showers and gyms.
It is important to note that people with certain conditions, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, may be at a higher risk of developing complications from fungal nail infections. If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Unusual Nail Growth: Why Two Sets?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The infection is cured when healthy nail growth is visible
Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, are characterised by nails that are brittle, discoloured, or thicker than usual. They may also cause nails to crumble and crack easily, and turn white, yellow, brown, or black. While these infections are not serious, they can take a long time to treat and may require antifungal medication.
Fungal nail infections are unlikely to get better without treatment. If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, it is recommended that you speak to a pharmacist or healthcare provider. They may suggest an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail or prescribe antifungal tablets if the infection is severe. It is important to follow the treatment plan and continue using the medication until advised to stop by a healthcare professional.
The infection is considered cured when healthy nail growth is visible at the base. This indicates that the nail is no longer infected, but it is possible for the fungal infection to return. In some cases, the infection may cause permanent damage to the nail, and it may need to be surgically removed. However, with proper treatment and care, most fungal nail infections can be resolved successfully.
To prevent fungal nail infections, it is important to maintain good nail hygiene and avoid walking barefoot in places like communal showers and gyms, as the fungus that causes these infections thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments. Additionally, those with weakened immune systems, diabetes, athlete's foot, or blood circulation problems may be more susceptible to fungal nail infections and should take extra precautions.
While it is common to have some fungus under the nails, it becomes a health concern when the infection advances. If you are undergoing treatment for a fungal nail infection, you should be able to observe healthy nail growth as an indication that the treatment is working. However, if the fungus is not dying off, there are additional steps you can take, including seeking medical advice for prescription medication or exploring home remedies.
Glue and Nails: Growth or Halt?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A fungal nail infection will cause your nail to become brittle, discoloured, and thicker than usual. The nail may also crumble and crack easily, turning white or yellow. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail and can spread to the rest of the nail.
You should see a healthcare provider if you think you have a fungal nail infection. A pharmacist may suggest an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail. You will need to use this regularly for a few months before you start to see an improvement. If pharmacy treatments do not work, your GP may prescribe antifungal tablets.
Fungal nail infections are not permanent and can be cured with treatment. The nail infection is cured when you see healthy nail growth at the base. However, it may take a long time to treat the infection, and it is possible for the fungal infection to return.
To prevent fungal nail infections, avoid walking barefoot in places like communal showers and gyms. Fungi multiply in warm, dark, and moist places like the feet, so ensure your shoes have ventilation.
