Sophia Delgado
Fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, occur when fungi grow in, under, or on the nail. This causes the nail to become discoloured, thick, brittle, and easy to break. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail and spreads to the rest of it, causing the nail to turn white or yellow and crumble or break easily. It can get underneath the nail, and may cause the nail to thicken and break down, making it difficult for medication to penetrate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of infection | Fungal |
| Location of infection | Nail bed, underneath the nail |
| Appearance | Thick, discoloured (yellow, white, brown), brittle, crumbly |
| Sensation | Nails may feel loose, may smell bad |
| Treatment | Antifungal medication, surgery, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy |
| Preventative measures | Keep nails short and trimmed, wash hands and feet often, wear shoes in communal spaces |
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What You'll Learn
Fungal nail infections can be challenging to treat
Fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, occur when fungi overgrow in, under, or on the nail. This causes nails to become discoloured, thick, brittle, and fragile. They can separate from the nail bed and cause the nail to crumble and break easily.
Fungal nail infections are challenging to treat because they can get into and around the nail, growing underneath it. This makes it difficult for medication to penetrate. Treatment can last up to three months, and it usually takes six to nine months for a nail to grow out. Topical medications that are brushed or put directly onto the nail rarely help. Antifungal medications taken orally are more likely to work. However, these medications can sometimes cause side effects, and they may not be suitable for those with liver or kidney disease, or for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Before starting treatment, a healthcare provider may take a nail clipping to examine under a microscope or send to a laboratory for a fungal culture. They may also ask questions about symptoms and when they started. Treatment for fungal nail infections can include antifungal creams, medicated nail lacquers, oral antifungals, laser therapies, and nail debridement, which is the surgical removal of the infected nail.
Fungal nail infections are not always easy to prevent, as they can be caused by a variety of factors, including athlete's foot, blood circulation problems, nail injuries, and wearing shoes without ventilation. About 10% of the general population will experience a fungal nail infection at some point in their lives, and this percentage increases with age.
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The nail becomes thick, discoloured and brittle
A fungal nail infection, or onychomycosis, occurs when fungi overgrow in, under, or on the nail. This causes the nail to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. This condition is known as a mycotic nail, and it can affect both toenails and fingernails. The nail may turn brown, white, black, or yellow, and it can separate from the nail bed. The nail also becomes fragile and can break or crumble easily. In some cases, the whole nail can break off, leading to pain and swelling of the surrounding skin.
Mycotic nails are caused by fungi such as Scytalidium, Alternaria, and Exophiala, which lead to brownish or blackish discolouration. The most common type of onychomycosis is distal (lateral) subungual onychomycosis. The least common type is fungal melanonychia. Totally dystrophic onychomycosis is the end stage of distal or proximal onychomycosis, where the nail becomes extra thick and tall due to excess keratin. Yeast onychomycosis is often caused by Candida and primarily affects fingernails, indicating a weakened immune system.
Fungal nail infections are contagious and can spread from person to person. They thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as the feet, and are commonly associated with athlete's foot. Walking barefoot in communal areas, such as showers and gyms, increases the risk of contracting a fungal nail infection. Additionally, sharing shower stalls and wearing shoes without ventilation can contribute to the spread of the infection.
Treating a mycotic nail can be challenging, and topical medications applied directly to the nail are often ineffective. Oral antifungal medications are typically more successful and may need to be taken for up to six months. In some cases, surgical nail removal (debridement) may be necessary if the infection does not respond to medication. Even with treatment, mycotic nails can recur, and it may take up to a year for the nail to regrow.
It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect a nail fungus issue. A healthcare provider can examine the nail, review your symptoms, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. They may take a nail clipping for microscopic examination or send it to a laboratory for fungal culture to confirm the diagnosis.
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In serious cases, the nail may need to be removed
Fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, occur when fungi grow in, under, or on the nail, causing nails to become discoloured, thick, brittle, and distorted. While it is not a serious infection, it can be challenging to treat and may take a long time to recover. In some cases, the infection may spread to multiple nails and cause significant pain, embarrassment, nail loss, and ingrown nails.
If the infection cannot be treated with medication, it may be necessary to surgically remove the affected toenail or fingernail through a procedure called debridement. This is typically done by a dermatologist or healthcare provider specializing in nail and skin disorders. The procedure may be recommended if the infection is severe or has caused extensive damage to the nail.
Nail removal is considered a last resort, as it can be invasive and requires a significant amount of time for the nail to regrow. For fingernails, the regrowth process can take up to six months or longer, while toenails can take 12 to 18 months to fully regrow. During this time, patients may feel self-conscious about the appearance of their nails and may seek cosmetic treatments to improve the look of the nail bed.
It is important to note that nail fungus can recur even after successful treatment. To reduce the risk of recurrence, individuals should follow prevention guidelines provided by their healthcare provider. Additionally, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improving the chances of successful recovery and preventing further complications.
While nail removal may be necessary in severe cases, it is not a common procedure and is typically reserved for situations where the infection has not responded to other treatment options. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate course of action for their specific condition.
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It is caused by a crack in the nail or surrounding skin
A fungal nail infection, or onychomycosis, occurs when fungi overgrow in, under, or on the nail. This causes the nail to become discoloured, thick, and/or brittle. The infection often starts at the edge of the nail and spreads to the rest of the nail. It can get underneath the nail and may cause the nail to thicken and break down, making it difficult for medication to penetrate.
Fungal nail infections are caused by a crack in the nail or the surrounding skin. This allows the fungus to get inside and grow. Since fungi thrive in dark, warm places, toenails are more likely to be affected than fingernails. The toes also have less blood flow than the fingers, which makes it harder for the body to detect and prevent an infection.
You are more likely to get a fungal nail infection if you walk barefoot in places like communal showers, gyms, swimming pools, and locker rooms—places where the fungus can spread easily. Other risk factors include having a weakened immune system, athlete's foot, blood circulation problems, a nail injury, or nail surgery. About 10% of the general population will have mycotic nails at some point in their life, and this percentage increases to about 50% by age 70 or above.
Fungal nail infections can be challenging to treat and often do not go away without prescription antifungal medications. Treatment typically lasts up to three months, and it usually takes six to nine months for a new nail to grow out. In some cases, the infected nail may need to be surgically removed to allow a healthy new one to grow in its place.
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It is more likely to occur in toenails than fingernails
A mycotic nail is a fungal infection that affects toenails or fingernails. It separates the nail from the nail bed, thickens it, and makes it fragile. It may also change colour, turning brown, white, or black. While anyone can get mycotic nails, they are more likely to occur in toenails than fingernails.
Mycotic nails are caused by fungal organisms that get into the toenail or fingernail through small cracks in the keratin or the nearby skin. Keratin is a protein that makes nails hard. Dermatophytes, a type of mould, cause 80 to 90% of mycotic nails. They feed off keratin and thrive in warm, moist, dark places. Other types of fungi can also infect your toenails.
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a widespread fungal infection that affects the toenails. It happens when fungi get between the toenail and the nail bed, the tissue underneath the toenail. Toenail fungus is typically caused by a type of mould called a dermatophyte, which causes tinea unguium, the most common nail fungus. While tinea unguium most frequently targets toenails, it can also affect fingernails.
There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing toenail fungus, including athlete's foot, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), nail injury, poor blood circulation, and a weakened immune system. Older adults, especially those over 60, are more prone to toenail fungus. Treatment for mycotic nails can be challenging, and topical medications are often ineffective. Oral antifungal medications are typically more successful, with treatment lasting around 12 weeks for toenails.
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Frequently asked questions
A fungal nail infection occurs when fungi overgrow in, under, or on the nail, causing nails to become discoloured, thick and/or brittle.
Nail fungus can turn the nail brown, white, yellow or black. It can also cause the nail to thicken, crumble and break down.
Nail fungus is caused by microorganisms that invade the toenail or fingernail. It thrives in dark, warm and moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or trainers.
Treatment for nail fungus includes antifungal creams, medicated nail lacquers, oral antifungals, laser therapies and nail debridement (removal of the infected nail).
Treatment for nail fungus can take a long time, typically up to three months. It may take six to nine months for a new, healthy nail to grow back.
