Caleb Foster
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection that occurs when fungi invade the fingernail, toenail, or the skin underneath the nail, known as the nail bed. The infection typically begins when a crack in the nail or surrounding skin allows fungi to enter and proliferate in a warm, moist environment. While anyone can get a fungal nail infection, certain factors increase the risk, including age, gender, health, and lifestyle choices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungi that live in the environment |
| How it starts | Fungi enter through small cracks in the nail or the skin around it |
| Factors that increase risk | Age, health, lifestyle, frequent moisture on hands/feet, lower blood circulation, slower-growing nails |
| Symptoms | Discoloration, thickening, distortion, pain, foul odour, crumbling |
| Treatment | Oral antifungals, topical antifungals, surgery, laser treatment |
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What You'll Learn
Fungi enter through cracks in the nail or skin
Fingernail fungal infections occur when microscopic fungi enter through cracks in the nail or the surrounding skin. Fungi thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments, making toenails more susceptible to infection than fingernails.
Fungal nail infections often begin with a white or yellow spot under the nail, which gradually spreads and can eventually affect the entire nail. The nail may thicken, become difficult to trim, and start to curl or loosen from the nail bed. In addition to discolouration, the nail can become brittle and crumble when touched.
Fungal nail infections can be contracted through skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual or by sharing personal care items such as nail clippers or towels. Walking barefoot in communal areas like pool decks, locker rooms, or gym showers also increases the risk of exposure to fungi.
To prevent fingernail fungal infections, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices, including regularly washing the hands and feet with soap and ensuring that nails are kept clean and dry. Avoiding direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces and items in communal spaces can also reduce the risk of contracting a fungal nail infection.
If you suspect a fingernail fungal infection, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options. Early intervention is crucial, as untreated infections can worsen over time and lead to pain and discomfort.
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Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments
Fungal nail infections can occur when a fungus enters the nail through a crack in the nail or the skin surrounding it. This can happen when walking barefoot in warm, moist areas, such as pool decks, locker rooms, or gym showers, where fungi are easily spread. The fungi enter the area under the nail, which provides a warm and moist place for them to grow and spread.
The risk of developing a fungal nail infection is higher in people who frequently have wet hands or feet throughout the day. Living in a hot and humid climate also increases the likelihood of getting a fungal nail infection. This is because moisture and temperature influence the growth of fungi, with higher moisture availability and warmer temperatures creating favourable conditions for fungi to thrive.
Climate change may further contribute to the problem by expanding the geographic range of disease-causing fungi. As temperatures rise, fungi may evolve to live in warmer conditions, including the human body. This, coupled with the increasing resistance of fungi to antifungal medications due to the use of fungicides, poses a growing threat to human health.
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Symptoms include discolouration and thickening of the nail
A fungal nail infection occurs when a fungus attacks a fingernail, toenail, or the skin under the nail, known as the nail bed. The infection causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened, and distorted. Toenails are more frequently affected than fingernails, primarily due to the fungus thriving in dark, warm, and moist environments. However, it is important to note that fungal nail infections can occur in both toenails and fingernails.
Symptoms of fungal nail infections include discolouration and thickening of the nail. Initially, you may observe a white or yellow spot under your nail, which can spread and turn the entire nail white, yellow, green, or black. The nail may thicken and become challenging to trim. It may start to curl up or down or loosen from the nail bed. In some cases, the nail can become brittle and crumble upon touch.
The discolouration of the nail can vary, with colours ranging from yellow to white, brown, green, or black. This discolouration is often accompanied by thickening and distortion of the nail, resulting in unusual shapes or textures. The nail may also separate from the nail bed, causing it to feel thick and fragile. Additionally, you may experience pain or discomfort when applying pressure to the affected finger or toe.
Fungal nail infections usually start mildly and gradually worsen over time. The discolouration and thickening of the nail may be subtle at first, but as the infection progresses, these symptoms become more pronounced. It is important to pay attention to any changes in your nail's appearance and consult a healthcare professional if you suspect a fungal nail infection. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the infection from becoming more severe and difficult to manage.
To summarise, symptoms of fungal nail infections often include discolouration and thickening of the nail, along with other possible symptoms such as pain, distortion, and separation from the nail bed. These symptoms can vary in intensity and may progress if left untreated. Therefore, it is advisable to seek medical advice if you notice any persistent changes in your nails.
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Toenails are more susceptible to infection than fingernails
A fungal nail infection occurs when a fungus attacks a fingernail, toenail, or the skin under the nail, called the nail bed. Toenails are more susceptible to infection than fingernails. This is because fungi thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments. Toenails are often in dark, warm, and moist environments, such as sweaty socks and shoes, making them more likely to be affected than fingernails. Additionally, toes have less blood flow than fingers, making it harder for the body to detect and prevent an infection.
Fungal nail infections can occur when a crack in the nail or the skin around it allows the fungus to enter and grow. The infection can spread to other nails and even the skin. Toenail fungus can also be caused by walking barefoot in public areas, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, or shower rooms. These are places where the fungus can spread easily.
The risk of developing a fungal nail infection increases with age. Older people are at a greater risk of toenail fungal infections, and the condition is more common in older adults, especially those over 60. Toenail problems tend to be more prevalent among older individuals. Additionally, people with diabetes or compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing fungal nail infections.
Fungal nail infections usually start mildly and become more severe over time. Initial signs may include white or yellow spots under the nail, which can spread and turn the entire nail white, yellow, green, or black. The nail may thicken, become difficult to trim, and start to curl or loosen from the nail bed. It may become brittle and crumble, and the nail may become misshapen.
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Prescription antifungals are the most effective treatment
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection caused by microorganisms that invade the fingernail, toenail, or the skin underneath the nail, known as the nail bed. This results in unsightly and often uncomfortable symptoms such as discolouration, thickening, and brittleness of the nail. While there are various treatments available, prescription antifungals are the most effective option.
Prescription antifungals come in the form of oral tablets or topical treatments. Oral antifungals are typically the fastest and most effective way to get rid of a nail infection as they work throughout the body to kill the fungus. Treatment duration depends on the location of the infection, with fingernail fungus usually requiring two months of treatment and toenail fungus requiring three months. While oral antifungals are highly effective, they can also cause side effects, and patients are typically monitored closely by their dermatologist with monthly blood tests. Examples of oral antifungals include terbinafine and itraconazole, with the former being the preferred treatment for nail fungus caused by a skin fungus (dermatophyte).
Topical prescription antifungals are another option and are typically applied directly to the nails. These treatments may be effective for mild infections but often cannot penetrate deep enough into the nail to cure more severe cases. Topical treatments can include creams, polishes, or lacquers containing antifungal ingredients such as bifonazole, urea, amorolfine, or ciclopirox. For example, a treatment set containing urea and bifonazole involves softening the nail with warm water, applying the urea-based cream, and then scraping off the softened nail layer after 24 hours. This process is repeated over 14 days, followed by four weeks of treating the skin beneath the nail with bifonazole cream.
In more severe cases of nail fungus or when other treatments have failed, doctors may recommend nail removal to eliminate the infection and allow a healthy nail to grow in its place. Laser and light treatments are also emerging as promising options, although more research is needed to establish their effectiveness and safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Finger nail fungus starts when a microscopic fungus enters the skin through a crack in your nail or the skin around it. As the fungus thrives in dark, warm, and moist environments, it grows and infects the nail.
Symptoms of a finger nail fungus infection include discolouration, thickening, and distortion of the nail. Nails may become yellow, green, or black, and may be difficult to trim.
Treatment for a finger nail fungus infection can include prescription antifungal medications, topical solutions, and laser treatment. Keeping nails short, clean, and dry can also help prevent and treat finger nail fungus.
