Caleb Foster
Fungi are normally present in and on the body, but when they overgrow, they can cause a fungal nail infection, or onychomycosis. This occurs when fungi enter through small cracks in the nail or the nearby skin, causing the nail to become thick, discoloured, brittle, and crumbly. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so keeping your skin wet or sweaty for long periods can cause uncontrolled fungal growth. Fungal nail infections are contagious and can spread from walking barefoot in communal spaces or sharing nail-grooming tools. Treatment for fungal nail infections includes antifungal creams, medicated nail lacquers, oral antifungals, laser therapies, and nail debridement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of fungal nail infection | Fungi that live in the environment enter through small cracks in the nail or the nearby skin |
| Fungi thrive in | Warm, moist places like people's nails, skin, pool decks, unwashed shower floors, nail-grooming tools, and towels |
| Symptoms | Thick, discoloured, brittle, white or yellow nails that crumble or break easily |
| Treatment | Antifungal nail medicine, antifungal tablets, antifungal creams, medicated nail lacquers, oral antifungals, laser therapies, and nail debridement |
| Prevention | Avoid walking barefoot in communal showers and gyms, and disinfect nail-grooming tools |
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What You'll Learn
- Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments
- The infection develops slowly, starting at the edge of the nail
- Treatment can last up to 6 months and includes antifungal medication
- Infections are caused by fungi entering through small cracks in the nail or nearby skin
- The likelihood of nail fungus increases with age
Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments
Fungal nail infections are caused by an overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. Fungi are normally present in and on the body, but when they begin to overgrow, an infection can occur. The same fungi that cause jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm can cause nail infections.
Everyday objects like unwashed shower floors, nail-grooming tools, and towels can also harbour fungi. This makes nail fungus contagious. You can get a nail fungal infection by touching an infected person or item. Walking barefoot on a contaminated floor, such as a pool deck, in a locker room, or in a public shower, can also lead to nail fungus.
Fungal nail infections develop slowly and usually start at the edge of the nail before spreading to the rest of it. The nail may become thick, discoloured (white, yellow, or brown), brittle, and easy to break. The nail can also loosen and lift off, and the surrounding skin can become painful and swollen.
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The infection develops slowly, starting at the edge of the nail
Fungal nail infections are common and are caused by fungi that live in the environment. Fungi are normally present in and on the body alongside various bacteria. But when a fungus begins to overgrow, you can get an infection. A fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, happens when a fungus that’s normally in your fingernails or toenails overgrows.
Nail fungus is caused by several types of fungi. These fungi grow in moist, warm places like people’s nails. The fungi can also thrive on everyday objects like unwashed shower floors, nail-grooming tools, and towels. This makes nail fungus contagious. You get this condition when you have a microscopic opening in (or under) a nail or the skin around a nail. The fungi enter through these small openings and cause an infection.
Fungal nail infections can develop slowly and spread to multiple nails. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail and can cause the nail to become white and yellow. It may also crumble or break easily. Sometimes the whole nail can break off, which may cause the skin around it to become painful and swollen.
If you think you have a fungal nail infection, you should speak to a pharmacist or a doctor. They will be able to recommend the best treatment for you. Treatment for fungal nail infections typically lasts up to three months, and it usually takes six to nine months for a nail to grow out completely.
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Treatment can last up to 6 months and includes antifungal medication
Fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, are caused by a fungus that causes athlete's foot. This fungus thrives in warm, dark, and moist places, such as the feet. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail and spreads slowly to the rest of the nail. It can affect both toenails and fingernails, causing the nail to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. In some cases, the nail may crumble, crack, or break off easily, and the surrounding skin can become swollen and painful.
Treatment for fungal nail infections can take a long time, and it is important to follow the treatment plan as directed to ensure the infection does not return. A pharmacist may recommend an antifungal nail medicine that is brushed onto the nail. This type of treatment needs to be used regularly for several months before improvements are seen. It is important to continue using the treatment as directed, even if the nail looks and feels better, to prevent the infection from returning.
If over-the-counter treatments are ineffective, a doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medication, such as terbinafine or itraconazole. These medications are taken daily for 6 to 12 weeks for toenail infections and 6 weeks for fingernail infections. However, it is important to note that liver function tests are required before and during treatment with these medications, as liver damage is a rare but possible side effect. In addition, itraconazole should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and it may interact with other medications. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss your medical history and any other medications you are taking with your doctor before starting treatment.
In some cases, a medical procedure called nail abrasion may be recommended, especially for white superficial onychomycosis, where the fungus develops on top of the nail. This procedure involves scraping or filing the surface of the nail to remove the fungus, followed by the application of a topical antifungal medication. Another procedure is nail trimming, where the dermatologist trims away any infected parts of the nail to facilitate the treatment's effectiveness and reduce the amount of fungus present. These procedures are typically performed by a dermatologist and should not be attempted at home.
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Infections are caused by fungi entering through small cracks in the nail or nearby skin
Fungi are commonly present in the environment and on the body, alongside various bacteria. Typically, fungal nail infections occur when fungi enter through small cracks in the nail or the skin surrounding it. This can happen when fungi spread from another person or object, such as an unwashed towel or nail-grooming tool.
Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so keeping your skin wet or sweaty for extended periods can promote fungal growth and increase the risk of infection. Conditions like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) can create an ideal environment for fungi to multiply. Walking barefoot in communal areas, such as public showers or locker rooms, also increases the likelihood of fungal exposure and subsequent infection.
The fungus that causes athlete's foot is a common source of nail fungus. Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection that causes flaky skin, cracks, and itchiness on the feet, especially between the toes. If left untreated, the fungi can spread from the skin to the nails, leading to a nail infection.
Fungal nail infections usually develop slowly, often starting at the edge of the nail and gradually spreading. Over time, the nail may become thickened, discoloured (white or yellow), brittle, or crumbly. In some cases, the entire nail may loosen and lift off, causing pain and swelling in the surrounding skin.
To prevent and treat fungal nail infections, it is essential to maintain proper nail hygiene and avoid walking barefoot in communal areas. Keeping your nails trimmed and avoiding nail-grooming practices that can create microscopic openings or injuries is also crucial. If you suspect a nail fungus, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
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The likelihood of nail fungus increases with age
Fungi are normally present in and on the body, but when they begin to overgrow, they can cause a fungal nail infection. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, and fungal nail infections commonly develop in people's toenails, although they can also affect the fingernails.
Fungal nail infections are more common in older people. About 50% of people over 70 years of age develop nail fungus. This is because nails grow more slowly with age, and the body becomes less able to fight off infections. Age isn't the only factor that increases the risk of nail fungus, however. Other factors include:
- Nail injuries or bunion
- Long nails or improperly cut nails
- Sharing nail-grooming tools without properly disinfecting them
- Frequently wearing tight shoes or shoes that make the feet sweat
- Walking barefoot in communal showers, gyms, or other warm, moist areas
- Skin conditions such as athlete's foot, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), or psoriasis
- Underlying health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, poor circulation, peripheral artery disease, obesity, or inflammatory bowel disease
Fungal nail infections can cause the nail to become thick, discoloured, and brittle, with white or yellow spots and streaks. The nail may also crumble or break easily, and the surrounding skin can become swollen and painful. Treatment options include over-the-counter antifungal medications, prescription oral antifungal medications, and topical solutions brushed onto the nail.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects either the fingernails or toenails. It occurs when fungi that are normally present in and on the body overgrow in, under, or on the nail.
Nail fungus is caused by several types of fungi that enter through small cracks in the nail or the nearby skin. These fungi thrive in warm, moist places like people's nails, skin, and pool decks. Walking barefoot in communal showers, gyms, or on pool decks can increase the risk of contracting nail fungus.
Nail fungus can cause nails to become discoloured, thick, brittle, and crumbly. Nails may also loosen and lift off, and the surrounding skin can become swollen and painful.
Treatment for nail fungus typically involves medical interventions, as over-the-counter treatments are not always effective. A pharmacist may suggest antifungal nail medicine, while a doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medication or other antifungal treatments such as nail lacquer or topical solutions.
