Caleb Foster
Fingernail fungus is a common condition caused by fungi entering the nail area and infecting the skin between the nail and the skin. While it is usually easily treated, it can be dangerous if left untreated. The infection can cause the nail to become discoloured, thickened, distorted, and brittle, and can even result in the nail falling off entirely. In severe cases, a doctor may need to remove the infected nail to allow a new, healthy one to grow in its place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How common is it? | Nail fungus is a common condition, with about 10% of the adult population suffering from it. |
| Cause | Fungi enter through small cracks in the nail or the nearby skin, causing infection. |
| Risk factors | Walking barefoot in places where fungi spread easily, such as gym showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms; lower blood circulation; older age; male gender; prior injury or infection; frequent soaking of hands in water; repeated minor trauma to the hyponychium. |
| Symptoms | Discoloration (white, yellow, green, or black), thickening, distortion, pain, foul odour, crumbling, jagged appearance, redness, swelling, tenderness. |
| Diagnosis | A doctor will take a scraping of the nail and examine it under a microscope for signs of fungus. In some cases, the sample may be sent to a lab for analysis. |
| Treatment | Antifungal medication (tablets, nail paint, creams, gels), laser treatment, home remedies (Vicks VapoRub, oregano oil, ozonized oils, tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, antibacterial mouthwash, snakeroot). |
| Prevention | Keeping nails short, clean, and well-trimmed; avoiding walking barefoot in high-risk areas; wearing shoes made of breathable material; maintaining good hand and foot hygiene. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Fingernail fungus is usually caused by yeast or mould
- It can be treated with antifungal medication, such as antifungal nail lacquer or topical solutions
- In severe cases, a doctor may need to remove the infected nail
- It is characterised by discolouration, thickening, and distortion of the nail
- It is more common in men and older adults
Fingernail fungus is usually caused by yeast or mould
Yeast is a common cause of fingernail fungus, specifically a type of infection known as candidal onychomycosis. This infection causes the area around the nails to become swollen and inflamed, and the nails may even come off entirely. It often occurs when nails have been damaged by an injury or another infection.
Mould is another culprit behind fingernail fungus. Mould and fungi favour similar conditions, so the same practices that encourage mould growth can also create an environment conducive to fungal growth. This includes frequent exposure to moisture, such as sweaty socks and shoes, or walking barefoot in warm, moist areas like pool decks or locker rooms.
In addition to environmental factors, certain medical conditions can increase the risk of developing fingernail fungus. These include a weakened immune system, cancer, diabetes, athlete's foot, psoriasis, and poor circulation. Nail fungus is also more prevalent in older individuals and less common in children.
To prevent and treat fingernail fungus, it is important to keep nails clean, dry, and trimmed. Washing hands and feet regularly with soap, wearing well-fitting shoes and absorbent socks, and avoiding walking barefoot in public spaces can help reduce the likelihood of fungal infections. For treatment, antifungal medications, including tablets or special nail paints, are often recommended.
Cigarettes' Impact: Do They Change Your Fingernails?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It can be treated with antifungal medication, such as antifungal nail lacquer or topical solutions
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects the fingernails. It can cause the nail to become thick, yellow, and brittle, and may result in pain or discomfort. While it is not usually a serious condition, it can take a long time to treat and can cause significant embarrassment and nail loss if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment for fingernail fungus.
Fingernail fungus can be treated with antifungal medication, which comes in various forms, including tablets, nail lacquer, and topical solutions. Antifungal tablets are prescription medications that are taken orally to kill the fungus in the body. They are typically the most effective treatment option, but they have many listed side effects and are not suitable for everyone. For example, people with liver or kidney disease, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women should not take antifungal tablets.
Antifungal nail lacquer, also known as antifungal nail paint, is another treatment option. This medication is brushed or painted onto the affected nail. It is generally considered less effective than tablets because it may not reach the deeper layers of the nail. However, it usually doesn't cause any side effects and is a good alternative for those who cannot take antifungal tablets. Both antifungal tablets and nail lacquer may need to be used for several months to ensure the infection clears up completely.
Topical solutions are also available for treating fingernail fungus. These are special creams that are applied directly to the nail. However, they are not typically effective in curing toenail fungal infections and may not be recommended for fingernail infections either. In addition to medication, it is important to make lifestyle changes to prevent the recurrence of fingernail fungus. This includes keeping your nails well-trimmed and clean, avoiding skin injuries around the nails, and wearing rubber gloves if your hands will be damp or wet for an extended period.
Erase Cigarette Stains from Nails: Quick and Easy Methods
You may want to see also
Explore related products
In severe cases, a doctor may need to remove the infected nail
Fungal nail infections are often considered trivial cosmetic issues. However, they can cause significant pain and embarrassment, nail loss and ingrown nails, and increase the risk of secondary fungal infections.
Fungal nail infections are usually treated with antifungal medication, which comes in the form of tablets or a special paint that is applied directly to the nail. In some cases, laser treatment may be used to destroy the fungus. However, this is not usually recommended as a routine treatment due to the high cost and lack of conclusive evidence regarding its effectiveness.
It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect a nail fungus issue, as fungal nail infections can be challenging to treat and often do not go away without prescription antifungal medications. Over-the-counter products are not usually recommended, as they do not provide reliable results.
To prevent fungal nail infections, it is important to keep your nails well-trimmed and clean, avoid injuring the skin around your nails, and wear shoes and socks that allow your feet to breathe.
Superstitions and Customs: Uncut Pinky Nails
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is characterised by discolouration, thickening, and distortion of the nail
Fingernail fungus is characterised by discolouration, thickening, and distortion of the nail. This is caused by an overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. Fungi thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments, making toenails more susceptible to infection than fingernails. However, fingernail fungus can occur when the hands are frequently soaked in water or exposed to damp, humid environments.
The medical term for a fungal nail infection is onychomycosis, which is similar to athlete's foot. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail, with a white or yellow spot that spreads and can turn the entire nail white, yellow, green, or black. The nail may thicken, becoming difficult to trim, and may start to curl, distort, or loosen from the nail bed. In some cases, the nail may become brittle and crumble when touched.
Fungal nail infections are often considered a cosmetic issue, but they can cause significant pain, embarrassment, and nail loss. The infection can also increase the risk of secondary fungal infections. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect a nail fungus issue, as it can be challenging to treat and may require prescription medication.
To prevent fungal nail infections, it is recommended to keep your nails well-trimmed and clean. Avoiding skin injuries around the nails is also important, as minor trauma can increase the risk of infection. Additionally, maintaining proper foot hygiene and wearing well-fitting shoes and socks that absorb moisture can help prevent fungal nail infections.
If you suspect a fungal nail infection, it is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist. They may suggest antifungal medications, such as tablets or nail paint, to treat the infection effectively. It is important to follow the recommended treatment duration, which can range from several months to a year, to ensure the infection clears up completely.
Fingernails Falling Off: What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is more common in men and older adults
Fungal nail infections are more common in toenails than in fingernails. This is because fungi thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments, and toenails are often kept in shoes, creating the perfect environment for fungi to multiply. Additionally, the toes have less blood flow than the fingers, making it harder for the body to detect and prevent an infection.
While anyone can get a fungal nail infection, certain factors increase the risk for men and older adults. For example, men are more likely to wear trainers for extended periods, leading to hot and sweaty feet, which provide an ideal environment for fungal growth. Furthermore, men are more likely to walk barefoot in public spaces such as swimming pools, gyms, and locker rooms, where the risk of contracting a fungal infection is higher.
Older adults are also at a higher risk due to age-related changes in the nails, such as decreased nail thickness and reduced blood flow to the extremities. These changes can make nails more susceptible to infection and slower to heal. Additionally, older adults are more likely to have weakened immune systems, either due to age or underlying health conditions, making it harder for their bodies to fight off fungal infections.
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, and poor circulation, can further increase the risk of fungal nail infections in older adults. These conditions can compromise the body's ability to detect and combat infections, allowing fungi to take hold more easily.
To prevent and treat fungal nail infections, it is essential to maintain good nail hygiene. Keeping nails short, clean, and well-trimmed can help reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, addressing any underlying medical conditions and taking steps to improve immune function can also lower the chances of developing fungal nail infections.
Repairing Split Fingernails: Quick and Easy Solutions
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Nail fungus is a common condition in which fungi enter the nail area and infect the skin between the nail and the skin. It can affect both toenails and fingernails but is more common in toenails.
Symptoms include discolouration (usually white, yellow, or green), thickening, distortion, and crumbling of the nail. In some cases, the nail may become painful, uncomfortable, or foul-smelling.
Treatment for nail fungus includes antifungal medication, which may come in the form of tablets, topical solutions, or nail paint. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the nail. Laser treatment is also an option for stubborn infections, although it is not currently available on the NHS.
While nail fungus is typically not dangerous, it can be difficult to treat and may persist if left untreated. In severe or troublesome cases, antifungal medication is recommended to prevent further problems.
