Isla Bennett
Fungal nail infections are common, and anyone can get them. They are caused by an overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. The signs of fingernail fungus include discoloration (white, yellow, green, or black spots), thickening of the nail, crumbling edges, foul odour, and pain in the fingertips. The area around the nails may also be swollen, red, and tender to the touch. In some cases, the nail may partially lift off or fall off completely. These signs can vary depending on the type of fungal infection, which includes distal subungual, white superficial, and proximal subungual infections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Formal name | Onychomycosis |
| Cause | Fungi, yeast, molds, dermatophytes |
| Common in | Toenails |
| Symptoms | Yellow, white, green, black or brown discolouration; thickening and distortion; pain or discomfort; brittle or crumbly nails |
| Treatment | Oral antifungals, topical antifungals, surgery, laser treatment |
| Prevention | Keep nails clean and dry; wash hands and feet regularly; use soap and wash between fingers and toes; keep nails trimmed; disinfect nail clippers |
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What You'll Learn
Common signs of finger nail fungus include white, yellow, green, or black discolouration
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect both the fingernails and toenails. It is caused by an overgrowth of fungi that are normally present in and on the body. While anyone can get a fungal nail infection, certain factors increase the risk, including age, gender, health, and lifestyle. Older adults are more susceptible due to reduced blood circulation and slower nail growth. Additionally, men are more prone to nail fungus than women.
The discolouration and thickening of the nail are typical indicators of a fungal nail infection. Distal subungual infections, the most prevalent type, exhibit white and/or yellow streaks across the nail, with a jagged outer edge. Proximal subungual infections, while less common, result in yellow spots at the nail base, gradually spreading upward. White superficial infections primarily affect toenails, creating well-defined white spots that eventually cover the entire nail, making it rough and soft.
To prevent and manage nail fungus, it is essential to maintain good hand and foot hygiene. Keep your nails clean, dry, and trimmed, and avoid walking barefoot in warm, moist areas like pool decks or locker rooms, as these environments promote fungal growth. If you notice signs of nail fungus, consider seeking medical advice, as fungal nail infections can be challenging to eradicate, and reinfections are common.
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Nails may thicken, become hard to trim, and crumble
If you have a fungal nail infection, your nail may thicken, harden, and crumble. This is because tiny, microscopic organisms called fungi are attacking your nail. Fungi thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments, which is why toenails are more likely to be affected than fingernails. Toenails are also more susceptible because the toes have less blood flow, making it harder for your body to detect and prevent an infection.
Fungal nail infections can occur when a crack in your nail or the skin around it allows fungi to enter and grow. The infection can then spread to other nails and even your skin. You can also get a fungal nail infection if your nails are frequently moist or you often wear sweaty socks and shoes.
The most common type of fungal nail infection is distal or lateral subungual onychomycosis, which results from a fungus called a dermatophyte. It usually starts in the nail bed, underneath the nail, and you'll see a yellowish area that spreads from the edges of the nail to the centre, as well as places where the nail comes apart from the nail bed. Another type, white superficial onychomycosis, is less common and only affects the nail surface, typically on the toenails. It starts as white spots, which become powdery and cause the nail to crumble.
If you think you have a fungal nail infection, you should see a doctor. They may prescribe oral or topical antifungal medication, or in more severe cases, they may recommend laser treatment or surgery to remove the infected nail. To prevent a fungal nail infection, it's important to keep your nails short and trimmed straight across. Additionally, wash your hands and feet often with soap, especially between your fingers and toes.
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Nails may curl up or down and loosen from the nail bed
If you notice changes to your nails, such as curling or loosening from the nail bed, this could be a sign of a fungal nail infection. Fungi are tiny organisms that can cause infections when they enter through a crack in your nail or the skin around it. Toenails are more susceptible to infection than fingernails because fungi thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments.
Fungal nail infections usually start mildly and can become more serious over time. Initially, you may observe a white or yellow spot under your nail, which can spread and discolour your entire nail. The nail may thicken and become challenging to trim. Eventually, the nail may start to curl up or down or loosen from the nail bed.
In addition to visible changes, you may also notice other symptoms, such as a bad odour, brittleness, or crumbling of the nail. While fungal nail infections may not cause pain initially, they can progress to a point where applying pressure to the affected area becomes painful. If left untreated, the infection could spread to other nails or your skin, and walking may become difficult.
If you suspect a fungal nail infection, it is important to seek medical advice. A doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options may include oral antifungals, topical antifungals, surgery, laser therapy, or photodynamic therapy. To prevent fungal nail infections, it is crucial to maintain good nail hygiene, keep your hands and feet clean and dry, and avoid walking barefoot in places where fungi can spread easily, such as gym showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms.
Nail changes, such as curling or loosening from the nail bed, can be concerning and may indicate an underlying issue. If you notice these symptoms, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.
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The area around the nails may become swollen and inflamed
A fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect both the fingernails and toenails. It is caused by an overgrowth of fungi that are normally present in and on the body. While anyone can get a fungal nail infection, certain factors increase the risk, including age, gender, health, and lifestyle. Older adults are more susceptible due to lower blood circulation and slower nail growth. Additionally, men are more prone to these infections than women.
One of the signs of a fungal nail infection is swelling and inflammation around the nails. This is often associated with candidal onychomycosis, a type of infection caused by yeast. It typically affects the fingernails, particularly those that have been damaged by injury or a previous infection. The yeast invades the nail bed and the skin underneath, leading to swelling and inflammation in the surrounding area.
The swelling and inflammation around the nail can be uncomfortable and unsightly. In some cases, the inflammation may extend beyond the immediate area, causing discomfort and affecting finger movement. The swelling can also put pressure on the nail, leading to further complications. It is important to address these infections promptly to prevent them from worsening and to alleviate the associated symptoms.
To treat the swelling and inflammation effectively, it is crucial to identify the underlying cause. Seeking medical advice is recommended, as a healthcare provider can examine the affected area and determine the type of infection. They may take nail clippings or scrape debris from under the nail for laboratory analysis. This helps identify the specific fungus responsible for the infection, allowing for more targeted treatment.
There are several treatment options available for fungal nail infections causing swelling and inflammation. Topical antifungal medications, such as creams or ointments, can be applied directly to the affected area. In more severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed to treat the infection from within. Additionally, keeping the nails clean, dry, and trimmed can help prevent the spread of the infection and improve the overall appearance and comfort of the affected area.
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The nail may become brittle
Fungal nail infections are common and can affect both the finger and toenails. They are caused by fungi that live in the environment and enter the nail bed through small cracks in the nail or the skin surrounding it. Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infections than fingernails due to the warm and dark environment created by shoes and socks, which provides an ideal environment for the fungi to thrive.
The symptoms of a fungal nail infection can vary depending on the type of fungus and the extent of the infection. Distal subungual infections, the most common type, can cause a jagged appearance at the outer edge of the nail with white and/or yellow streaks. White superficial infections usually affect the toenails, creating well-defined white spots that eventually cover the entire nail, making it rough, soft, and prone to crumbling. Proximal subungual infections are uncommon but can affect both finger and toenails, with yellow spots appearing at the base of the nail as the infection spreads upward.
The treatment for a fungal nail infection will depend on the severity and the type of fungus involved. Keeping your nails clean, dry, and trimmed is a good way to prevent infections. If you notice any signs of a fungal infection, it is important to seek medical advice, as the condition can worsen and become painful if left untreated. Your healthcare provider may recommend antifungal medications, either topical or oral, to treat the infection. In some cases, temporary or permanent nail removal may be necessary to allow for direct application of the antifungal medication to the affected area.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail fungus usually starts as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail. As the infection spreads, the nail may discolour, thicken, and crumble at the edge. Nails may also become warped, bent, curled, or misshapen.
Nail fungus is caused by a variety of microorganisms, including yeasts, moulds, and dermatophytes. Fungi thrive in dark, warm, and moist places, which is why toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails.
There are several treatment options for nail fungus, including oral antifungals, topical antifungals, and laser therapy. Oral antifungals, such as terbinafine and itraconazole, are typically taken daily for several months. Topical antifungals are applied directly to the nails but may not be effective for severe infections. Laser therapy is a newer treatment option that uses high doses of light energy to destroy the fungus.
Yes, there are several ways to prevent nail fungus. Keep your nails clean and dry, and wash your hands and feet regularly. If you have toenail fungus, wear well-fitting shoes and clean cotton socks to allow your feet to breathe. Avoid walking barefoot in places where fungus spreads easily, such as gym showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms.
If self-care steps and over-the-counter treatments have not helped, you should see a doctor or dermatologist. They may prescribe oral or topical antifungal medications or suggest laser therapy. In severe cases, nail removal may be necessary to allow a healthy nail to grow in its place.
