Liam Carter
Fingernail fungus is a common infection caused by microorganisms that invade the fingernail or the skin underneath it. The infection occurs when fungi enter through a crack in the nail or the surrounding skin and thrive in warm, moist environments. Walking barefoot in such environments, like pool decks or locker rooms, increases the risk of contracting the fungus. Treatment options include oral antifungal medications, topical creams, and laser therapy. While there are home remedies, they are not proven to be effective in fully eliminating the fungus. Prescription medications are the only treatments known to cure fingernail fungus effectively, although they may take several months to work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Microscopic fungi in the nail |
| Risk factors | Walking barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily (e.g. communal showers, swimming pools, locker rooms, and gyms); wearing trainers for long periods, resulting in hot and sweaty feet; lower blood circulation and slower-growing nails due to aging; male gender |
| Symptoms | Discoloration (white, yellow, green, or black spots or areas); thickening of the nail; crumbling edges; pain or discomfort; foul odour; swelling and inflammation of the skin around the nail; nail lifting off or coming away completely |
| Diagnosis | Examination of debris scraped from underneath the nail; KOH smear; fungal culture |
| Treatment | Oral antifungal medications; topical antifungal medications (creams, ointments, or nail paint); alternative therapies (e.g. Vicks VapoRub, oregano oil, ozonized oils); laser treatment; photodynamic therapy; surgery (removal of the nail) |
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What You'll Learn
Fungi enter through cracks in the nail or surrounding skin
Fungi are microscopic organisms that can be found on the body and in the environment. They can enter the nail bed through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin, causing an infection. This happens when a crack in the nail or the skin around it allows the fungus to enter and grow. Toenails are more susceptible to infection than fingernails because fungi thrive in dark, warm, and moist places, and the toes have less blood flow, making it harder for the body to detect and prevent an infection.
Fungal nail infections are common, affecting about 10% of the adult population. They can affect both the fingernails and toenails but are more commonly found in the feet. The medical term for a fungal nail infection is onychomycosis, also known as tinea unguium. The infection usually develops slowly, causing the nail to become discoloured, thickened, distorted, and brittle. The nails may also become difficult to trim and may start to curl up or down or loosen from the nail bed.
The fungi that cause nail infections include dermatophytes, yeasts, and moulds. The most common type of fungal nail infection is distal subungual onychomycosis, which can result from a fungus called a dermatophyte. It can affect both the fingernails and toenails, starting in the nail bed underneath the nail. Another type of infection is white superficial onychomycosis, which is less common and primarily affects the nail surface of the toenails.
To prevent a fungal nail infection, it is important to maintain good hand and foot hygiene. Keeping the nails short, clean, and well-trimmed can help reduce the risk of infection. It is also recommended to avoid injuring the skin around the nails and to wear rubber gloves if the hands are going to be damp or wet for an extended period.
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Yeast, bacteria, and molds can also cause nail infections
Fingernail fungus is a common condition, often regarded as a trivial cosmetic problem. However, it can significantly impact one's quality of life, causing pain, limiting mobility and activities, and leading to social stigma. The medical term for a fungal nail infection is onychomycosis, and it affects over 50% of all nail diseases. Toenails are more frequently affected than fingernails due to their environment being darker, warmer, and having less blood flow, which makes it harder for the body to detect and prevent infections.
Bacterial infections, such as pseudomonas aeruginosa (CAP), can also affect the nails. These infections can cause the nails to become discoloured, thickened, and distorted, with unusual shapes and textures, making nail trimming difficult.
Molds, specifically non-dermatophyte molds, can cause onychomycosis. This infection may affect a single nail or multiple nails and can also involve the surrounding skin.
Treatment for nail infections varies depending on the severity and the affected nail(s). Topical antifungal medications, such as special creams or nail paints, are typically recommended for mild infections. However, for more severe or extensive infections, oral antifungal medications in the form of tablets or pills may be necessary. In some cases, surgical removal of the nail may be required if other treatments are ineffective. Laser or photodynamic therapy is also an emerging treatment option, but more research is needed before it becomes a standard treatment recommendation.
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Risk factors include age, health, and lifestyle
Several factors, including age, health status, and lifestyle choices, can increase the risk of developing fungal nail infections. Age plays a role, as older adults are more susceptible due to their generally poorer circulation. Additionally, nails tend to grow more slowly and thicken with age, providing a more favourable environment for fungal growth.
Health-related risk factors are also significant. Individuals with diabetes or weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of contracting nail fungus and developing subsequent bacterial infections. These infections can be challenging to cure, and the first round of medication may not always be effective. It is crucial for people with diabetes to closely monitor any signs of nail fungus and consult a doctor, as they are more prone to severe complications from these infections.
Lifestyle choices can also contribute to the risk of nail fungus. For instance, those who regularly engage in activities that expose their nails to warmth and moisture, such as swimming, may create an inviting environment for fungal growth. Wearing tight-fitting shoes that restrict airflow and keep the feet damp can also increase the likelihood of fungal nail infections.
Furthermore, specific occupations or hobbies that expose individuals to fungi-rich environments can be a factor. Working in fields like farming, gardening, or construction, where the hands are frequently in contact with soil or other organic materials, may increase the chances of nail fungus. Similarly, activities like nail biting or not washing the hands thoroughly after handling objects contaminated with fungi can introduce fungi to the nails.
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Treatment options include medication, home remedies, and laser therapy
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, can be treated through medication, home remedies, and laser therapy.
Medication
Oral antifungals such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or fluconazole (Diflucan) are traditionally used to treat toenail fungus and are usually the fastest and most effective way to resolve the issue. However, they can cause serious side effects, including an upset stomach, dizziness, severe skin problems, and jaundice. Topical antifungals are also available, but they are not always effective and carry similar medical risks.
Home Remedies
If you are looking for a more natural approach, there are several home remedies that can be tried. Vicks VapoRub, for example, has been found to have a "positive clinical effect" in treating toenail fungus. This is due to its active ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil, which have antifungal properties. Snakeroot (Ageratina pichinchensis) extract is another plant-based antifungal that has been shown to be effective against toenail fungus. However, it is important to note that home remedies should not be used by those with diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a physical modality that is appealing because it does not carry the same medical risks as antifungal medications. Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to target the fungus, disrupting its growth and causing photoinactivation. There are several types of lasers used for this treatment, including Nd:YAG lasers, titanium:sapphire lasers, and fractional CO2 lasers. While laser therapy shows promise, particularly for those with diabetes or other conditions that make medication risky, it is currently a costly treatment option.
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Prevention includes keeping nails short, clean, and dry
Keeping your nails short, clean, and dry is a simple yet effective way to prevent nail fungus. Nails that are well-trimmed, neat, and washed regularly can reduce the risk of fungal infections. This is because fungi thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments, so short, clean, and dry nails can deter their growth.
Fungal nail infections are caused by fungi that live in the environment and enter through small cracks in the nail or the nearby skin. These microscopic organisms do not require sunlight to survive, so they can easily thrive in warm and moist areas. Toenails are more prone to fungal infections than fingernails due to the warm and dark environment inside shoes. Additionally, the lower blood flow to the toes compared to the fingers makes it harder for the body to detect and prevent infections.
To keep your nails short, clean, and dry as a preventative measure, you can follow these suggestions:
- Trim your nails regularly to maintain a short length.
- Wash your hands and feet often with soap, ensuring you clean between your fingers and toes.
- Keep your nails dry by avoiding prolonged exposure to moisture. If you need to have damp or wet hands for an extended period, consider wearing rubber gloves.
- Wear well-fitting shoes made of natural materials and clean cotton socks to allow your feet to breathe.
By incorporating these simple nail care practices into your routine, you can effectively reduce the chances of developing a nail fungal infection.
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Frequently asked questions
Fingernail fungus is caused by various fungal organisms (fungi) that enter through small cracks in your nail or the nearby skin, causing infection. The most common type of fungus is called dermatophyte, but yeast, bacteria, and molds can also be the cause.
A fingernail fungus usually appears as discoloration and thickening of the nail, with crumbling edges. It often begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of the nail.
Anyone can get a fingernail fungus, but several factors can increase your risk. These include age (older adults are more susceptible), gender (it's more common in men), health (those with suppressed immune systems are at higher risk), and lifestyle (frequent moisture on the hands and feet can encourage fungal growth).
To prevent fingernail fungus, keep your nails short, clean, and dry. Wash your hands frequently and avoid walking barefoot in public places like pool decks and locker rooms, as fungi thrive in warm, moist environments.
If you suspect you have a fingernail fungus, see a healthcare provider. They may recommend self-care steps, medications, or prescription antifungal treatments such as oral medications, topical solutions, or antifungal nail lacquers. In severe cases, the nail may need to be removed to allow a new, healthy nail to grow.
