Sophia Delgado
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection caused by fungi that live in the environment. It occurs when fungi enter through small cracks in the nail or the nearby skin, causing infection. This can happen when fungi invade toenails or fingernails, and it typically appears as discoloration and thickening of the nail, with crumbling edges. While toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails due to their confined, warm, and moist environment, anyone can get a fungal nail infection. Age, health, and lifestyle can all increase the risk of developing a fungal nail infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of infection | Fungi, yeast, bacteria, moulds |
| Risk factors | Age, health, lifestyle, gender |
| Symptoms | Discolouration, thickening, crumbling, foul odour, pain |
| Prevention | Keep nails short, clean, dry, wear absorbent socks, change socks often, wear shoes made of breathable materials, disinfect nail clippers, avoid walking barefoot in public spaces |
| Treatment | Oral antifungal medications, topical ointments, alternative therapies, oregano oil, ozonized oils, laser therapy |
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What You'll Learn
Yeast, bacteria, and moulds
The same fungi that cause jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm can also cause nail infections. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, and people can pick them up by walking barefoot in places like pool decks or locker rooms. They can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection, or by sharing infected nail clippers or towels.
Fungal nail infections can affect both fingernails and toenails but are more common in toenails. Toenails are more susceptible because they are often in dark, warm shoes, providing an ideal environment for fungi to grow. Toenails also have less blood flow than fingers, making it harder for the body to detect and prevent infections.
Fungal nail infections typically start as a white, yellow, or yellow-brown spot under the tip of the nail. As the infection progresses, the nail may discolour, thicken, and crumble at the edges. Nails with fungal infections can become painful and may emit a foul odour. In severe cases, they can cause permanent nail damage and lead to other serious infections, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems.
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Skin-to-skin contact
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection caused by various fungal organisms, with dermatophytes being the most prevalent type. It can affect both fingernails and toenails but is more commonly found in toenails due to the ideal conditions for fungal growth. The infection usually starts as a white, yellow, or yellow-brown spot under the nail and can spread, causing discolouration, thickening, and crumbling of the nail.
Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, and toenails provide a more suitable habitat than fingernails. Additionally, the reduced blood flow in toes compared to fingers makes it harder for the body to detect and prevent infections. As a result, toenails are more susceptible to fungal infections.
To prevent nail fungus, it is essential to maintain good nail hygiene. This includes keeping nails short, clean, and dry. Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, is crucial. When visiting nail salons, it is recommended to choose establishments that disinfect their tools after each client or bring your own file and clippers.
Treating nail fungus can be challenging and expensive. Over-the-counter creams and ointments are available, but they may not be highly effective. Oral antifungal medications and topical solutions are often prescribed by doctors, but these treatments can take several months to work. Additionally, even with successful treatment, nail fungus may recur.
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Cracks in the nail
Fungal nail infections can develop when fungi enter through small cracks in the nail or the surrounding skin. These cracks provide an entry point for the fungi to invade the nail bed and cause an infection. The fungi then multiply and spread, leading to an overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. This process can occur gradually, and the initial signs may be subtle.
The risk of developing a fungal nail infection through nail cracks increases with certain factors. Age is one factor, with older adults being more susceptible due to lower blood circulation and slower nail growth. Health conditions, such as a compromised immune system, can also increase the risk of infection. Additionally, lifestyle choices like frequent exposure to moisture, wearing sweaty socks and shoes, or engaging in activities that cause minor trauma to the hyponychium (where the fingertip attaches to the nail) can raise the chances of developing a fungal nail infection through nail cracks.
To prevent nail fungus, it is important to keep nails short, clean, and dry. Trimming nails straight across and smoothing the edges can help eliminate potential hiding places for fungi. Disinfecting nail clippers and manicure tools is also crucial to avoid spreading infections. Additionally, wearing absorbent or breathable socks, changing socks throughout the day, and choosing footwear in moist areas like pool decks or locker rooms can reduce the likelihood of fungal growth.
Treating nail fungus can be a lengthy and challenging process. Over-the-counter creams and ointments may not always be effective. Oral antifungal medications and topical solutions are often prescribed, but severe cases may require laser treatment or even nail removal to allow a healthy new nail to grow. Some home remedies, such as Vicks VapoRub, oregano oil, and ozonized oils, have shown promising results in clinical studies for treating nail fungus.
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Age, health, and lifestyle
Age
The risk of developing a fungal nail infection increases with age. It is most common in old age and least common in children. Before the age of six, it is rare to develop a fungal nail infection. This is because older adults are at the highest risk of nail fungus infections due to lower blood circulation and slower-growing nails, which are part of the natural aging process.
Health
You have an increased risk of developing a fungal nail infection if you have any of the following:
- Athlete's foot or another skin infection caused by fungus.
- Frequent nail infections, which may indicate untreated athlete's foot.
- A suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes, or other conditions.
Lifestyle
Your risk of getting a fungal nail infection increases if:
- Your hands or feet are frequently wet throughout the day.
- You walk barefoot through gym showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms—places where fungi spread easily.
- You share nail clippers or towels with someone who has a fungal infection.
- You have nails that are frequently moist, or you often wear sweaty socks and shoes.
- You have a job or exercise routine that causes repeated minor trauma to the hyponychium, where the fingertip attaches to the nail.
- You have long nails, which create more places for the fungus to grow.
- You have nail polish or artificial nails.
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Treatment and prevention
Fungal nail infections are caused by microorganisms that invade the toenail or fingernail. The infection can occur when a crack in the nail or the skin around it allows fungus to get inside and grow. Since fungus thrives in dark, warm places, toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails.
To prevent nail fungus, it is important to practise good hygiene. This includes washing your hands and feet regularly with soap, ensuring that you clean between your fingers and toes. Keeping your nails short and trimmed straight across can also help prevent the fungus from spreading. If you visit nail salons, it is important to ensure that they disinfect their tools after each client. You can also bring your own file and clippers for added safety.
If you do develop a fungal nail infection, there are several treatment options available. Mild infections can often be treated with topical medications applied directly to the nail. More severe infections may require a combination of oral antifungal pills and topical treatments. In some cases, nail removal may be necessary to eliminate the infection.
It is important to remember that even with successful treatment, nail fungus can return. To reduce the risk of recurrence, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices and take steps to prevent new infections. This may include the use of antifungal powders or sprays on the feet and in shoes, as well as changing socks frequently and allowing your feet to cool down throughout the day.
If you suspect that you have a fungal nail infection, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Finger nail fungus is caused by microorganisms called fungi that live in the environment. Fungi are normally present in and on the body alongside various bacteria. However, when a fungus begins to overgrow, you can get an infection.
The fungus enters through small cracks in your nail or the nearby skin, causing infection. It can also enter through a separation between the nail and finger.
Symptoms include discolouration, thickening of the nail, and crumbling edges. The nail may also become brittle.
To prevent a fungal nail infection, keep your nails short, straight, and clean. Wash your hands and feet often with soap, and dry them thoroughly. Avoid walking barefoot in public spaces like pool decks or locker rooms, and avoid sharing nail clippers and towels.
