Sophia Delgado
Fungal nail infections are common and can affect both the fingernails and toenails, although toenails are more commonly affected. Fungi, which are already present in or on the body, cause nail infections. They enter through small cracks in the nail or the nearby skin, causing infection. The risk of developing a fungal nail infection increases with age and is influenced by factors such as health, lifestyle, and climate. Treatment options include oral antifungal medications, topical ointments, and alternative therapies. Maintaining good hand and foot hygiene is essential for preventing nail fungus infections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungi that are already present in or on the body |
| Risk factors | Age, health, lifestyle, frequent moisture on hands and feet, walking barefoot in warm, moist areas, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection, frequent nail salon visits, etc. |
| Symptoms | Discoloration, thickening of the nail, crumbling edges, foul odour, skin lesions called dermatophytids, swelling and inflammation around the nails, nails coming off entirely |
| Diagnosis | Examination of debris under the nail |
| Prevention | Keeping nails short, clean, and dry; maintaining good hand and foot hygiene; wearing absorbent socks; changing socks frequently; avoiding walking barefoot in public spaces |
| Treatment | Oral antifungal medications, topical ointments, alternative therapies, prescription antifungal medications, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, removal of the nail |
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What You'll Learn
Prevention: Keep nails short, clean, and dry
Preventing nail fungus is all about maintaining good hand and foot hygiene. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so it's important to keep your nails short, clean, and dry. Here are some tips to prevent nail fungus:
Keep your nails short and trimmed straight across. Longer nails provide more surface area for fungi to grow and spread. By keeping your nails short, you reduce the risk of fungi taking hold and spreading. Trimming your nails straight across also helps prevent tiny cuts or separations between the nail and the nail bed, which can provide an entry point for fungi.
Maintain clean nails and hands. Wash your hands and feet regularly with soap, paying special attention to the areas between your fingers and toes. Clean nails and hands reduce the likelihood of fungi building up and infecting your nails. This is especially important if you frequently touch water or have sweaty hands.
Keep your nails dry. Since fungi thrive in moist environments, ensure your nails and hands are thoroughly dried after washing or coming into contact with water. If your hands or feet tend to sweat a lot, carry a handkerchief or towel to blot them dry throughout the day. Change your socks regularly if your feet sweat, and let your shoes air out between wears to prevent moisture buildup.
In addition to these preventative measures, be cautious when visiting nail salons. Fungi can spread through shared tools and surfaces. Ask about their disinfection practices and only visit salons that prioritize sanitization between clients. You can also bring your own nail file and clippers for added safety.
By following these steps and being mindful of your nail care, you can significantly reduce the risk of contracting a nail fungus infection.
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Symptoms: Discoloration, thickening, crumbling, foul odour
Fungal nail infections are common and can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk. These include age, health, and lifestyle. Older individuals are more susceptible, and it is least common in children under six. Living in a hot and humid climate or frequently having wet hands or feet throughout the day can also increase the likelihood of developing a fungal nail infection.
Fungal nail infections occur when microscopic fungi invade the toenail or fingernail, often entering through small cracks in the keratin or nearby skin. The fungi thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments, making toenails more susceptible than fingernails due to their reduced blood flow, which hinders the body's ability to detect and prevent infection.
Symptoms: Discolouration, thickening, crumbling, foul odour
One of the most noticeable symptoms of a fungal nail infection is discolouration. Initially, you may observe a white or yellow spot under your nail, which can spread and turn the entire nail white, yellow, green, or black. The nail may also thicken, becoming challenging to trim, and it may start to curl or loosen from the nail bed. In some cases, the nail can become brittle and crumble upon touch.
Fungal nail infections can cause foul odours, and the area around the nails may become swollen and inflamed. The infection can lead to pain or discomfort, especially when applying pressure to the affected area. It is important to seek medical advice if you suspect a fungal nail infection, as early intervention can help prevent the spread of the infection and facilitate more effective treatment.
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Causes: Fungi, yeast, mould, athlete's foot
Fingernail and toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that occurs when fungi that are normally present in and on the body overgrow. Fungi, yeast, mould, and bacteria can all cause nail infections. The infection enters through small cracks in the nail or the nearby skin.
Dermatophytes, a type of tiny fungi, are responsible for both athlete's foot and nail fungus infections. Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a form of ringworm that causes an itchy, stinging, and burning rash on the foot. It is most common between the toes, but it can also affect the tops of the feet, soles, and heels. Toenail fungus, or tinea unguium, is a widespread infection that occurs when fungi get between the toenail bed and the toenail through a cut or crack in the nail.
The fungi that cause athlete's foot and nail fungus can easily spread from one part of the foot to another. For example, if you have athlete's foot between your toes, the fungus can spread to your toenails and cause nail fungus. Both conditions share similar symptoms and risk factors and can be treated using similar approaches. Candida yeasts can also cause nail infections, particularly in people who frequently soak their hands in water.
Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so these environments can cause them to naturally overpopulate. Exposure to public swimming pools, communal showers, and saunas can increase the risk of both athlete's foot and nail fungus infections. Other risk factors for athlete's foot include diabetes, obesity, a weakened immune system, and tissue damage.
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Diagnosis: Examining debris under the nail
Fungal nail infections are common and can affect both the fingernails and toenails. Toenails, however, are more susceptible to infection than fingernails due to the warm and moist environment created by shoes.
Fungal nail infections are caused by fungi that are already present in or on the body. These fungi enter through small cracks in the nail or the nearby skin, causing infection. The risk of developing a fungal nail infection increases with age, and it is most common in old age and rare in children under the age of 6. People with frequent nail infections may have untreated athlete's foot.
Fungal nail infections can be challenging to treat and often require prescription antifungal medications. Treatment can be a long and expensive process, and it may take up to three months to eliminate the infection and six to nine months for a new nail to grow out.
To diagnose a fungal nail infection, a doctor will typically examine the debris scraped from underneath the nail. This is because the pathogens that cause nail fungus infections usually enter the skin through tiny cuts or small separations between the nail and the nail bed. The fungi then grow and multiply, causing an infection when the nail provides a suitably warm and moist environment.
During the examination, the doctor will look for signs of discoloration, thickening of the nail, and crumbling edges, which are common symptoms of a fungal nail infection. They may also ask about any changes in nail texture or colour, as these can be indicative of a fungal infection. In some cases, they may recommend further testing, such as taking a small sample of the nail for laboratory analysis, to confirm the diagnosis.
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Treatment: Prescription medication, creams, laser therapy
Oral antifungal drugs can help treat nail fungus. This type of medication works by traveling through your bloodstream to reach the fungus. As these drugs can affect the liver, your doctor may order periodic blood tests to check your liver function during treatment. Examples of oral antifungal drugs include terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). These medications are usually taken daily for six to 12 weeks. However, you won't see the end results of treatment until your nail grows back completely, which can take up to four months or even longer.
Topical antifungal medications can also be used to treat nail fungus. These medications are applied directly to the affected nail. While they're typically not as effective as oral medications, they may be useful if you have a mild infection or cannot take oral antifungal drugs. Examples include ciclopirox (Penlac) and efinaconazole (Jublia). Penlac is a nail polish-like solution that you paint on your infected nails and surrounding skin daily. You remove the layers of medication weekly with alcohol. Treatment may last for a year. Jublia is a prescription medication that comes in the form of a solution that you apply to your infected toenails with a small brush applicator. You apply it once a day for 48 weeks.
Your doctor may also recommend a combination of oral and topical antifungal medications for a more effective treatment. For example, combining oral terbinafine with a topical ciclopirox penlac pro drug may increase the effectiveness of the treatment and improve the chance of a successful outcome.
Laser therapy is a newer method for treating nail fungus. During this procedure, your doctor will use a laser to shine a strong beam of light on your nail to destroy the fungus. Several types of lasers can be used, including the Nd:YAG, CoolBreeze, and PinPointe lasers. Multiple treatments are usually needed for the best results. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness and long-term benefits of laser therapy for nail fungus treatment. It's also important to note that this treatment option may not be covered by insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Symptoms include discolouration, thickening of the nail, and crumbling edges. The nail may also become brittle and prone to crumbling.
Fungi that are already present in or on the body can cause nail infections. Fungi enter through small cracks in the nail or the nearby skin, causing infection.
Preventing nail fungus requires good hand and foot hygiene. Keep your nails short and clean, and avoid walking barefoot in warm, moist areas such as pool decks or locker rooms.
Treatment for a fungal nail infection can include oral antifungal medications, topical ointments, and alternative therapies. Doctors are also studying newer treatments that use special light to try to kill the fungus.
