Isla Bennett
Fingernail and toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect anyone. It is characterised by white or yellow spots under the nail, thickening, crumbling, discolouration, or a putrid smell. If you suspect you have a nail fungal infection, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. A primary care physician or dermatologist can examine your nails and take samples for laboratory analysis to determine the type of fungus involved. Treatment options include oral antifungal medications, topical treatments, and in severe cases, nail removal. Early treatment is key to preventing further complications and ensuring the infection does not return.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Doctor Speciality | Dermatologist |
| Symptoms | Thickening, crumbling, or discoloration of the nail, dark streaks, nail breakdown, nail brittleness, nail breakage |
| Diagnosis | Visual examination, nail sample, skin sample, nail clipping, biopsy, laboratory analysis |
| Treatment Options | Antifungal medication (oral or topical), nail removal, laser and light treatments, patches, nail lacquers, gels |
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What You'll Learn
Diagnosing nail fungus
Fingernail and toenail fungus is a common condition that dermatologists diagnose and treat. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. They can identify the root cause of nail concerns and provide appropriate treatment.
To diagnose a nail fungus, a dermatologist will first examine your nails and the nearby skin. This is because nail fungus is often associated with skin infections such as athlete's foot, and it is important to check that the fungus has not spread. The symptoms of nail fungus include thickening, crumbling, or discolouration of the nail. Toenails are more frequently affected than fingernails.
Before giving a diagnosis, a dermatologist may also take some samples. This could include collecting debris from beneath the nail, trimming part of the nail, or scraping off a bit of skin. These samples are then examined in a lab under a microscope to confirm the cause of the problem. In some cases, a nail clipping or biopsy may be needed to distinguish between different nail diseases, such as psoriasis or eczema, which can closely resemble a fungal infection.
If you are experiencing symptoms of nail fungus, it is important to see a dermatologist. They can help you get to the root of the problem and provide appropriate treatment. Early treatment is always better, as it can help to correct any nail issues and ensure they do not come back.
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Topical treatments
There are several types of topical treatments for nail fungus. One option is to use a colorless nail polish that contains antifungal ingredients such as amorolfine or ciclopirox. Ciclopirox has been shown to be effective in treating nail fungus, with about 22 out of 100 people no longer having a detectable fungal nail infection after one year of treatment. However, it is important to note that even if the fungus clears, the cosmetic results may not always be satisfying. Another option for topical treatment is to use a cream that contains urea, which softens the nail so it can be removed, or bifonazole, which has an antifungal effect. This treatment involves first soaking the affected toe or finger in warm water for ten minutes and then drying it. The urea-based cream is then applied, and the nail is covered with an adhesive bandage for 24 hours. The process is repeated until the infected part of the nail has been completely scraped away, and then the skin beneath is treated with a bifonazole cream for another four weeks.
It is important to note that topical treatments for nail fungus may take up to a year to be effective, and they are generally less effective than oral medications. Additionally, side effects from topical medications can include redness and swelling, ingrown toenails, and stinging or burning when applying the medicine.
If you suspect that you have nail fungus, it is important to consult with a dermatologist, who can examine your nails and nearby skin to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
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Oral treatments
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common type of infection caused by fungi entering and spreading in the nails. It is often associated with skin infections such as athlete's foot. Symptoms include nail discolouration, thickening, crumbling, and softening of the nails.
In addition to oral antifungal pills, combination therapy involving both oral and topical treatments may be recommended by a dermatologist. This approach combines antifungal pills with topical medicines applied directly to the nails, which can be more effective than using either treatment alone. Topical treatments can include specialised creams, lotions, or prescribed steroids and antifungals.
While oral treatments are effective, they may not always result in a healthy-looking nail. Even with successful treatment, the nail may still appear unhealthy until it fully grows out, which can take four to six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
It is important to consult with a dermatologist to determine the most appropriate treatment option for fingernail fungus. They will examine the nails and nearby skin, as well as take samples for laboratory analysis, to accurately diagnose and prescribe the best treatment plan.
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Nail removal
A fungal nail infection, or onychomycosis, is one of the most common nail disorders. It is often associated with a skin infection, such as athlete's foot. Symptoms can include thickening, crumbling, or discolouration of the nail.
Fungal nail infections can be treated by a dermatologist, who will examine your nails and the nearby skin. They may also take some samples, such as nail clippings or skin scrapings, to determine the cause of the infection. Treatment usually begins with trimming the infected nail(s).
There are several treatment options for nail fungus, including:
- Topical treatments: antifungal creams, lotions, or solutions that are rubbed or painted onto the nail.
- Oral medications: antifungal pills that are taken by mouth. These have a higher cure rate and work more quickly than topical treatments, but they can also cause side effects.
- Laser treatment: high doses of light to destroy stubborn fungus. This treatment is still fairly new and may be costly.
If other treatments are ineffective or if the patient is in a lot of pain, nail removal may be recommended. This allows a new, healthy nail to grow in its place, which can take more than a year. Nail removal can be done chemically or through surgery, and it requires wound care after the procedure.
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Preventing nail fungus
Fingernail and toenail fungal infections are common and can be treated by a dermatologist. While these infections are usually not serious, they can be unpleasant and difficult to treat. The infection causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened, distorted, and brittle. It can also cause pain or discomfort, particularly when using or placing pressure on the affected toe or finger.
To prevent nail fungus, board-certified dermatologists offer the following tips:
- Wear flip-flops or shower sandals when walking in warm, moist areas like gyms, locker rooms, spas, public showers, and pools. Keeping a pair of flip-flops near the pool can be helpful so that you can slip into them when you get out of the water.
- If you have just finished treating nail fungus, throw away shoes, boots, skates, and other footwear that you wore before you started treatment. The fungus can live in footwear, causing another infection. If your footwear is expensive or new, you can disinfect them using an ultraviolet (UV) shoe sanitizer or an ozone cabinet.
- Sprinkle antifungal powder in your shoes. These products cannot treat a fungal nail infection, but they can help prevent fungi from growing in your shoes.
- Keep your nails short. When trimming your toenails, cut them straight across and keep them shorter than the end of your toes. Fingernails should also be kept short. This helps prevent fungi and other germs from getting under your nails.
- Sanitize your nail clippers before using them. Wash them with soap and water, then wipe them with rubbing alcohol. If you visit a salon for nail care, ask how often they disinfect nail clippers, emery boards, and other equipment. They should sanitize these after every client.
- Never share nail clippers, shoes, skates, towels, and other personal items.
If you notice any signs of infection, make an appointment with your dermatologist.
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Frequently asked questions
You should see a dermatologist, a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. They will examine your nails and the nearby skin to diagnose the issue.
There are several treatment options available for fingernail fungus, including topical treatments applied directly to the nail, oral antifungal medications, and in severe cases, nail removal.
Fingernail fungus often presents as white or yellow spots under the tips of the nails, which can progress to discoloration, thickening, crumbling, or breakdown of the nail. It may also cause a putrid smell. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
