Liam Carter
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects the fingernails. It is caused by an overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. The infection often starts at the edge of the nail and can turn it white or yellow. As the fungus spreads, it can lead to nail thickening, cracking, and splitting. In some cases, the nail may become brittle and crumbly, and the whole nail can lift off, causing the skin around it to become swollen and painful. Recognizing the signs of a fingernail fungus is important to seek prompt treatment and prevent further complications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Nails may become thicker, ridged, brittle, crumbly, or cracked. Nails may also separate from the nail bed, and the skin around the nail may become swollen and inflamed. |
| Colour | Nails may turn white or yellow, with white or yellow spots or streaks. |
| Pain | Pain or discomfort may be experienced, especially when using or placing pressure on the affected finger. |
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Nail colour changes
A fungal nail infection often starts as a yellow or white spot at the top corner of the nail. It can also appear as white spots in the centre of the nail bed at the cuticle. As the fungus spreads, it can lead to nail thickening and splitting. Nails may become brittle and crumbly, and the whole nail can sometimes lift off, causing the skin around it to become swollen and painful.
Distal subungual infections are the most common type of fungal nail infection and can develop in both fingernails and toenails. When infected, the outer edge of the nail has a jagged appearance with white and/or yellow streaks across the nail. The infection invades the nail bed and underside of the nail.
Proximal subungual onychomycosis is a rare type of fungal nail infection that usually affects people with immune system problems, such as HIV infection. It appears first as white spots in the centre of the nail bed at the cuticle and then moves outward as the nail grows.
Candidal onychomycosis is caused by yeast and usually affects the fingernails. The area around the nails is often swollen and inflamed, and the nails may come off entirely. It tends to occur in nails that have been damaged by a prior injury or infection.
Fungal nail infections can affect toenails more commonly than fingernails, as your toes are usually confined to shoes, creating a warm and moist environment for the fungi to thrive in.
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Nail texture changes
Healthy nails are typically smooth, without any holes or cracks, and are not prone to peeling or breaking. They are also free of discolouration. However, when a fungal infection is present, nail texture changes can occur, and the nail may become fragile, thick, and change colour.
One of the most common types of fungal nail infections is distal or lateral subungual onychomycosis, which results from a fungus called a dermatophyte. It can affect both finger and toenails and starts in the nail bed, underneath the nail. The most noticeable symptom is a yellowish discolouration that spreads from the edges of the nail to the centre, as well as the areas where the nail comes apart from the nail bed.
Proximal subungual onychomycosis is a rarer form of fungal nail infection that usually affects people with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV. It first appears as white spots in the centre of the nail bed at the cuticle and then moves outward as the nail grows.
Yeast onychomycosis, often caused by Candida, is more likely to affect your fingernails. It may indicate a weakened immune system. The area around the nails is often swollen and inflamed, and the nails may even come off entirely. This type of infection usually occurs when the nail has been damaged by a previous injury or another infection.
Fungal melanonychia is the least common type of onychomycosis. Fungi such as Scytalidium, Alternaria, and Exophiala cause a brownish or blackish discolouration of the nail.
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Nail thickening
Fungal nail infections usually start at the edge of the nail and spread to the centre as the nail grows. The nail may thicken and become difficult to trim. It may start to curl up or down or loosen from the nail bed. In some cases, the whole nail can lift off, causing the surrounding skin to become swollen and painful.
The infection is caused by an overgrowth of fungus, which is typically present on the body. The fungi enter the skin through small cuts or separations between the nail and nail bed. Toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails because they provide a darker, warmer, and more moist environment, which is ideal for fungal growth. Additionally, the toes have less blood flow than the fingers, making it harder for the body to detect and prevent an infection.
Fungal nail infections can be treated with antifungal medications, such as terbinafine and itraconazole, which are taken orally or applied topically. Laser treatment is also an option for stubborn infections, but it may be expensive and require multiple treatments. Preventative measures include keeping the nails short, clean, and dry, wearing well-fitting shoes and absorbent socks, and avoiding walking barefoot in places where fungi spread easily, such as gym showers and locker rooms.
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Nail separation
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects the tissues in and around the nails. It can cause the nail to become thick, yellow, brittle, distorted, and crumbly. The nail may also become difficult to trim and painful. In some cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed, leading to complete nail loss.
The medical term for nail separation caused by a fungal infection is onychomycosis. There are several types of onychomycosis that can lead to nail separation, including distal or lateral subungual onychomycosis, which is the most common form, and yeast onychomycosis, often caused by Candida. These infections can affect both toenails and fingernails, causing the nail to become thickened and fragile, leading to cracking and separation from the nail bed.
It is important to note that nail psoriasis and nail fungus share similar symptoms, including nail separation. However, nail psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that typically causes skin scaling and discolouration. To confirm a diagnosis of nail fungus, a doctor will examine the nail and may take a scraping for microscopic analysis or send it to a lab for further testing.
Treating nail separation caused by a fungal infection typically involves antifungal medications, which can be administered orally, topically, or through laser treatment. Keeping nails short and trimmed straight across can also help manage the condition and prevent the spread of the infection. Additionally, maintaining proper nail and foot hygiene is crucial to avoiding nail separation and preventing the recurrence of fungal infections.
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Nail pain
Fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, can cause nail pain. This type of infection occurs when fungi grow in, under, or on the nail. While fungal nail infections usually affect the toenails, they can also develop on the fingernails.
Fungal nail infections can cause the nail to thicken, weaken, and become brittle or crumbly. Pieces of the nail may break off or come away completely. The nail may also separate from the nail bed, causing the skin around it to become swollen and painful. In some cases, the infection can cause pain or discomfort when using or placing pressure on the affected finger or toe.
The pain associated with a fungal nail infection can range from mild discomfort to more severe pain. If left untreated or if the infection becomes severe, the pain may worsen. Additionally, the infection can make it hard to walk if it affects a toenail.
To relieve nail pain caused by a fungal nail infection, various treatment options are available. Oral antifungal medications are typically the most effective treatment for onychomycosis. However, these medications need to be taken for several months to cure the infection. Topical antifungal treatments, such as nail paint, are also available but are generally considered less effective than oral medications. Laser treatment is another possible option for stubborn infections, but it is not widely available and may be expensive.
To prevent fungal nail infections and associated nail pain, it is important to keep the nails clean and dry, clip them regularly, and avoid sharing nail clippers or towels with others. Wearing well-fitting shoes made of breathable materials and absorbent socks can also help prevent moisture buildup, creating an environment that fungi thrive in.
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Frequently asked questions
A fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis, usually starts as a yellow or white spot at the top corner of the nail. It can also start as a yellowish area that spreads from the edges of the nail to the center. As the fungus spreads, it can lead to nail thickening and splitting. Nails may become brittle and crumbly and can even fall off entirely.
Symptoms of a finger nail fungus include pain or discomfort, especially when using or placing pressure on the affected finger. The skin around the nail may become swollen and painful. The nail may also partially lift off the nail bed.
The best treatment for a finger nail fungus is oral antifungal medication. However, these medications need to be taken for several months to cure the infection. In some cases, laser and light therapy can also be used to get rid of nail fungus.
