Sophia Delgado
Fungal nail infections are characterised by nails that are thick, discoloured, brittle, and easy to break. While the infection itself will go away in 6 to 12 weeks, it will take a year or longer for the nail to completely grow out. Nails usually grow back, but this process takes time; an entire fingernail can take 6 months or longer to regrow, while toenails can take 12 to 18 months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment goals | Get rid of the fungus and restore the nail |
| Treatment duration | A few months to up to 6 months |
| Nail regrowth duration | 6 months or longer for fingernails; 12 to 18 months for toenails |
| Symptoms | Thickened, discoloured, brittle, crumbly, swollen skin around the nail, easy to break, painful |
| Causes | Fungus that causes athlete's foot, exposure at places like pools or gyms |
| Diagnosis | Microscopic examination of nail samples, blood tests |
| Treatment | Antifungal medicines, tablets, or creams; nail removal in severe cases |
| Precautions | Avoid alcohol, stay out of the sun, inform your dermatologist if pregnant or breastfeeding |
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Treatment options
Fungal nail infections are usually treated with antifungal medications. Treatment can take a long time, and side effects may occur. Before starting treatment, your doctor will take a sample of your nail to test what kind of infection you have. They may also perform a blood test to check that your liver is functioning properly.
Antifungal medicines
Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medicine that you paint onto your nails. This will typically be in the form of a colourless nail polish that contains a drug such as ciclopirox. You will need to follow the instructions for usage, but usually, you will paint it onto the affected toenail once a day. Antifungal nail medicines are also available over the counter and can be brushed onto the nail. You will need to use this regularly for a few months before seeing any improvement and should continue treatment until advised to stop by your doctor.
Antifungal tablets
If treatments from a pharmacy do not work, your doctor may prescribe antifungal tablets. You may need to take these for up to six months. However, antifungal tablets are not suitable for those with liver or kidney disease, or for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is another treatment option for fungal nail infections. This treatment heats up the nail layers where the fungus is located and attempts to destroy its genetic material. You will usually need at least two treatments spaced 5-6 weeks apart, and it will take about two months to see results. It is important to note that insurance does not typically cover the cost of this treatment.
Natural remedies
Some natural remedies for fungal nail infections include baking soda, Listerine mouthwash, and snakeroot extract. Studies have shown mixed results for these treatments.
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Prevention methods
While a fungal nail infection is not a serious condition, it can take a long time to treat. Nails grow slowly, so even after the infection has cleared, it will take a year or longer for your nail to completely grow out. Therefore, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some ways to prevent fungal nail infections:
Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry
Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. Wash your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly, especially after swimming or taking a shower.
Trim Your Nails Regularly
Keep your nails short and straight across. Avoid rounding the edges. Keep your toenails shorter than the end of your toes to prevent fungus from entering.
Wear Shower Shoes or Flip-Flops in Public Places
Fungal nail infections can spread from other people. When in public places like locker rooms or swimming pool decks, always wear shower shoes or flip-flops to reduce the risk of contracting a fungal infection.
Avoid Walking Barefoot in Communal Areas
Avoid walking barefoot in places like communal showers and gyms, as these areas can be breeding grounds for fungi.
Treat Any Underlying Conditions
Fungal nail infections are more likely to occur in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those who have undergone organ transplants or are undergoing chemotherapy. If you have any underlying conditions, work with your healthcare provider to manage them effectively.
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Diagnosis
Fungal nail infections are characterised by nails that are thick, brittle, discoloured, or break easily. They usually affect toenails, but can sometimes occur in fingernails. If you suspect that you have a fungal nail infection, you should visit a pharmacist or your GP. Your healthcare provider will likely diagnose your fungal nail infection by examining your nail and asking about your symptoms.
In some cases, additional tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific type of nail fungus. This may involve taking a nail clipping to examine under a microscope or sending it to a laboratory for analysis. A blood test may also be necessary, particularly if you will be taking antifungal medication, to ensure your liver is functioning properly.
If over-the-counter treatments from a pharmacy do not work, your GP may prescribe antifungal tablets. However, these medications are not suitable for everyone and may cause side effects. For example, people with liver or kidney disease, as well as those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, cannot take antifungal tablets. In some cases, severely infected nails may need to be surgically removed under local anaesthesia.
It is important to note that fungal nail infections are contagious and can spread to others. Therefore, seeking a diagnosis and appropriate treatment is crucial to prevent the infection from spreading and ensure effective management.
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Nail avulsion
A fungal nail infection occurs when the nail becomes thick, discoloured, brittle, and easy to break. Nails grow slowly, so treating a fungal infection takes time. Treatment for a fungal nail infection may involve taking antifungal tablets for up to 6 months. In some cases, badly infected nails may need to be removed through a small procedure done under local anaesthetic. This is known as nail avulsion.
After a nail avulsion, fingernails can take 6 months or longer to grow back, while toenails typically take 12 to 18 months. Injured nails may appear different upon regrowth. Follow-up care is essential to ensure proper healing and address any concerns. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments and contact your doctor if any problems arise.
It is worth noting that treating a fungal nail infection can often be delayed until after pregnancy, as some treatments are not recommended during this time. Additionally, certain antifungal medications, such as terbinafine, should be avoided while breastfeeding.
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Signs and symptoms
A fungal nail infection is characterised by a nail that is thick, discoloured, and brittle. The nail may turn white, yellow, brown, or black. The discolouration usually starts at the edge of the nail and spreads to the rest of it. The nail also becomes fragile and easy to break. In some cases, the whole nail may crumble or break off, causing the skin around it to become painful and swollen.
Fungal nail infections are usually caused by a fungus that causes athlete's foot. The fungus thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as sweaty feet inside trainers. It can also spread from person to person, especially in communal spaces like showers and gyms.
The infection is slow to develop and can take a long time to treat. It is not a serious health concern, but it can cause discomfort and affect daily activities. The treatment goal is to prevent the fungus from growing and destroying the nail.
Healthcare providers diagnose a fungal nail infection by examining the nail and discussing symptoms. They may also take a nail clipping to examine under a microscope or send it to a laboratory for testing.
To determine if a fungal nail infection has been cured, one must observe healthy nail growth from the base of the nail. This indicates that the body has cleared the infection. The timeline for fresh growth to replace the damaged nail can be 12 to 18 months.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes a year or longer for a fungal nail to completely grow out.
A fungal nail infection can cause the nail to become thick, discoloured, brittle, crumbly and easy to break.
Fungal nail infections are caused by a fungus that causes athlete's foot. This fungus can multiply in warm, dark and moist places like the feet.
A pharmacist may recommend an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail. You will need to use this regularly for a few months. If pharmacy treatments don't work, your GP may prescribe antifungal tablets.
