Isla Bennett
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a common condition affecting the toenails and, less frequently, the fingernails. It is characterised by nail discolouration, thickening, brittleness, and crumbling. While nail fungus may occasionally clear up without treatment, it typically requires sustained prescription medication to eliminate the infection. Treatment options include oral antifungal tablets, topical antifungal creams and polishes, and surgical or chemical nail removal procedures. Even with successful treatment, nail discolouration and other signs of nail fungus may persist until the nail grows out completely, which can take over a year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cure time | Fungal nail infections can take a long time to treat, with some medications requiring daily use for 6-12 weeks. It can take a year or more for the nail to grow out and return to normal. |
| Treatment | Oral and topical antifungal medications are used to treat nail fungus. In some cases, a doctor may perform a nail avulsion, surgically removing part or all of the infected nail. |
| Symptoms | Nail fungus causes the nail to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. In severe cases, the nail may detach from the nail bed. |
| Causes | Nail fungus is caused by a fungus that normally lives in the nails overgrowing. This can be caused by moisture trapped under the nails, ill-fitting shoes, nail injuries, exposure to damp and humid environments, and chronic medical conditions. |
| Prevention | To prevent nail fungus, keep your feet clean and dry, wear sweat-wicking socks, and avoid ill-fitting shoes. |
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What You'll Learn
- Nail fungus is characterised by thick, discoloured, brittle nails
- It is caused by a fungus that multiplies in warm, dark, moist places
- It can be diagnosed by a dermatologist or GP and treated with medication
- Treatment can take a long time, and the infection may return
- It is important to practise good foot hygiene and avoid ill-fitting shoes
Nail fungus is characterised by thick, discoloured, brittle nails
A fungal nail infection is characterised by thick, discoloured, and brittle nails. This type of infection is known as a mycotic nail, and it affects toenails more often than fingernails. The nail becomes thick and fragile, with cracks in the keratin, and may change colour. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail, causing it to become white, and then spreads to the rest of the nail, turning it yellow. In some cases, the nail may turn green, brown, or black. This discolouration is due to the presence of fungi such as Scytalidium, Alternaria, and Exophiala.
Mycotic nails are caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as the feet. This fungus can be the same one that causes athlete's foot. The infection can spread from person to person, especially in communal spaces like showers and gyms. It is more likely to affect individuals with a weakened immune system or those with conditions such as diabetes or vasculitis.
To diagnose a mycotic nail infection, a healthcare provider will visually examine the nail and ask about symptoms. They may also take a nail clipping to examine under a microscope or send it to a laboratory for a fungal culture. Treatment for mycotic nails can be challenging and time-consuming. Topical treatments are often ineffective, and oral antifungal medications are usually recommended. These medications can have side effects and may not be suitable for individuals with certain conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
It is important to note that nail fungus is unlikely to improve without treatment. While the infection can be cured with medication, the nail discolouration and other signs of nail fungus may persist until the nail grows out completely, which can take a year or longer. In some cases, the infected nail may need to be removed surgically or chemically to alleviate pain and prevent further infection.
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It is caused by a fungus that multiplies in warm, dark, moist places
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects the fingernails and toenails. It is caused by a fungus that multiplies in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as shoes and public spaces like swimming pools, gyms, and locker rooms. This fungus can also be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or shared personal items such as towels, clothing, and shoes.
The condition typically manifests as subtle nail discolouration or lifting, with the nail turning yellow, white, green, or brown. If left untreated, the nail may thicken, become brittle, and cause pain. In severe cases, the nail may detach from the nail bed and spread to other nails or the surrounding skin.
Nail fungus is challenging to treat, and prescription antifungal medications are often required to eliminate the infection. Treatment can take a long time, and the nail may take 12 to 18 months to grow back completely. During treatment, it is essential to avoid alcohol consumption and exposure to the sun.
To prevent nail fungus, it is recommended to maintain proper foot hygiene, wear sweat-wicking socks, and allow your feet to breathe by going shoe-free when possible. Additionally, it is important to be cautious when visiting public spaces like swimming pools and gyms, as these environments can increase the risk of contracting nail fungus.
If you suspect you have nail fungus, it is essential to seek medical attention. A dermatologist can examine your nails, perform diagnostic tests, and prescribe the most appropriate treatment plan for your condition.
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It can be diagnosed by a dermatologist or GP and treated with medication
If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, you should seek medical attention. Nail fungus is often considered a cosmetic issue, but it can cause significant pain and embarrassment, nail loss and ingrown nails, and increase your risk of secondary fungal infections.
A fungal nail infection is characterised by thick, discoloured, and brittle nails that are easy to break. It is caused by a fungus that normally lives in your fingernails or toenails overgrowing. This can be due to a nail injury, exposure to damp, humid environments, or even chronic medical conditions.
A pharmacist can help if you think you have a fungal nail infection. They will be able to recommend the best over-the-counter treatment, such as antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail. If over-the-counter treatments are ineffective, you should see a GP or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Your GP will take a sample of your nail to test what kind of infection you have, and may also perform a blood test to check that your liver is functioning properly.
Your dermatologist may also take a sample from your nail by removing some buildup, clipping off a bit of the nail, or scraping the nail's surface. This sample will be examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of nail fungus and determine the best course of treatment. Treatment options include oral antifungal medications, such as terbinafine, and topical treatments like antifungal nail polishes and creams. In some cases, your dermatologist may recommend a nail procedure, such as nail abrasion or avulsion, to remove the infected nail and restore its appearance.
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Treatment can take a long time, and the infection may return
Fungal nail infections can be difficult to treat and often do not go away without prescription antifungal medications. Treatment can take a long time, and the infection may return.
The timeline of fungal progression typically looks like this: it may take 12 to 18 months before fresh nail growth fully replaces the damaged nail. Toenail fungus often starts with mild nail discolouration or lifting. Without treatment, the nails may thicken, become brittle, or fall off. In more severe cases, the nail may start to detach from the nail bed or make walking difficult.
If your treatment is working, it should be easy to see healthy growth in your nails. You can tell that your nail fungus is dying when the discolouration begins to fade, the texture returns to normal, and there is new, healthy nail growth. However, even after the fungus has cleared, you will still see discolouration and other signs of nail fungus until the nail grows out completely. This can take a year or longer.
To treat toenails, you will typically take medication daily for 12 weeks. Fingernail treatment involves taking the medication daily for 1 week, stopping for 3 weeks, and then taking it again for 1 week. While taking this medication, you must stay out of the sun and not drink alcohol.
If treatments from a pharmacy do not work, your doctor may prescribe antifungal tablets. You may need to take these for up to 6 months.
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It is important to practise good foot hygiene and avoid ill-fitting shoes
Practising good foot hygiene and avoiding ill-fitting shoes are crucial steps in preventing nail fungus and promoting overall foot health. Nail fungus thrives in warm, damp environments, and improper foot care or poorly fitting shoes can create the perfect conditions for fungal growth.
Good foot hygiene involves keeping your feet clean and dry. This includes wearing clean socks, preferably made from moisture-wicking materials, and changing them regularly, especially if they become sweaty. It is also important to allow your shoes to air out for 24 hours before wearing them again. Additionally, wearing breathable shoes made from materials like leather, canvas, or mesh can help prevent excessive foot sweating. Applying antifungal powder or spray to your socks and shoes, especially before workouts or in hot weather, can also inhibit fungal growth.
Practising proper nail care is another important aspect of good foot hygiene. Keeping your nails short and trimmed straight across helps prevent fungi and other germs from accumulating under your nails. Disinfecting your nail clippers and other nail grooming tools after each use is essential to prevent the spread of infection. Soaking your nail clippers in a bleach and water solution or rubbing alcohol is an effective way to sanitise them.
Ill-fitting shoes can cause various foot problems, including toenail fungus. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, and tight or poorly ventilated shoes can create these ideal conditions for fungal growth. Choosing comfortable, well-fitting shoes made from breathable materials can help reduce the risk of toenail fungus. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of environments where fungi are more likely to be present, such as locker rooms, gyms, and shared showers. Wearing shower shoes or sandals in these areas can help protect your feet from coming into contact with fungi.
Overall, maintaining good foot hygiene and wearing properly fitting shoes are essential for preventing nail fungus and maintaining healthy feet. By keeping your feet clean and dry, practising proper nail care, and choosing comfortable and breathable footwear, you can significantly reduce the risk of toenail fungal infections.
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Frequently asked questions
No, nail fungus will not grow out on its own. Without treatment, a fungal infection can worsen, cause structural damage to your nail beds, and even spread to the skin and other areas.
It may take 12 to 18 months for a new, healthy nail to grow back and fully replace the damaged nail.
Toenail fungus often starts with mild nail discolouration (yellow, white, or brown) or lifting. As the infection progresses, the nail may thicken, become brittle, crumbly, and fall off.
Nail fungus is often caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot. This fungus thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as shoes. It can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or shared items like towels, clothing, and shoes.
Treatment for nail fungus typically involves antifungal medications, which can come in the form of tablets, nail polish, creams, gels, sprays, or patches. In some severe cases, a toenail may need to be cut or removed to help clear the infection.
