Nail Fungus – Everything You Need to Know



Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that starts as a white or yellow spot just below your fingernail or toenail.

What is nail fungus?

This is a common infectious condition that usually starts with a yellow or white spot on your finger or under your nails. If the infection becomes severe, it will cause your nails to discolor. As the fungal infection progresses, nail fungus can cause the nail to thicken, discolor, and fall off at the edges.

Nail fungus infections can spread from one nail to another, causing the nails to thicken and break at the edges. Nail infections are usually caused by a type of fungus called a dermatophyte. Nail infections can also be caused by yeasts and molds.

Fungal nail infections are more common in older adults because as nails age they can become brittle and dry, and as a result, cracks in the nails allow the fungus to get in. Other factors are a weakened immune system or poor circulation.

What are the symptoms of nail fungus?

Some of the main symptoms of this disease are:

  • White or yellow spots under your fingernails or nails
  • Nail discoloration
  • Thickened nails
  • Distorted shape of your nails
  • There may be debris under your nails, which may cause them to become darker in color.
  • Your nails may have a slight odor.

When should you see a doctor?

People often try home remedies and self-care measures to treat nail fungus before deciding to see a doctor. But if self-care measures don't help, and your nails start to rapidly become discolored, thickened, or deformed, you should see a doctor right away.

Request an appointment at Apollo Hospitals.
To book an appointment, call 1860-500-1066.
What are the risk factors and complications of nail fungus?

Risk factors

If you are older, sweat a lot, or have a history of athlete's foot, you are at risk for developing this condition. You may also be at risk if you have a nail or skin injury, or if you are diabetic. Walking in wet public places such as gyms, swimming pools, or shower rooms can also increase your risk of developing this condition.

Complications of nail fungus

  1. This can be painful, and it can permanently damage your nails.
  2. It can also spread the infection beyond your nails.
  3. If you have diabetes, you are at higher risk for cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection. So any relatively minor foot injury, including a nail fungus infection, can lead to a more serious complication.

How can we prevent nail fungus?

  • Wash your hands and feet regularly, and if you touch an infected nail, wash your hands with sanitizer. Disinfect your nail clippers and trim your nails straight across. 
  • Wear sweat-wicking socks and shoes that allow your feet to breathe. 
  • Wear shoes in wet public areas. 
  • Don’t wear artificial nails or nail polish, and don’t throw away old shoes. 
  • Cut your nails straight across, use a file to smooth the edges, and file down any thickened areas. 
  • Either throw away old shoes or treat them with antifungal powder or disinfectant.

What are the treatment options for nail fungus?

  1. Oral antifungal medications are the first and most important treatment option for nail fungus. Medications like terbinafine and itraconazole will help your nails grow back free of infection.
  2. You can use a medicated nail polish called ciclopirox to color your nails and the surrounding skin. Apply it for 7 days, clean it with alcohol, and reapply. Use as directed by your doctor.
  3. Medicated nail creams are another treatment option that you can apply to your affected nails. These creams work best if you thin your nails and then apply them.
  4. Some surgical options are also available, which require a doctor to temporarily remove your nail and apply antifungal cream directly to your skin where the infection is located.

Result

Nail fungus is not a life-threatening disease, but it will not go away on its own. Therefore, if you observe the symptoms of nail fungus, it is best to get yourself checked as soon as possible. Otherwise, the symptoms will get worse, and if the medication seems unsuccessful, you may have to remove your nails permanently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best home remedy for nail fungus?
Mix baking soda with room temperature water and apply the paste to your nails with a cotton swab. Leave it for 15 minutes before washing it off. This can help remove the fungus from your nails.

What is the fastest way to treat nail fungus?
Laser treatment is the fastest way to treat nail fungus. It will directly kill the microorganisms under your nails that are causing the infection.

Can we leave nail fungus untreated?
No, you can't. If you don't treat it, it will spread to your other nails and toenails.

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