What do you need to know about nail fungal infections?

Fungal nail infections affect many people at some point in their lives. Fungal nail infections occur when certain fungi invade the nails. They are not life-threatening but are often uncomfortable and sometimes difficult to treat. The infection is chronic and causes the nail to become weak, lose its normal color, thicken, and grow abnormally.

Fingernails are more commonly affected than toenails. The clinical term for fungal nail infection is onychomycosis. Fungal infections can affect any part of the body. Fungi naturally live on and in the body along with various bacteria. However, infection can occur when there is an overgrowth of the fungus.

In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive overview of fungal nail infections, including common causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.

What is nail fungal infection?

Nail fungus is a common infection that affects the nails. It usually appears as a white or yellowish-brown patch located under the fingernail or toenail. As the infection progresses, the nail may become discolored, thickened, and cracked at the edges. This condition can affect multiple nails at the same time.

In cases where the infection is mild and does not cause significant discomfort, treatment may not be necessary. However, if nail fungus is causing pain and thickening of the nails, self-care measures and medication may provide relief. It is important to note that despite successful treatment, nail fungus can recur.

Nail fungus is medically known as onychomycosis. When the fungus affects the spaces between the toes and the skin of the feet, it is identified as athlete’s foot or tinea pedis.

What are the different types of nail fungal infections?

It is important to know that there are four main types of fungal nail infections. Each one looks slightly different:

Distal or lateral subungual onychomycosis: This type is the most common and is widely found in other classification models of economic activities. It comes from a group of fungi called dermatophytes. You can find it near the affected area, for example, you can get it in your fingernails or toenails. It starts at the base of the nail, in the area near the nail, under the nail, on the skin that covers the nail. It will appear as a yellowish area that extends from the sides of the nail to the middle and the area that is loose from the nail matrix.

White superficial onychomycosis: This is not very common and only affects the outer part of the nails, especially the toenails. It begins with lesions that are powdery and break the nail into powder.

Proximal subungual onychomycosis: This first appears as a white discoloration in the nail matrix area at the base of the nail plate. It also grows outward as the finger or toenail grows. It is rare and usually occurs in people with immune disorders, including AIDS.

Candidal onychomycosis: Yeast leads to this type of infection, commonly known as nail fungus. The skin around the nails is usually red and swollen, and sometimes the nails become loose and fall off completely. This is more likely to happen in nails that have been damaged by an injury or another type of infection.

How does it develop?

A fungal nail infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of fungi under or on the nail. Fungus is known to thrive in areas with high temperatures and moist conditions, and it will naturally overgrow in any area where these conditions are present. Nail infections can also be caused by the fungi that cause jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm.

Nail infections can be caused by the presence of fungi that naturally live on the skin or in the nail bed. You can also get an infection if you come into contact with someone who has a fungal infection. Toenails are more susceptible to fungus than fingernails, perhaps because your feet are usually enclosed in shoes that create a warm, moist environment.

When going to a nail salon for a manicure or pedicure, it's helpful to know how the staff disinfects the tools and whether they do so regularly. Items like emery boards, fingernail clippers, and filers should be washed regularly as they have the potential to transfer fungus from one person to another.

You are more likely to get a fungal nail infection if you:

• Don't wash and dry them constantly.
• Wear shoes that keep your feet warm and your feet sweaty when you go out.
• Walk around your house without shoes or socks in places where you are likely to get fungal infections, such as showers, locker rooms, and the gym.
• Are your nails damaged?
• Some people may have certain diseases that can weaken their immune systems.
• Some people may also have diabetes, psoriatic arthritis, or peripheral artery disease.
• Fungal nail infections are contagious, so if you are infected, do everything you can to avoid spreading the disease.

What are its signs and symptoms?

Initially, a fungal nail infection may not cause any noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses, it can cause:

• A change in the color of the nail, which may appear white, black, yellow, or green.
• A thickening and change in the shape or texture of the nail, making it difficult to cut.
• Pain or discomfort, especially when pressure is applied to the affected toe or finger.
• Nails that become brittle or brittle, with pieces of them breaking off and separating completely.

Sometimes, the surrounding skin may also exhibit the following conditions:

• Infection
• Itching
• Cracking
• Tenderness
• Swelling.

How to treat nail fungal infection?

Fungal nail infections usually do not get better without intervention. However, if they are not causing you significant discomfort, you may choose to forgo treatment considering that this treatment:

• Can be a long process
• Can lead to side effects
• Not guaranteed to be effective
• In mild cases of fungal nail infections, treatment may also be considered unnecessary. Furthermore, it is unlikely to cause additional complications, which may lead you to conclude that treatment is not necessary.

For more serious or troublesome fungal nail infections, antifungal medications. Topical solutions for nail infections are not actually recommended over the counter products because they often do not work. Instead, your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication, such as:

• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• Fluconazole (Delucaine)
• Griseflon (Gris-PEG)

Your doctor may prescribe other antifungal medications, such as antifungal nail polish or topical solutions. These treatments are then applied to the nail in the same way that someone paints their nails.

They may need to use these medications for a few months, depending on what type of fungus is causing the infection and how severe the infection is. Topical treatments are usually not helpful in managing and eliminating toenail fungus infections.

You should not expect the treatment to permanently eliminate fungal spores from your system. Other side effects are likely to include infection with the fungus.

What are some tips to prevent nail infections?

Implementing a few simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing a fungal nail infection. Ensuring that proper nail hygiene is maintained is an effective preventive measure against such infections.

Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid any injury to the skin around the nails. Consider using rubber gloves if you expect your hands to be wet or damp for a long time. Additional strategies to prevent fungal nail infections include:

- Washing your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with infected nails

- Making sure your feet are completely dry after bathing, especially between the toes

- Seeking manicures or pedicures from reputable salons

- Avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas

- Minimizing the use of artificial nails and nail polish

End of line

Fungal skin infections are often manageable with either over-the-counter or prescription topical treatments. In cases of severe infections, more intensive intervention may be required. Implementing preventative measures is also effective in reducing the risk of fungal skin infections.

It is advisable to consult a doctor at the onset of any infection to avoid potentially serious complications. Collaboration with a healthcare professional usually allows for straightforward treatment of most fungal skin infections.