Fungal infections of the nails: Overview, Causes & Treatments
What is a fungal infection of the nails?
Fungal infections can affect any part of the body. The fungi can attack the nails through small cuts in the skin around the nail or through the opening between the nail and nail bed. Fungi are normally present in and on the body alongside various bacteria. When a fungus begins to overgrow, you can get an infection
A fungal infection of the nails occurs when a fungus attacks a fingernail or toenail, or skin under the nail, called the nail bed. The fungi can attack the nails through small cuts in the skin around the nail or through the opening between the nail and nail bed.
If you are healthy, a fungal infection of the nails probably will not cause serious problems. But it can be unsightly, hurt or damage your nail or nail bed.
A fungal infection of the nails can lead to more serious problems if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat a nail infection if you have any of these problems.
What causes a fungal infection of the nails?
Yeasts, molds and different kinds of fungi can cause these infections. Most are caused by the same type of fungus that causes athlete's foot.
Fungi grow best in warm, moist places, and can spread from person to person. You can get a fungal infection in nails barefoot in swimming pools (pools) or public showers or by sharing personal items such as towels or nail clippers. If you have athlete's foot, the fungus can spread from the skin to the nails.
What are the symptoms?
A nail with a fungal infection could:
How is a yeast infection diagnosed in nails?
Your doctor will diagnose a fungal infection of the nails examining the nail, asking about your symptoms and past health, and possibly doing tests for fungus.
How is it treated?
Treat infection or nail fungus depends on you. If left untreated, it will not disappear. In fact, it could get worse.
If you decide to treat a fungal infection of the nails, you can try an antifungal drug (antifungal medicine) without a prescription that comes in cream, lotion or nail polish. Your doctor may also prescribe a stronger medication. You may need to use this medicine for a few weeks or for up to a year. Nevertheless, it may not remove the infection.
Antifungal pills give the best chance of curing a severe fungal infection in the nails. But they can cost a lot and have serious side effects. If you take these pills, you will need to visit your doctor for regular tests.
How can you prevent a fungal infection of the nails?
Fungal infections of the nails often return after treatment. It is important to take steps to prevent it.
Fungal infections can affect any part of the body. The fungi can attack the nails through small cuts in the skin around the nail or through the opening between the nail and nail bed. Fungi are normally present in and on the body alongside various bacteria. When a fungus begins to overgrow, you can get an infection
A fungal infection of the nails occurs when a fungus attacks a fingernail or toenail, or skin under the nail, called the nail bed. The fungi can attack the nails through small cuts in the skin around the nail or through the opening between the nail and nail bed.
If you are healthy, a fungal infection of the nails probably will not cause serious problems. But it can be unsightly, hurt or damage your nail or nail bed.
A fungal infection of the nails can lead to more serious problems if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat a nail infection if you have any of these problems.
What causes a fungal infection of the nails?
Yeasts, molds and different kinds of fungi can cause these infections. Most are caused by the same type of fungus that causes athlete's foot.
Fungi grow best in warm, moist places, and can spread from person to person. You can get a fungal infection in nails barefoot in swimming pools (pools) or public showers or by sharing personal items such as towels or nail clippers. If you have athlete's foot, the fungus can spread from the skin to the nails.
What are the symptoms?
A nail with a fungal infection could:
- Getting yellowish or whitish.
- Thicken.
- Chipping and cracking, and it may separate from the skin.
How is a yeast infection diagnosed in nails?
Your doctor will diagnose a fungal infection of the nails examining the nail, asking about your symptoms and past health, and possibly doing tests for fungus.
How is it treated?
Treat infection or nail fungus depends on you. If left untreated, it will not disappear. In fact, it could get worse.
If you decide to treat a fungal infection of the nails, you can try an antifungal drug (antifungal medicine) without a prescription that comes in cream, lotion or nail polish. Your doctor may also prescribe a stronger medication. You may need to use this medicine for a few weeks or for up to a year. Nevertheless, it may not remove the infection.
Antifungal pills give the best chance of curing a severe fungal infection in the nails. But they can cost a lot and have serious side effects. If you take these pills, you will need to visit your doctor for regular tests.
How can you prevent a fungal infection of the nails?
Fungal infections of the nails often return after treatment. It is important to take steps to prevent it.
- Before going to bed, wash and dry your feet carefully.
- Wear sandals or roomy shoes made of materials needed to eliminate moisture. Let the shoes dry for at least 24 hours before reuse.
- Wear socks. Change them if your feet sweat.
- Do not share files or clippers, socks, towels and other personal items.
- Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in damp public places like locker rooms or showers.