What is Fungal Nail Infection
Fungal nail infection is a common fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails. This condition affects toenails more often than fingernails.
More than one nail may be infected. The condition can be passed from person to person (is contagious).
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by a fungus. Several types of funguses can cause the infection. These funguses are common in moist and warm areas. If your hands or feet come into contact with the fungus, it may get into a crack in your fingernail or toenail and cause the infection.
What increases the risk?
The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:
- Being male.
- Having diabetes.
- Being of older age.
- Living with someone who has the fungus.
- Walking barefoot in areas where the fungus thrives, such as showers or locker rooms.
- Having poor circulation.
- Wearing shoes and socks that cause your feet to sweat.
- Having athlete’s foot.
- Having a nail injury or history of a recent nail surgery.
- Having psoriasis.
- Having a weak body defense system (immune system).
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
- A pale spot on the nail.
- Thickening of the nail.
- A nail that becomes yellow or brown.
- A brittle or ragged nail edge.
- A crumbling nail.
- A nail that has lifted away from the nail bed.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with a physical exam. Your health care provider may take a scraping or clipping from your nail to test for the fungus.
How is this treated?
Mild infections do not need treatment. If you have significant nail changes, treatment may include:
- Oral antifungal medicines. You may need to take the medicine for several weeks or several months, and you may not see the results for a long time. These medicines can cause side effects. Ask your health care provider what problems to watch for.
- Antifungal nail polish and nail cream. These may be used along with oral antifungal medicines.
- Laser treatment of the nail.
- Surgery to remove the nail. This may be needed for the most severe infections.
Treatment takes a long time, and the infection may come back.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
- Take or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- Ask your health care provider about using over-the-counter mentholated ointment on your nails.
Lifestyle
- Do notshare personal items, such as towels or nail clippers.
- Trim your nails often.
- Wash and dry your hands and feet every day.
- Wear absorbent socks, and change your socks frequently.
- Wear shoes that allow air to circulate, such as sandals or canvas tennis shoes. Throw out old shoes.
- Wear rubber gloves if you are working with your hands in wet areas.
- Do notwalk barefoot in shower rooms or locker rooms.
- Do notuse a nail salon that does not use clean instruments.
- Do notuse artificial nails.
General instructions
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
- Use antifungal foot powder on your feet and in your shoes.
Contact a health care provider if:
Your infection is not getting better or it is getting worse after several months.
