Nail fungus is a common, infectious disease known as onychomycosis. It affects about 14% of people. This disease usually shows up on the toenails but can affect the fingernails too. You might notice your nails looking discolored, thick, or cracked. Sometimes, the nail can even come off the bed. Athlete’s foot can happen with this too.
The cause is different fungi that get in through tiny cuts in the skin around the nail. Several things can make you more likely to get this disease, like nail injuries or certain health conditions.
To fight nail fungus, it’s key to take care of your nails and keep them clean. Make sure your hands and feet stay dry. Don’t walk barefoot where people share showers. And never share tools like nail clippers.
Doctors usually need a lab test to be sure it’s nail fungus. Then, they’ll suggest ways to treat it. This can include pills or even removing the nail. Even with good treatment, nail fungus might come back, especially if you’re not in good health.
Now, there’s a new idea for treatment using stem cells. This approach tries to use the body’s own healing power. Early signs suggest it could help the nails fight the fungus better.
Key Takeaways:
- Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, often targets the toenails but can affect the fingernails too.
- Look out for clear signs like thick, brittle, or discolored nails. Often, the nail separates from the skin beneath it.
- Fungi can get in through tiny skin breaks, leading to nail fungus. Several risk factors make some people more prone to it.
- Key prevention methods include good hygiene, keeping nails dry and clean, avoiding public walking places barefoot, and not sharing grooming tools.
Understanding Nail Fungus: Causes and Symptoms
Nail fungus is a common fungal infection that mainly affects the toenails. It starts as a white or yellow spot under the nail. This infection can make the nail thick, change color, or even break. It might also hurt or look bad.
Fungi in the air cause nail fungus. It can get in through a small nail crack. Some people are more likely to get it. This includes older people, those with nail or foot problems, diabetics, and people with weak immune systems. If you’ve had fungal skin infections or have bad blood circulation, you might be at risk too.
Symptoms of Nail Fungus:
- White or yellow spots under the nail
- Thickened nails
- Discolored nails
- Crumbled or brittle nails
- Nail separation from the nail bed
- Pain or discomfort
- Foul odor
If you think you have nail fungus, see a doctor. Other issues can look like nail fungus. It’s important to get the right diagnosis. Treatments include antifungal creams, pills, or sometimes surgery. Keeping your feet clean and dry, and not going barefoot in public, helps prevent it.
Knowing about nail fungus helps prevent and treat it. This leads to better nail and foot health. Always see a healthcare professional for the best advice and treatment.
Diagnosing and Treating Nail Fungus
Healthcare providers use lab tests to check for nail fungus. They might look at a nail clipping under a microscope. Or, they could send it to a lab. Early treatment with antifungal pills works best. Sometimes, the nail has to be removed. It can take a long time to go away, up to a year. After treatment, it might come back, especially for people with health issues like diabetes.
Diagnosis of Nail Fungus
Diagnosing nail fungus means checking nails in different ways, like using lab tests. Providers may look closely at nail bits or send them out. This process shows if there’s a fungal infection. Then, they figure out what to do next.
Treating Nail Fungus
Treating nail fungus isn’t easy or quick. Starting treatment fast is key. Antifungal pills are often the first step. They work throughout your body. Sometimes, the damage is so bad, the nail has to come off.
Getting rid of the fungus takes time and effort. Even with the best care, it can last months. It’s important to also treat any skin fungus to keep from getting it again. Healthy foot habits stop fungus from coming back.
Recurrence and Alternative Treatment Options
Nail fungus might come back, especially for those with diabetes. Good foot care helps prevent it. Don’t share items like nail clippers.
Some people look for other ways to treat nail fungus. Laser therapy is one option. It zaps the fungus without meds. But, your provider can help you pick the best treatment for you.
| Treatment Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Oral Antifungal Medication | High success rate Effective against systemic infection |
Possible side effects Long treatment duration May require liver function monitoring |
| Surgical Nail Removal | Offers immediate relief from severe cases Allows for direct treatment of the nail bed |
Painful procedure Requires healing and regrowth of the nail Possible risks and complications |
| Laser Therapy | Non-invasive treatment option Potentially shorter treatment duration Minimal side effects |
Limited long-term data Not covered by insurance May require multiple sessions |
Discuss with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment. They’ll suggest the best plan for you.
Conclusion
Nail fungus, called onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection. It affects the toenails and sometimes the fingernails. This issue causes nails to change color, become thick, and break easily. It can also create a gap between the nail and the nail bed.
Various types of fungus can sneak into the nail through tiny cracks. This makes it easy for anyone to get a fungal nail infection.
Injury to the nail, foot problems, diabetes, a weak immune system, and bad circulation can make nail fungus more likely. But, there are simple steps to lower this risk. Keeping your nails clean and dry is very important. It is also wise to not go barefoot in places where many people walk. And it’s best not to share nail clippers.
Getting a proper diagnosis will require laboratory tests. Then, the doctor can suggest the right treatment. This usually involves antifungal pills. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed.
It’s crucial to know that nail fungus might come back. This is especially true for people with other health issues. Yet, starting treatment early and following prevention advice can help a lot. It can keep your nails healthy and fungus-free.
FAQ
Q: What is nail fungus?
A: Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection of the toenails. It leads to nails changing color, thickening, becoming fragile, and cracking.
Q: What are the symptoms of nail fungus?
A: You might notice your nails becoming discolored, thick, fragile, or cracked if you have nail fungus. They could also separate from the nail bed. Pain or not liking how your nails look are other possible signs.
Q: How is nail fungus diagnosed?
A: Doctors usually diagnose nail fungus with lab tests. This often means testing a bit of your nail under a microscope or sending it to a lab.
Q: What are the causes of nail fungus?
A: Different fungi cause nail fungus by entering through tiny skin cracks. You can pick it up in public spots, from sharing nail clippers, or if you already have a fungal foot infection.
Q: Who is at risk for nail fungus?
A: While anyone can get it, certain people are more at risk. This includes older adults, those with nail or foot issues, people with diabetes, a weakened immune system, or who have poor leg circulation.
Q: What is the treatment for nail fungus?
A: For treatment, you often need prescription antifungal pills. In some cases, the nail might need to be removed. Laser treatment might work for some as well.
Q: Can nail fungus recur after treatment?
A: It can come back, especially in those with health issues like diabetes. But you can lower the risk by following good prevention habits.
Q: How can nail fungus be prevented?
A: To keep nail fungus away, make sure your hands and feet stay clean and dry. Keep nails short and clean. Don’t walk barefoot in public and avoid sharing nail clippers.