Fungal Nail Infection
What is Fungal Nail Infection? Fungal nail infection is an infection of the nails by a fungus.
Causes of Fungal Nail Infection
The body normally hosts a variety of bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others may multiply rapidly and form infections. Fungi can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.
Fungal infections include mold-like fungi that cause:
- Athlete's foot
- Jock itch
- Ringworm
- Tinea capitis
Fungal infections also include yeast-like fungi such as candida. Candida yeast infections include:
- Cutaneous candidiasis
- Diaper rash
- Oral thrush
- Some cases of genital rashes
Fungal nail infections are most often seen in adults. They often follow fungal infection of the feet. Toenails are affected more often than fingernails.
People who frequent public swimming pools, gyms, or shower rooms -- and people who perspire a great deal -- commonly have mold-like infections. The fungi that cause them thrive in warm, moist areas.
The following increase the risk of a fungal infection:
- Getting minor skin or nail injuries
- Having moist skin for a long time
- Wearing closed-in footwear
Symptoms of Fungal Nail Infection
- Nail changes on one or more nails (usually toenails):
- Brittleness
- Change in nail shape
- Crumbling of the nail
- Debris trapped under the nail
- Discoloration
- Loosening (detaching) of the nail
- Loss of luster and shine
- Thickening
How to test if you have a Fungal Nail Infection
Your doctor will suspect a fungal infection based on the appearance of the nails. The diagnosis can be confirmed by scraping the nail for a culture, or a microscopic examination to identify the type of fungus.
Treatments of Fungal Nail Infection
If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms then you probably have the same problem as over 35 million people in America: Nail fungus. And like those 35 million you probably know that the affliction is very difficult to treat, that those stubborn yellow nails just seem to haunt your feet no matter what you do. But there is a solution to your nail fungus problems. Click here to read more about the solution to help clear nail fungus.
Possible Complications of Fungal Nail Infection
- Fungal infections that return on the nails or in other parts of the body
- Permanent damage to the nails
- Skin infections, including paronychia
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if:
- You experience persistent fungal nail infections
- Your fingers become painful, red, or drain pus
Prevention of Fungus
- Good general health and hygiene help prevent fungal infections.
- Keep the skin clean and dry.
- Take proper care of your nails.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly after contact with any fungal infection.
