What are the symptoms of fungal nail infections? What causes them, and how can they be treated and prevented? Discover the answers to these questions and more in our comprehensive guide.

Understanding Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, are a common condition that can affect both toenails and fingernails. These infections are caused by various types of fungi that can invade the nail bed and lead to unsightly and potentially painful changes in the appearance of the nails.

Types of Fungal Nail Infections

There are four main types of fungal nail infections, each with its own distinct characteristics:

1. Distal or Lateral Subungual Onychomycosis: This is the most common type of fungal nail infection, resulting from a dermatophyte fungus. It starts in the nail bed and spreads from the edges to the center, causing a yellowish discoloration and separation of the nail from the bed.
2. White Superficial Onychomycosis: This less common type affects the nail surface, primarily on the toenails. It begins as white spots that become powdery and cause the nail to crumble.
3. Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis: Rare and usually affecting those with weakened immune systems, this type starts with white spots in the center of the nail bed near the cuticle, which then spread outward as the nail grows.
4. Candidal Onychomycosis: Caused by yeast, this infection typically affects the fingernails, with the area around the nail often being swollen and inflamed, and the nail may even detach entirely.

Symptoms of Fungal Nail Infections

The symptoms of fungal nail infections can vary depending on the type of infection, but they often start mild and progress over time. Common symptoms include:

• White, yellow, green, or black discoloration of the nail
• Thickening and difficulty trimming the nail
• Curling or loosening of the nail from the nail bed
• Brittleness and crumbling of the nail
• Nail deformity
• Unpleasant odor

Causes of Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal nail infections typically occur when a crack in the nail or the surrounding skin allows fungus to enter and grow. Certain factors can increase the risk of developing a fungal nail infection, such as:

• Being male
• Advancing age (as nails become more brittle and prone to cracking)
• Having a weakened immune system or chronic health conditions like diabetes
• Wearing shoes that cause the feet to sweat excessively
• Walking barefoot in public areas where fungus can easily spread
• Living with someone who has a fungal nail infection
• Having a previous nail injury or infection

Treating Fungal Nail Infections

If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, it’s important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

1. Oral Antifungal Medications: These systemic medications are often the most effective way to eradicate a fungal nail infection, with treatment typically lasting 2-3 months.
2. Topical Antifungal Treatments: These medications, applied directly to the affected nail, may work for milder infections, but they may not penetrate deeply enough to cure more severe cases.
3. Surgical Nail Removal: In some cases, if other treatments are unsuccessful, the doctor may need to remove the affected nail to allow a healthy new one to grow in its place.
4. Laser Therapy: Newer treatments, such as laser therapy, are also being used to treat fungal nail infections in some cases.

Preventing Fungal Nail Infections

Taking steps to prevent fungal nail infections can help you avoid the discomfort and unsightly appearance they can cause. Some prevention strategies include:

• Keeping your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes
• Wearing well-ventilated, breathable shoes and socks
• Avoiding walking barefoot in public areas like pools, showers, and locker rooms
• Treating any existing athlete’s foot or other fungal skin infections promptly
• Keeping your nails trimmed short and filing down any thickened areas
• Disinfecting nail clippers and other tools used on infected nails

Complications of Fungal Nail Infections

If left untreated, fungal nail infections can lead to more serious complications, such as:

• Difficulty walking or pain when pressure is applied to the affected nail
• Spread of the infection to other nails or areas of the body
• Secondary bacterial infections, which can be more difficult to treat
• In severe cases, the need for surgical nail removal

Don’t ignore the early signs of a fungal nail infection. Seek medical attention promptly to prevent the condition from worsening and to find the most effective treatment. With proper care and management, you can successfully address this common but troublesome condition.

Symptoms Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Written by Stephanie Booth

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on May 10, 2023

• What Is a Fungal Nail Infection?
• Types of Fungal Nail Infections
• Fungal Nail Infection Symptoms
• Fungal Nail Infection Causes 
• Fungal Nail Infection Treatment
• Fungal Nail Infection Prevention
• Fungal Nail Infection Complications
• More

A fungal nail infection is a common condition that can leave you with brittle, discolored nails, usually on your toes.

Its formal name is onychomycosis, and it’s a lot like athlete’s foot. But instead of affecting the skin on the bottom of your feet or between your toes, it invades your nails.

Fungi are tiny organisms you can only see through a microscope. Many different types can cause a nail infection. Sometimes they live on your skin and don’t make any trouble. But if you have a lot in one area, you might get infected.

Don’t be embarrassed if you have toenail or fingernail fungus. It’s way more common than you think.

There are 4 main kinds of fungal nail infection. Each looks slightly different:

• Distal or lateral subungual onychomycosis. This is the most common kind. It results from a fungus called a dermatophyte. You can get it in your fingernails or toenails. It starts in the nail bed, underneath the nail. You’ll see a yellowish colored area that spreads from the edges of the nail to the center, and places where it comes apart from the nail bed.
• White superficial onychomycosis. This is less common and only affects the nail surface, mainly on your toenails. It starts as white spots, which become powdery and cause the nail to crumble.
• Proximal subungual onychomycosis. This appears first as white spots in the center of the nail bed at the cuticle. They move outward as the finger or toenail grows. It’s rare and usually affects people who have immune system problems, like HIV infection.
• Candidal onychomycosis. Yeast causes this infection that usually affects your fingernails. The area around the nails is often swollen and inflamed, and the nails may come off entirely. It tends to happen to nails that have been damaged by an injury or another infection.

Symptoms are different, depending on which type of fungal nail infection you have. They usually start mild and get more serious.

• At first, you may only see a white or yellow spot under your nail. Over time, this spreads and can turn your whole nail white, yellow, green, or black.
• The nail may thicken and could be hard to trim. 
• It may start to curl up or down or loosen from the nail bed. 
• Your nail could become brittle and crumble when you touch it.
• Your nail may become misshapen.
• You may notice a bad smell.

It’s easy to ignore fungal nail infections at first, since you may not have any pain. But if you don’t treat them, it can hurt to put any pressure on the area. If an infection gets bad enough, it could even become hard to walk.

You get an infection when a crack in your nail or the skin around it allows fungus to get inside and grow.

Since fungus thrives in dark, warm places, your toenails are more likely to be affected than your fingernails. Your toes also have less blood flow than your fingers, which makes it harder for your body to pick up on and prevent an infection.

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

• Are a man
• Are older, since nails become more brittle and likely to crack as you age 
• Have a weak immune system or ongoing health problems like diabetes
• Wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty
• Walk barefoot through gym showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms –places where fungus spreads easily 
• Live with someone who has a fungal infection
• Have athlete’s foot, as the fungus that causes it can spread to your nails 
• Recently had an injury or surgery on your nail, or had a previous infection
• Wear plastic gloves or keep your hands wet for long periods 

See your doctor if you think you have nail fungus. You may need a prescription to treat it, whether that means taking a medicine by mouth or using a special cream. In serious cases, your nail may need to be removed so a healthy new one can grow in its place. Doctors can also use lasers to treat nail fungus.

See your doctor if you think you have nail fungus. It can be tough to get rid of, and you’re more likely to have success with a prescription. Treatments include:

• Oral antifungals. The doctor may give you a pill to kill fungus in your whole body. This is usually the best way to get rid of a nail infection. Treatment may last 2 months for an infection in your fingernails, or 3 months if it’s in your toenails. 
• Topical antifungals. You rub or brush these medicines onto your nails. They may work for a mild infection, but they can’t get deep enough into the nail to cure a more serious one. You might use a topical treatment in combination with a pill.  
• Surgery. If other treatments don’t work, the doctor may need to remove your nail entirely and let a healthy one grow back in its place. The new nail could also get infected.
• Laser or photodynamic therapy. Doctors are studying newer treatments that use special light to try to kill the fungus.

To prevent an infection, wash your hands and feet often. Use soap, and make sure you get between your fingers and toes. Also:

• Keep your fingernails and toenails short and trimmed straight across.
• Wear socks that wick away (absorb) moisture. If your feet sweat a lot, change your socks once or twice a day, or take off your shoes and let your feet cool when you have the chance.
• Use antifungal powder or spray on your feet as well as in your shoes. Throw away old pairs of closed-toe shoes since fungi might be living in them.
• If you get manicures at nail salons, visit only the ones that disinfect tools after each client. You can also bring your own file and clippers from home. Ask that your cuticles not be cut, since this can cause tiny breaks in the skin that let germs in.
• Don’t share towels if someone else in your family has nail fungus. This will pass around the infection.

It can take a year or more for your nails to look like they did before the infection. And you may continue to have problems: 

• The fungus can come back.
• Your nails may be permanently discolored or misshapen.
• The infection may spread to other parts of your body.

It’s especially important to take care of a fungal nail infection if you have diabetes. You’re at greater risk of getting a serious skin infection. 

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Staying one step ahead of toenail fungus

An established fungal infection is hard to eradicate, but you can stop its spread and improve your toenail’s appearance.

Toenail fungus isn’t a pressing health problem. Yet a fungal infection can ruin the appearance of your nails and cause pain as it lifts the nail away from the nail bed. And fungal infections are notoriously difficult to get rid of. Most often, you should consider fungal toenail a condition to be managed rather than cured.

How fungi infect the nail

Onychomycosis, or toenail fungal infection, is an invasion by a microscopic organism that thrives in warm, damp environments. Fungal spores are in the air, and they will grow if they land on a receptive surface like your toenail. They feed off the nail tissues, burrowing into the skin under the nail. Over time the nail thickens and may lift off the nail bed as fungal debris accumulates. Once your nail is raised off the nail bed, it won’t reattach, and a new nail won’t grow from that part of the nail bed. However, your nail will continue to grow from the root at the base.

Diagnosing toenail fungus

A number of conditions can masquerade as fungal infections. Age alone thickens and yellows the nail. Psoriasis can cause the nail and the surrounding skin to flake. Injuries can create bruising under the nail. Even the chemicals in nail polish can discolor the nail. But you don’t want to wait until your toenail is gnarly and raised off the nail bed. You should see a health care professional as soon as you notice your nail changing.

Only a lab test on a scraping from your toenail can show for certain that fungus is responsible for your nail distortion. Misdiagnosing toenail fungus can cost you time and money trying over-the-counter products that won’t have an effect.

Toenail fungus treatments

There are a myriad of treatments for fungal infections, which vary widely in cost and effectiveness. To be fully effective, the antifungal drug has to penetrate the nail and often the nail bed as well.

Over-the-counter products. Antifungal preparations that are applied on and under the nail with the same type of brush used for polish are widely available. They might improve the appearance of fungal nails, but are not an effective way to cure the problem. No one product is clearly superior.

Prescription topical treatments. Effective products include efinaconazole (Jublia), tavaborole (Kerydin) and ciclopirox (Penlac). All require daily applications, and it may take as long as a year to see noticeable improvement. These products may work for early, superficial fungal infections because they kill fungi on the surface of the nail. Filing down the surface of the nail may enable them to penetrate more deeply into the nail or the nail bed. In studies, their cure rate averaged around 35%.

Oral medications. Itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil) eliminated the fungus in 10 months for 55% to 70% of people in the studies required for FDA approval, but for 15% to 20% of users, the fungus returned within a few months. Either of these drugs can harm the liver, so your doctor will check your liver function at the beginning of treatment and again after six weeks. Itraconazole also interacts with a number of other drugs. If you take one of these drugs you’ll also need to avoid drinking alcohol and stay out of the sun. If you have diabetes, vasculitis, or another condition that could be worsened by fungus, these medications might be a good choice, but otherwise, the benefits may not be worth the risks.

Image: tzahiV/Gettty Images

Nail fungus: symptoms and treatment

Nail disease caused by a fungus is called onychomycosis. With this pathology, the nail plates change their color, begin to exfoliate and crack, and the nail bed also becomes inflamed. With advanced nail fungus, a secondary infection is possible. The fungus causes both physical inconvenience and makes the hands or feet untidy and unattractive, which leads to pronounced moral discomfort.

Nail fungus can appear on both hands and feet, affecting one or more fingers. The disease occurs at any age and has no seasonality. The problem is faced by 10 to 20 percent of people worldwide.

Why does nail fungus occur on the hands and feet

The causative agent of the disease is a mold, yeast-like fungus, a dermatophyte. They can be infected by household contact, in public places, by contact with sick people, wearing their shoes, clothes, using washcloths, towels, manicure or pedicure tools.

The fungus most actively penetrates through damaged skin, so people who have cracks in their arms and legs, skin abrasions, microtraumas, excessive sweating or too dry skin are more likely to get infected.

The development of a fungal infection is facilitated by endocrine disorders, diseases that cause a decrease in immunity, venous insufficiency, and obstructed outflow of lymph. Provoke the active reproduction of the fungus can be treated with antibiotics, taking cytostatics.

Treatment of nail fungus is aimed at destroying the pathogen and increasing immunity. You should not try to solve this problem on your own, since the set of measures depends on the stage of the disease, the type of fungus and the condition of the body.

Types of nail fungus

There are several types of onychomycosis:

Distal subungual. The infection is localized in the nail folds and the free edge of the nail plate. As a result, its edge thickens, changes color, moves away from the nail bed.

Surface white. The disease begins with the appearance of individual white spots on the surface of the nail. The foci merge, over time, the entire surface is affected. In the advanced stage, the nail becomes gray, begins to crumble.

Proximal subungual. The spread of the pathogen begins with the periungual ridges, gradually spreads, reaches the edge of the nail plate. Lesions first appear at the base.

· Total dystrophic. The process affects the entire nail. Features are changes in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe roller, which makes it impossible for further growth of the nail.

According to the change in the thickness of the nail, there are three types of onychomycosis. With normotrophic, the thickness does not change, with hypertrophic it increases, and with dystrophic it decreases.

Symptoms of nail fungus depending on the stage

Advanced toenail and fingernail fungus is difficult to treat, so you need to notice the changes at an early stage and consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Common signs of onychomycosis include severe peeling of the palms or feet. This sign should alert, even if there are no other changes yet. Itching joins the peeling, cracks may appear that hurt and become infected.

The first signs of damage include the appearance of white or yellow dots, a change in the transparency of the nail plate.

In the advanced stage of nail fungus, the plate becomes loose, rough, brittle. Its deformation, detachment from the nail bed is noted. In some cases, growth slows down or stops.

In severe cases, an infection joins, inflammation develops, and the skin located under the nail is affected.

A strong nail fungus is not in doubt in terms of diagnosis, but differential diagnosis is carried out to clarify the type of pathogen and the nature of the disease. For research, a scraping is made from the nail plate, a bed, and a fragment of the nail plate is also taken for analysis. The causative agent is detected by microscopy, inoculation on a nutrient medium, and a study is also carried out by PCR. Which analysis for nail fungus to prescribe in a particular case, the doctor determines, depending on the characteristics of the clinical case.

To assess changes in the structure of the nail and nail bed, dermoscopic diagnostics is widely used, which makes it possible to examine the lesion at high magnification.

How to cure nail fungus

With a limited superficial lesion, at the initial stage of the disease, success can be achieved with the help of local treatment. In such cases, varnishes from nail fungus, ointments, oils with antimycotic and antibacterial action are effective.

In the advanced stage, with a deep lesion, preparations for nail fungus of systemic action are used.

With a total lesion of the nail, its pronounced deformation, they resort to removing the affected areas with the help of tweezers or surgically. This allows you to get rid of the nail that has changed its characteristics and ensure the penetration of solutions from the nail fungus into the lesion.

Questions and answers

Do folk remedies for foot fungus help?

At the initial stage, there may be a positive effect from such therapy, but the disappearance of symptoms does not guarantee the complete destruction of the pathogen, so the disease may recur. With advanced stages, there is no effect from folk remedies.

Do children get nail fungus?

Yes, onychomycosis occurs at any age. Children are in especially close contact with each other, so the risk of infection is high if there is a carrier of the pathogen in the environment.

Will the nails recover after the fungus on the hands?

If you start treatment in the initial stages, the nail plates will grow back and look like before. If the appeal to the doctor was in an advanced stage, in which the nail fold is affected, deformation or dysplasia of the nail is possible.

Where to cure nail fungus in Moscow?

The Trinity Clinic has specialists in the treatment of onychomycosis, as well as equipment for making an accurate diagnosis.

Is it necessary to take pills for nail fungus?

It all depends on the clinical case. If the lesion is superficial, local remedies can be dispensed with. With a deep lesion, tablets are prescribed.

How to get rid of toenail fungus: effective treatments

Contents

• 1 How to treat toenail fungus: effective methods and recommendations
  • 1.1 Overview of treatments for toenail fungus
    • 1.1.1 Causes of toenail fungus
    • 1.1.2 Symptoms of toenail fungus
    • 1.1.3 Treatment of toenail fungus
    • 1.1.4 Prevention of toenail fungus

    9008 7

  • 1.2 What is a fungus Causes of Toenail Fungus
  • 1.3 Main Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
  • 1.4 The Importance of Early Treatment of Toenail Fungus
  • 1.5 How to Successfully Treat Toenail Fungus at Home: Best Folk Remedies and Treatments
  • 1.6 Professional Treatments for Fungal Nails: What the Research Shows
  • 1. 7 Medications for Fungal Nails: A Brief Review of Effective Drugs
  • 1.8 Nail Removal: When It’s Necessary in Fighting Toenail Fungus and How It Works
    • 1.8.1 When It’s Necessary nail removal?
    • 1.8.2 How is the nail removal procedure performed?
  • 1.9 Preventive measures to prevent nail fungus
  • 1.10 What to do if nail fungus does not go away: advice from a mycologist
  • 1.11 Nail fungus in children: how to beat the disease
  • 1.12 Answers to questions about toenail fungus
    • 1.12.1 What is nail fungus?
    • 1.12.2 How can you get nail fungus?
    • 1.12.3 What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?
    • 1.12.4 How can I get rid of toenail fungus?
    • 1.12.5 How can nail fungus be prevented?
  • 1.13 Related videos:
  • 1.14 Q&A:
    • • 1.14.0.1 What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?
      • 1.14.0.2 How can you get infected with toenail fungus?
      • 1. 14.0.3 How long does it take to treat toenail fungus?
      • 1.14.0.4 What are the main treatments for nail fungus?
      • 1.14.0.5 What measures can be taken to prevent infection with nail fungus?
      • 1.14.0.6 What diseases can be confused with nail fungus?

Find out what treatments are available for toenail fungus, from topical treatments to antimycotic medications. Here you will find helpful tips and expert advice on how to deal with fungal nail infections.

Toenail fungus is a common disease that can lead to serious consequences if not treated promptly. Every fourth person on the planet will suffer from the fungus. Treating nail fungus can take a lot of time and effort, but there are effective methods to help get rid of this problem.

Manifestations of nail fungus can vary from a change in the color and shape of the nail, a bad smell to its exfoliation. The problem cannot be ignored, it is necessary to consult a doctor and start treatment. There are various methods of treating toenail fungus, which are medicinal and folk.

In this article, we will talk about effective methods of treating toenail fungus that will help get rid of a fungal infection quickly and without serious health consequences.

Overview of toenail fungus treatments

Causes of toenail fungus

Toenail fungus can occur for many reasons, including poor foot hygiene, wearing shoes with synthetic materials, damage to the nail plate, previous diseases, etc. .d.

Symptoms of toenail fungus

Symptoms of toenail fungus may include changes in the color, shape and structure of the nail, nail shedding, peeling, thickening, etc. Itching and irritation around the nail is also possible.

Treatments for toenail fungus

Effective treatments for toenail fungus include antimycotic creams, lacquers and tablets, home remedies (such as garlic and iodine), physiotherapy (laser treatment, UV therapy, etc.) as well as the implementation of procedures to improve foot hygiene (for example, bathing the feet in special solutions, using sweat powders, etc. ).

Toenail fungus prevention

Toenail fungus can be avoided by following good personal hygiene practices (e.g. changing socks and shoes regularly, keeping feet clean, etc.), using only good quality shoes and not sharing shoes with other people, and avoiding in conditions where there is a risk of infection with a fungus (for example, swimming pools, saunas, etc.).

What is nail fungus: causes of the disease

Nail fungus is an infectious disease that affects the nail plate and causes its deformation and discoloration. It can lead to significant discomfort and even pain. The fungi that cause this disease can enter through microcracks in the skin on the legs, as well as through damaged nails.

The causes of nail fungus are varied. These include excessive sweating, wearing the wrong shoes, poor hygiene, and diseases that weaken the immune system. Also, the fungus can become infected in swimming pools, saunas, showers and other public places.

• Factors that increase the risk of nail fungus:
• Subtext Violation of the rules of nail hygiene, damage to the skin on the legs
• Subtext Excessive sweating of the feet, use of shoes that promote sweating
• Subtext Reduced immunity due to health problems and other factors

and also from time to time contact a dermatologist for a preventive examination.

Main symptoms of toenail fungus

Toenail fungus is a common disease among people of all ages. At the first signs of the disease, it is important to immediately consult a doctor.

Another sign of fungus is the formation of white thin stripes on the nail. Also, the disease can manifest itself in the form of solid fungal formations on the skin of the leg, hypersensitivity and itching.

In order to accurately establish the diagnosis, it is necessary to consult a mycologist who will analyze the nail plate and determine the extent of the lesion.

1. Discoloration of the nail – yellowish, brown or black;
2. Weakness and brittleness of the nail – deformation, bending and brittleness of the nail;
3. White thin stripes on the nail – formation of white stripes on the nail plate;
4. Formation of hard fungal growths on the skin of the leg – appearance of hard rashes on the skin around the nail;
5. Hypersensitivity and itching – discomfort in the affected area.

Importance of treating fungal nails early

Fungal nails are a serious disease that can lead to many complications and health risks. However, many people do not attach due importance to it and continue to live with nail fungus, not paying attention to it.

One of the main problems associated with the lack of treatment of nail fungus is that the disease can progress and affect an increasing area of ​​the nail plate. As a result, nails can become thick, unaesthetic, and even flake off. There may also be an unpleasant odor.

In addition, nail fungus can cause pain and discomfort when wearing shoes, and in severe cases even lead to chronic diseases and infections that require more serious treatment. Therefore, early treatment of nail fungus is very important.

• Early treatment helps to get rid of nail fungus quickly;
• Easier and safer treatments are available in the early stages of the disease;
• Early treatment avoids serious complications and consequences;
• It is very important to start treating nail fungus before it starts to progress and bring discomfort and pain.

So, early treatment of nail fungus is key in the fight against this disease. If you notice the first signs of nail fungus, do not delay treatment, and contact your doctor for qualified help.

How to successfully treat nail fungus at home: the best folk remedies and treatments

Toenail fungus spreads quickly and can cause severe discomfort. Treating nail fungus can be long and frustrating, but there are effective folk remedies that can help get rid of this problem.

The use of oils also helps. Tea tree oil contains powerful antiseptic properties that help kill nail fungus. To use, apply a few drops of oil to the affected nail and massage it for several minutes. Do it daily.

In addition, folk remedies such as vinegar, baking soda and iodine are recommended. For example, dilute vinegar and water in equal proportions and apply the resulting solution to the affected nail for a few minutes every day. This will help kill the fungus and prevent new infections from occurring.

But it must be remembered that self-treatment can take a long time and not give quick results. It is also necessary to carefully monitor the hygiene of the nails to prevent the recurrence of the fungus.

Professional Fungus Nail Treatments: What Research Shows

There are a number of professional fungal nail treatments that have been shown to be effective in research. One such method is laser therapy. It is based on the effect of an infrared laser on the affected nail, which causes the destruction of the fungal infection. This method has shown good results and has minimal side effects.

Another effective method is chemical treatment. Here, special preparations are used that kill the fungus in the nail. However, it must be taken into account that this method can lead to side effects, such as severe itching and irritation of the skin around the nail.

• Conservative treatments such as antimycotic ointments, gels and creams also show good results in the fight against nail fungus.
• Combination therapy is more effective and includes several treatments. For example, the combination of laser therapy with the use of ointments and creams.

In any case, before applying professional methods of treatment, it is necessary to consult a mycologist. He will select an individual treatment plan, taking into account the degree of damage to the fungus, the state of health and immunity of the patient.

Drugs for fungal nails: a brief overview of effective drugs

Fungal nails are a common disease that requires long-term treatment. Currently, there are many medications that help get rid of toenail fungus.

There are several forms of preparation for applying drugs to the affected nail plates: varnish, cream, gel, spray. Each form has its advantages and disadvantages, so the choice of a particular drug should be carried out by the doctor based on the diagnosis of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient.

When treating nail fungus, it is necessary to maintain regularity, take drugs in strict accordance with the doctor’s recommendations, and carry out parallel treatment of shoes and everyday items to prevent re-infections.

Nail removal: when is it necessary in the fight against nail fungus and how does it happen

When is it necessary to remove the nail?

Removal of the nail may be necessary if the nail fungus does not respond to treatment and involves a large area of ​​the nail. Also, if the fungus spreads to neighboring nails, then the diseased nail may need to be removed.

There are several types of nail removal surgery. The doctor can decide which method is suitable in each case.

How is the nail removal procedure performed?

Before the procedure, the patient is given anesthesia to reduce pain. Next, a special tool, called a dlyacept, lifts the nail from the nail bed.

If the nail bed is infected with fungus, remove it. Then the wound is washed with antiseptic solutions and a bandage is applied.

Usually the procedure does not take much time, but after it there is often a lot of sensitivity, soreness and swelling of the finger. In such cases, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

Toenail fungus prevention

Toenail fungus is a common disease that can be avoided with certain precautions.

Keep your nails and feet clean. Wash your feet regularly with soap and water, especially after visiting public places such as swimming pools or showers. Trim your nails properly and don’t wear shoes that are cushiony on your feet or loose in the nail area.

Wear the right shoes. Avoid shoes that may cause perspiration in the feet. Wear shoes made from natural materials such as cotton or leather and make sure they fit well and are compatible with your foot shape. Socks should also be the right size and made from natural fabrics.

Avoid contact with infected feet. Do not share shoes, towels, socks, or manicure tools with anyone who has fungal nail infections. If you visit public places, use sandals or other safety shoes.

Do not damage nails and the skin around them. Avoid overuse of nail gel, nail bake, or any other service that could damage your nail bed. If you have damage to the nail plate or the skin around them, keep it dry and clean to avoid disease.

Table: The main measures to prevent toenail fungus.

Prevention measures

Description

Take care of your nails Wash and trim your nails regularly Wear proper shoes and socks Avoid shoes made of synthetic materials, use socks made of natural fibers Make sure you do not keep contact with infected feet Do not use shoes and hygiene products that people used with fungal infections of the nails Avoid injury to the nail plates and the skin around them Do not leave damage unattended and carefully monitor nail hygiene

What to do if nail fungus does not go away: advice from a mycologist

Nail fungus is a disease that requires a long and thorough treatment. However, even after a course of therapy, it sometimes happens that the fungus does not go away. What to do in such a situation?

The first thing to do is to contact a mycologist and consult with him. He will conduct additional diagnostics to find out the reason for the ineffectiveness of the treatment. Also, the mycologist may prescribe higher concentration drugs or new drugs that can help you get rid of the fungus.

It is also important to keep your nails and shoes clean. Before treatment and during therapy, shoes, rugs, floors and other surfaces should be regularly treated. Prepare separate towels and socks so that the fungus does not spread further and does not infect other nails and body parts.

• Remember that the treatment of nail fungus is a long process that requires patience and willpower.
• Do not stop treatment after the first improvement, as the fungus may return.
• Follow all your doctor’s instructions and do not self-medicate.
• And remember that taking proper care of your nails and shoes can help prevent recurrences.

Nail fungus in children: how to beat the disease

Fungal infections can occur in anyone, including children. Toenail fungus in children is a serious condition that needs to be treated as soon as the first symptoms appear. Children’s health is especially important, so parents have a duty to ensure that their children do not get sick with the fungus.

One of the main causes of nail fungus in children is lack of personal hygiene. Recurrent fungal infections may indicate a more serious problem in the child’s body that can weaken the immune system. Therefore, if a fungal infection is detected in a child, it is necessary to immediately contact a specialist and subject the small patient to treatment, which includes external treatment and oral medication.

• If you suspect that your child has nail fungus, contact your pediatrician or dermatologist immediately;
• Nail fungus in children is more difficult to treat than in adults, so an experienced doctor will select the most effective and safe therapy for the child;
• In the treatment of nail fungus in children, it is necessary to treat all nails, not just the fragments of the affected nails, as well as to carry out regular preventive measures and maintain hygiene.

Answers to questions about toenail fungus

What is toenail fungus?

Nail fungus is an infection that affects the nail plate on the feet. This infection can affect one or more toenails at the same time.

How can you get nail fungus?

Nail fungus can be transmitted from person to person if there is direct contact with an infected nail. Also, the fungus can be transmitted through shared shoes, towels, carpets and other items that can be infected with the fungus.

What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?

Symptoms of nail fungus include stratification and hypertrophy of the nail plate, discoloration of the nails, thickening and deformation of the nails, and an unpleasant smell.

How can I get rid of toenail fungus?

There are several treatments for toenail fungus, including the use of special drugs, the introduction of drugs into the nail plate, laser therapy, and surgical removal of the nail.

How can nail fungus be prevented?

To prevent nail fungus infection, keep your feet clean, avoid shared shoes and towels, avoid tight or windproof shoes, and monitor your nail health, informing your doctor of any changes.

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Q&A:

What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?

Signs of nail fungus can be a change in the shape of the nail plate, its color and texture, making the nails thicker and uneven. Keratinization and cracks around the nail may appear. There may also be an unpleasant odor.

How can you get infected with toenail fungus?

You can get nail fungus in public places such as swimming pools, showers, saunas, changing rooms where you walk barefoot. It is also possible to transmit the fungus from infected people through shoes, towels, nail scissors and other hygiene items.

How long does it take to treat toenail fungus?

Treatment of nail fungus can take from several weeks to several months, depending on the degree of infection and the effectiveness of the treatment.