What are the most common types of fungal skin infections. How can you identify the symptoms of athlete’s foot, yeast infections, and jock itch. What are the best treatment options and prevention methods for fungal skin conditions.

Understanding Fungal Skin Infections: Causes and Risk Factors

Fungal skin infections occur when harmful fungi overgrow in certain areas of the body, overwhelming the immune system’s ability to combat them. These infections can affect various parts of the skin, causing discomfort and potentially serious complications if left untreated. Understanding the causes and risk factors associated with fungal skin infections is crucial for prevention and timely treatment.

Common risk factors for developing fungal skin infections include:

• Warm, humid environments
• Excessive sweating
• Poor hygiene
• Weakened immune system
• Tight-fitting clothing
• Prolonged use of antibiotics
• Hormonal imbalances
• Diabetes

Are certain individuals more susceptible to fungal skin infections? Yes, people with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, are at higher risk. Additionally, athletes and individuals who frequent public swimming pools or gyms may be more prone to contracting fungal infections due to exposure to contaminated surfaces.

Recognizing Common Symptoms of Fungal Skin Infections

While symptoms can vary depending on the specific type of fungal infection, there are several common signs to watch out for. Identifying these symptoms early can lead to prompt treatment and faster recovery.

General symptoms of fungal skin infections include:

• Itching or burning sensation
• Redness or discoloration of the affected area
• Cracking or peeling skin
• Rash-like appearance
• Scaling or flaking of the skin
• Unusual odor
• Swelling or inflammation

Can fungal skin infections spread to other parts of the body? Indeed, if left untreated, some fungal infections can spread to surrounding areas or even to other people through direct contact. This emphasizes the importance of early detection and proper treatment.

Athlete’s Foot: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that primarily affects the feet. Despite its name, it can affect anyone, not just athletes. The infection thrives in warm, moist environments, making sweaty feet inside shoes an ideal breeding ground.

Identifying Athlete’s Foot

The symptoms of athlete’s foot can vary, but typically include:

• Itching, stinging, or burning sensations between the toes or on the soles of the feet
• Cracking, peeling, or scaling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles
• Redness or blisters on the affected area
• Discoloration of the toenails if the infection spreads

How quickly can athlete’s foot spread? Athlete’s foot can spread rapidly, especially in warm and humid conditions. It can also spread to other parts of the body through touching or scratching.

Treating Athlete’s Foot

Effective treatment options for athlete’s foot include:

1. Over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, or powders
2. Prescription-strength topical medications for severe cases
3. Oral antifungal medications for persistent or widespread infections
4. Keeping feet clean and dry
5. Changing socks regularly, especially if feet tend to sweat excessively

Is it possible to prevent athlete’s foot recurrence? Yes, by maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing breathable shoes, and using antifungal powders or sprays preventatively, especially in public areas like locker rooms or swimming pools.

Vaginal Yeast Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Management

Vaginal yeast infections, primarily caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, are a common fungal condition affecting many women. While not typically serious, these infections can cause significant discomfort and require prompt treatment.

Recognizing Yeast Infection Symptoms

Common symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include:

• Intense itching in and around the vagina
• Burning sensation, especially during urination or intercourse
• Redness, swelling, or soreness of the vulva
• Thick, white, odorless discharge resembling cottage cheese
• Watery discharge in some cases

Can yeast infections occur in other parts of the body? Yes, while vaginal yeast infections are most common, Candida can also cause infections in other moist areas of the body, such as the mouth (thrush), skin folds, and under the breasts.

Treatment and Prevention of Yeast Infections

Effective management of yeast infections typically involves:

1. Over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, or suppositories
2. Prescription oral antifungal medications for severe or recurrent infections
3. Probiotics to help restore the natural balance of bacteria
4. Avoiding irritants such as scented products or douches
5. Wearing breathable, cotton underwear
6. Maintaining proper hygiene without over-cleaning

How can diet affect yeast infection occurrence? A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can promote yeast overgrowth. Consuming probiotic-rich foods and reducing sugar intake may help prevent recurrent infections.

Jock Itch: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Strategies

Jock itch, medically termed tinea cruris, is a fungal infection that affects the groin area. Despite its name, it’s not limited to athletes and can affect anyone, particularly in hot and humid climates.

Identifying Jock Itch

Common symptoms of jock itch include:

• Reddish-brown, scaly rash on the inner thighs, buttocks, or genitals
• Intense itching and burning in the affected area
• Flaking, peeling, or cracking skin
• Worsening of symptoms with exercise or other activities that cause sweating

Is jock itch contagious? Yes, jock itch can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or by sharing contaminated towels or clothing.

Treating and Preventing Jock Itch

Effective management of jock itch involves:

1. Keeping the affected area clean and dry
2. Applying over-the-counter antifungal creams or sprays
3. Using prescription-strength medications for severe or persistent cases
4. Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing
5. Changing out of damp clothes promptly after exercising
6. Avoiding sharing personal items like towels or underwear

How long does it take for jock itch to clear up with treatment? With proper treatment, jock itch typically begins to improve within a week, but it may take up to three weeks for the infection to clear completely.

Ringworm: A Common Fungal Skin Infection

Contrary to its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by a fungus. This common skin infection, known medically as tinea corporis, can affect various parts of the body and is characterized by its distinctive ring-shaped rash.

Recognizing Ringworm Symptoms

Key symptoms of ringworm include:

• Circular, red, scaly patches with raised edges
• Patches that may be itchy or slightly raised
• Hair loss in the affected area if on the scalp
• Patches that grow slowly, spreading outward

Can ringworm affect pets as well as humans? Yes, ringworm can affect various animals, including dogs and cats, and can be transmitted between pets and humans.

Treating Ringworm Effectively

Treatment options for ringworm include:

1. Over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions, or powders
2. Prescription-strength topical medications for more severe cases
3. Oral antifungal medications for widespread or resistant infections
4. Keeping the affected area clean and dry
5. Washing bedding and clothing regularly to prevent reinfection

How can ringworm be prevented? Practicing good hygiene, avoiding sharing personal items, and promptly treating any fungal infections in pets can help prevent the spread of ringworm.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Fungal Skin Infections

While many fungal skin infections can be treated effectively with over-the-counter remedies, there are instances when professional medical attention is necessary. Recognizing these situations is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring proper treatment.

Seek medical attention if:

• Symptoms persist or worsen after a week of self-treatment
• The infection appears to be spreading rapidly
• You have a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV or diabetes
• The infection is causing severe discomfort or pain
• You develop a fever or other systemic symptoms
• The infection is on your scalp or face
• You’re unsure if the condition is fungal or something else

How do doctors diagnose fungal skin infections? Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and may include taking skin scrapings or cultures to identify the specific fungus causing the infection.

Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Changes to Combat Fungal Skin Infections

While medical treatments are often necessary for fungal skin infections, certain natural remedies and lifestyle changes can complement traditional therapies and help prevent recurrence.

Natural Remedies

Some natural approaches that may help manage fungal skin infections include:

• Tea tree oil: Known for its antifungal properties
• Garlic: Contains allicin, which has antifungal effects
• Apple cider vinegar: May help restore the skin’s pH balance
• Coconut oil: Has natural antifungal properties
• Oregano oil: Contains thymol and carvacrol, which have antifungal effects

Are natural remedies as effective as medical treatments for fungal infections? While some natural remedies show promise, they are generally not as potent or fast-acting as medical antifungal treatments. They should be used cautiously and not as a replacement for prescribed therapies.

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting certain lifestyle habits can help prevent and manage fungal skin infections:

1. Maintain good personal hygiene
2. Keep skin clean and dry, especially in prone areas
3. Wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothing
4. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas
5. Change out of wet or sweaty clothes promptly
6. Manage underlying conditions like diabetes effectively
7. Boost immune health through diet and exercise

How important is diet in preventing fungal infections? A balanced diet rich in nutrients that support immune function can help the body resist fungal overgrowth. Limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates may also be beneficial, as these can promote fungal growth.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for various fungal skin infections, individuals can take proactive steps to prevent these conditions and seek appropriate care when necessary. Remember that while many fungal infections are common and treatable, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Fungal infections: Symptoms, types, and treatment

Fungal infections occur when one type of fungal microbe becomes too prevalent in one area of the body, so that the immune system is unable to defeat it. Examples include athlete’s foot and ringworm.

• Athlete’s foot
• Yeast infection
• Jock itch
• Ringworm

Like many microbes, there are helpful fungi and harmful fungi. When harmful fungi invade the body, they can be difficult to kill, as they can survive in the environment and re-infect the person trying to get better.

In this article, we take a look at who is most at risk of getting a fungal infection and what the symptoms and treatment options are for some common types.

Changes in the appearance of skin and itching are common symptoms of many fungal infections.

The symptoms of a fungal infection will depend on the type, but common symptoms include the following:

• skin changes, including cracking or peeling skin
• itching

Read on to find out more about some common types of fungal infections, their symptoms, and the treatment options.

The following conditions are all common types of fungal infections.

Athlete’s foot

Tinea pedis or athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the foot.

Athlete’s foot is commonly associated with sports and athletes because the fungus grows perfectly in warm, moist environments, such as socks and shoes, sports equipment, and locker rooms.

In reality, anyone may be affected by athlete’s foot. It is most common in warmer climates and summer months, where it can quickly multiply.

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot is a common infection where the fungus grows in warm and moist environments.

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may vary slightly from person to person and can look red on lighter skin tones but appear dark brown on darker skin tones. Classic symptoms include:

• discoloration and blisters on the affected area
• the infected skin may be soft, or layers may start to break down
• peeling or cracking skin
• the skin may scale and peel away
• itching, stinging, or burning sensations in the infected area

Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Not all itchy feet are the result athlete’s foot. Doctors usually diagnose the infection by scraping scaling skin off of a person and inspecting it under a microscope for evidence of any fungus.

There are a few different fungi that can cause athlete’s foot. The infection may behave differently depending on the specific fungus that is infecting the skin.

Athlete’s foot is often treated with topical antifungal ointments, which are available to purchase over-the-counter or online. Severe infections can require additional oral medications as well. The feet will also need to be cared for and kept dry to help kill the fungus.

Prevention methods include allowing the feet plenty of air to breathe and keeping them clean and dry. It is a good idea to wear sandals in public showers or locker rooms.

Yeast infection

Vaginal yeast infections are a common form ofCandida overgrowth in women, usually caused by Candida albicans.

An overgrowth of Candida disrupts the normal balance of the bacteria and yeast in the vagina. This imbalance of bacteria may be due to antibiotics, stress, hormone imbalances, or poor eating habits, among other things.

Candida infections can also commonly cause fungal toenail infections and diaper rash.

Symptoms
A yeast infection may commonly cause fungal toenail infections.

Symptoms of a yeast infection include:

• itching and swelling around the vagina
• burning sensations or pain during urination or intercourse
• redness and soreness on and surrounding the vagina
• unusual vaginal discharge, such as gray clumps that resemble cottage cheese or a very watery discharge

A rash may develop over time in some cases. Yeast infections should be treated quickly, as the symptoms may become severe if left untreated.

Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

The classic symptoms of a yeast infection make them easy to diagnose. Doctors may ask about the person’s medical history, such as any previous yeast infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They may also ask whether the person was recently taking antibiotics.

Doctors will then examine the vaginal walls and cervix for signs of infection, taking cells from the vagina if necessary for proper diagnosis.

Treatment of yeast infections depends on their severity. Standard treatments include creams, tablets, or suppositories, which are available via prescription, over-the-counter, or online. Complicated infections may require complex treatments.

Avoiding yeast infections begins with a balanced diet and proper hygiene. Wearing loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers may also help prevent infection. Washing underwear in very hot water and changing feminine products often can also help prevent fungal growth.

Jock itch

Tinea cruris, commonly known as jock itch, is another common fungal skin infection.

These fungi love warm and damp environments and thrive in moist areas of the body, such as the groin, buttocks, and inner thighs. Jock itch may be more common in summer or in warm, humid areas of the world.

Jock itch is mildly contagious and is often spread through direct contact with an infected person or an object that is carrying the fungus.

SymptomsThrush can affect the genital area in men as well as women.

Jock itch appears on the body as an itchy, rash that often has a circular shape to it. Symptoms include:

• groin, buttocks, or thighs can be red, flaky, or scaly, and on darker skin, the rash may appear gray or brown
• chafing, irritation, itching, or burning in the infected area
• a rash with a circular shape and raised edges
• cracking, flaking, or dry peeling of the skin in the infected area

Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Jock itch has a very particular look and can usually be identified based on its appearance. If doctors are uncertain, they may take a skin sample to inspect and confirm their diagnosis.

Treating jock itch usually involves topical antifungal ointments and proper hygiene. Many cases of jock itch are improved by over-the-counter medications, though some require prescription medications. Cleaning the affected area and keeping it dry can also help kill the fungus.

Jock itch can be prevented by wearing loose-fitting natural fibers, such as cotton underwear which is available to buy online. Avoiding contact with others who have the infection is also important. Avoiding shared items, such as towels and sporting equipment may also help.

Ringworm

Tinea corporis or ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus that lives on dead tissues, such as the skin, hair, and nails. Ringworm is a fungus that causes both jock itch and athlete’s foot. When it appears anywhere else on the body, the infection is just called ringworm.

Symptoms

Ringworm is a skin infection that causes jock itch and athlete’s foot.

Ringworm is usually easy to notice because of its shape. A patch that may itch or be scaly will often turn into a raised, ring-shaped patch of skin over time. It may even spread out into several rings.

The outside of this ring may appear red on light skin and gray or brown on skin of color, and may also appear raised or bumpy, while the inside of the ring will appear clear and healthy and the edges of the ring may spread outward.

Ringworm is highly contagious, and it can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, or from contact with pets, such as dogs. The fungus may also survive on objects, such as towels, clothes, and brushes.

The ringworm fungus also infects soil and mud, so people who play or work in infected dirt may catch ringworm as well.

Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Other skin conditions may look like ringworm, so doctors will sometimes want to take a skin sample to inspect for the fungus.

After confirming a diagnosis, doctors will recommend a treatment, depending on how severe the symptoms are.

Creams and medicated ointments are often sufficient to treat many cases of ringworm and may be purchased over-the-counter or online. Ringworm of the scalp or severe ringworm may require a prescription.

Basic hygiene can help treat and prevent ringworm as well. Keeping the skin clean and dry can help avoid infection.

Safety in public includes wearing sandals into public showers or locker rooms and avoiding shared items and towels.

Fungal infections are common in humans and are usually not very serious if they are treated quickly and correctly.

Anyone with a weakened immune system may be more likely to contract a fungal infection, as well as anyone who is taking antibiotics.

Cancer treatment and diabetes may also make a person more prone to fungal infections.

Most fungal infections can be prevented by keeping skin clean and dry and keeping up with basic hygiene.

Avoid sharing personal items like towels, sports equipment, and unclean clothing.

Wearing breathable fabrics that keep you dry may also help prevent fungal infections.

What is the main cause of fungal infection?

When the body comes into contact with certain fungi and the immune system is weakened or compromised, there is a chance that a person may develop a fungal infection. Many fungal infections are also caused by an overgrowth of fungus that naturally lives on our skin.

Fungal infections are very common, and most people may get one at some point.

How long does a fungal infection take to heal?

The symptoms of a fungal infection, such as itchiness, may go away after a few days of treatment. Skin discoloration and scaliness may take up to a few weeks to completely heal.

Will fungal infection go away on its own?

Fungal infections usually don’t go away if left untreated. In fact, leaving them untreated may cause them to spread or worsen.

Most fungal skin infections can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription creams. Severe infections may require additional methods.

Taking preventive action can go a long way towards avoiding fungal skin infections as well.

It is always best to notify a doctor at the first sign of infection to avoid possible serious complications. By working directly with a doctor, most cases of fungal skin infections can be easily treated.

Antifungal medicines – NHS

Antifungal medicines are used to treat fungal infections, which most commonly affect your skin, hair and nails.

You can get some antifungal medicines from a pharmacy without needing a GP prescription.

Infections antifungals can treat

Fungal infections commonly treated with antifungals include:

• ringworm
• athlete’s foot
• fungal nail infection
• vaginal thrush
• some types of severe dandruff

Some fungal infections can grow inside the body and need to be treated in hospital.

Examples include:

• aspergillosis, which affects the lungs
• fungal meningitis, which affects the brain

You’re more at risk of getting one of these more serious fungal infections if you have a weakened immune system – for example, if you’re taking medicines to suppress your immune system.

Types of antifungal medicines

You can get antifungal medicines as:

• a cream, gel, ointment or spray
• a capsule, tablet or liquid
• an injection
• a pessary: a small and soft tablet you put inside the vagina

Common names for antifungal medicines include:

• clotrimazole (Canesten)
• econazole
• miconazole
• terbinafine (Lamisil)
• fluconazole (Diflucan)
• ketoconazole (Daktarin)
• nystatin (Nystan)
• amphotericin

How antifungal medicines work

Antifungal medicines work by either:

• killing the fungus
• preventing the fungus from growing

When to see a pharmacist or GP

See a pharmacist or GP if you think you have a fungal infection. They can advise you on which antifungal medicine is best for you.

If you take too much antifungal medicine, call 111 or speak to a pharmacist or GP.

If you’re advised to go to hospital, take the medicine’s packaging with you so the healthcare professionals who treat you know what you’ve taken.

Things to consider when using antifungal medicines

Before taking antifungal medicines, speak to a pharmacist or GP about:

• any existing conditions or allergies that may affect your treatment for fungal infection
• the possible side effects of antifungal medicines
• whether the antifungal medicine may interact with other medicines you may already be taking
• whether your antifungal medicine is suitable to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding – many are not suitable

You can also check the patient information leaflet that comes with your antifungal medicine for more information.

Side effects of antifungal medicines

Antifungal medicines may cause side effects. These are usually mild and do not last long.

They can include:

• itching or burning
• redness
• feeling sick
• tummy (abdominal) pain
• diarrhoea
• a rash

Occasionally, antifungal medicines may cause a more severe reaction, such as:

• an allergic reaction – your face, neck or tongue may swell and you may have difficulty breathing
• a severe skin reaction – such as peeling or blistering skin
• liver damage (very rarely) – you may have loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, jaundice, dark pee or pale poo, tiredness or weakness

Stop using the medicine if you have these severe side effects, and see a GP or pharmacist to find an alternative.

If you’re having difficulty breathing, go to A&E or call 999.

Reporting side effects

If you think a medicine has made you unwell, you can report this side effect through the Yellow Card Scheme.

Antifungal medicines for children

Some antifungal medicines can be used to treat children and babies – for example, miconazole oral gel can be used for oral thrush in babies.

But different doses are usually needed for children of different ages. Speak to a pharmacist or GP for more advice.

Page last reviewed: 03 April 2023
Next review due: 03 April 2026

symptoms, causes, treatment of fungal infections

Fungal diseases of the skin

Fungal diseases or mycoses are very numerous and varied. They are classified as contagious and infectious diseases, because they are based on direct infection of the human body as a result of infection with dangerous pathogenic fungi.

Ways of infection

Infection with fungal diseases of the skin occurs in 3 ways. The first 2 of them are direct contact with the patient or the objects that he used. This is quite enough for infection to occur with the smallest spores of fungi, which can only be seen under a microscope at 500-800 times magnification. Spores get on nails, hair, skin and settle on nearby skin areas. Fungi have a very high viability. They survive well in the external environment, regardless of low or high temperatures, so the ability to infect remains for several months or years. Those. a person can be a carrier of the disease and not get sick with it. And in the presence of corns, scratches, cracks, abrasions and other violations of the skin, a fungal infection passes from a semi-hidden state into a disease.

In addition, fungi can also breed in the ground, on wet boards, on shoe insoles. This infection is sometimes infected during the pedicure, manicure procedure. There is a high probability of infection with fungal diseases in saunas and baths, because darkness, humidity are an ideal environment for the development of spores of such a fungus.

The third way of infection is contact with an animal.

Clinical picture

Fungal diseases manifest themselves in different ways. The nails and skin of the feet are often affected. First, the fungus affects the spaces between the toes. A person feels severe itching, peeling, redness, inflammation, weeping, swelling appear on the skin. Cracks appear between the fingers. The infection then spreads down the foot, may end up on smooth skin and affect the nails. This is due to the fact that microorganisms feed on keratin, the substance that makes up any nail plate. Pathogenic toenail fungus changes the color of the nail to yellow-gray, the plate gradually thickens and crumbles, voids appear under the nail. Then the causative agents of fungal diseases are able to settle in the armpits, in the inguinal region, on the skin of the neck, back, abdomen, chest, and also affect the internal organs, mucous membranes and the scalp.

Another fungus of the foot can be suspected by the unpleasant odor emitted from the feet. The disease often leads to the formation of rough calluses and ulcers. When combing, it is quite possible to attach and suppurate a secondary infection. The disease sometimes lasts for years.

The fungus sometimes causes dandruff. There are many factors that contribute to its increased reproduction – these are reduced immunity, seborrhea, chronic infections, hormonal disorders and improper hair care.

Who is most susceptible to fungal diseases?

Most susceptible to fungal infections are patients suffering from other skin diseases, in which there is a violation of the integrity of the skin, there are ulcers, cracks, erosion, etc., as well as people who suffer from impaired blood supply to the legs.

For your information, the spread of the fungus on the surface of the skin depends on the overall resistance of the human body. The weaker the body, the sooner the fungus captures all new areas of the skin. Infection occurs due to prolonged use of antibiotics, metabolic disorders, smoking, corns, reduced immunity, excess weight, irrational hygiene regimen, beriberi, the presence of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, thrombophlebitis, endocrinopathy, dysbacteriosis and other chronic diseases.

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Fungal diseases | NEO

Mycoses

The problem of fungal diseases of the skin and nails

Fungal diseases of the skin and nails belong to the group of human infectious diseases caused by pathogenic fungi. Fungal infections (mycoses) are different, but skin and nail lesions are among the most common mycoses. It is a contagious disease transmitted from person to person.

Fungal nail disease often lurks in your family

According to medical statistics and epidemiological studies, in Russia, the presence of fungal nail disease can be expected in almost every fifth adult. At the same time, the incidence over the past 10 years has increased by 2.5 times. A further increase in the incidence is expected. Not surprisingly, it is very easy to get a fungal infection now. Moreover, the likelihood of having a fungus increases with age. Approximately 2 times for every 10 years of life. Therefore, from a person over 50 years old, it is several times more likely to become infected with a fungus than from a young man. Infection in 30% of cases occurs in the family, from a relative who has a foot or nail fungus. Most often, the infection is transmitted through shared shoes, but sometimes through other household items. With equal frequency, infection occurs in public places: in baths, showers, gyms and gyms, swimming pools. As a rule, the skin of the feet is first affected, and then the nails.

What does nail fungus look like?

Usually fungal nail changes have three main manifestations: or destruction

Fungal discoloration of the nails
Usually the color of healthy nails gives the base of the nail, translucent through the transparent nail plate. With onychomycosis, the nail can become white, gray, yellow, brown in different shades, sometimes black or green. First of all, the nail plate either becomes opaque, or a gap appears between it and the base (bed) of the nail, in which the fungal pathogens themselves, as well as other microbes, desquamated epidermal cells or other substances, are located. This, basically, explains the changes in the color of the nails with fungal diseases.

Thickening of the nail plate (fungal subungual hyperkeratosis)

Thickening of the nail observed in fungal diseases is usually caused by thickening of the nail bed rather than the nail plate. Subungual hyperkeratosis – increased keratinization of the nail bed – is a reaction to the introduction of the fungus. Horny masses in the nail grow over time and prevent effective treatment of onychomycosis.

Chipping and breaking nails
Over time, an untreated fungal disease leads to the penetration of the fungus into the entire thickness of the
nail plate and to its delamination. The fungus penetrates into different parts of the nail, this leads to dystrophic changes. Crumbling of the nail, that is, the destruction of the nail plate from the free edge, can also occur at the beginning of a fungal infection. As a rule, the destruction of the nail is observed simultaneously with the thickening.

Why is nail fungus dangerous? What threatens foot mycosis?

Nail fungus won’t go away on its own!

Once started, a fungal infection will not go anywhere until the fungus is destroyed. Fungi are very tenacious and can survive for months in fallen skin scales. What then to expect from the fungus hiding in the nails? First, the cells of the fungus enter the skin, fix, multiply and spread on it, and then, under favorable conditions, are introduced into the nail from one side. Over time, the fungus affects all parts of the nail, and moves to other nails or skin. Nail fungus is a focus and source of infection for infecting other parts of the body. Even if all foci of the fungus on the skin of the feet or torso are cured, then re-infection will occur from the remaining focus of infection in the nails.

Can you recognize nail fungus yourself?

No, you can’t! Not only because only a specialist doctor can distinguish a fungal disease by its external manifestations. The fact is that infectious diseases must be confirmed by laboratory research. Simply put, if a fungus is found in a laboratory in a skin flake or a piece of a nail taken for analysis, then this is a fungal disease.

New possibilities in the treatment of nail fungus

In recent years, approaches to the treatment of fungal nail diseases have completely changed.