What are the common symptoms of white nail fungus. How does nail fungus spread and who is at risk. What are the most effective treatments for toenail fungus. How can you prevent nail fungus infections. When should you see a doctor about nail fungus. What lifestyle changes help manage nail fungus. How long does it take to treat nail fungus successfully.

Understanding White Nail Fungus: An Overview

White nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that affects the toenails and sometimes fingernails. This condition occurs when fungi penetrate the nail through small cracks or cuts in the surrounding skin. As the infection progresses, it can cause noticeable changes in the appearance and texture of the affected nails.

The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, making toenails particularly susceptible due to their frequent exposure to such conditions inside shoes. Various types of fungi and occasionally yeast can infect different parts of the nail, leading to a range of symptoms and potential complications if left untreated.

Key Characteristics of White Nail Fungus

• Discoloration (often yellow or white)
• Thickening of the nail
• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Increased brittleness
• Separation of the nail from the nail bed
• Spread to surrounding skin

Recognizing the Symptoms of Nail Fungus

Identifying nail fungus early is crucial for effective treatment. The symptoms of nail fungus can vary depending on the type of fungus and the extent of the infection. However, there are several common signs to watch out for:

Visual Changes

One of the first noticeable symptoms is often a change in the color of the affected nail. This may appear as:

• A white spot that gradually expands
• Yellowing of the entire nail
• Brown or green discoloration in severe cases

Texture and Shape Alterations

As the infection progresses, you may observe:

• Thickening of the nail plate
• Warping or distortion of the nail’s shape
• Crumbling edges or a ragged appearance

Nail Integrity Issues

Advanced fungal infections can lead to:

• Increased brittleness and easy breakage
• Separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis)
• A foul odor emanating from the affected area

Is pain a common symptom of nail fungus? While not always present, some individuals may experience discomfort or pain, especially if the infection has caused significant nail damage or spread to the surrounding skin.

Risk Factors and Causes of Nail Fungus Infections

Understanding the risk factors and causes of nail fungus can help in prevention and early intervention. Several factors contribute to an increased likelihood of developing a fungal nail infection:

Demographic Factors

• Age: The risk increases with age, partly due to reduced blood circulation and longer exposure to fungi over time
• Gender: Men are more prone to nail fungus than women
• Family history: Genetic predisposition can play a role

Health-Related Factors

• Weakened immune system
• Diabetes
• Circulatory problems
• History of athlete’s foot

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

• Frequent exposure to moist environments (e.g., swimming pools, public showers)
• Wearing tight-fitting shoes or non-breathable footwear
• Nail injuries or skin conditions around the nail
• Smoking

How does nail fungus typically enter the body? Fungal spores can enter through small cuts or separations between the nail and nail bed. Once inside, the warm, moist environment provides ideal conditions for fungal growth.

Diagnosis and Professional Assessment of Nail Fungus

Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of nail fungus. While the symptoms may seem obvious, other conditions can mimic the appearance of fungal infections, making professional assessment crucial.

Diagnostic Process

1. Visual examination: A healthcare provider will carefully inspect the affected nails and surrounding skin
2. Medical history review: The doctor will inquire about symptoms, lifestyle factors, and any previous treatments
3. Sample collection: In many cases, a small sample of the affected nail or debris beneath it will be collected for laboratory analysis
4. Microscopic examination: The sample is examined under a microscope to identify the presence and type of fungus
5. Culture testing: Sometimes, the sample is cultured to confirm the fungal species and determine the most effective treatment

Differential Diagnosis

Several conditions can resemble nail fungus, including:

• Psoriasis
• Lichen planus
• Nail trauma
• Bacterial infections

When should you consult a specialist for nail fungus? It’s advisable to seek professional help if over-the-counter treatments haven’t improved the condition after a few weeks, if the infection is causing pain, or if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes that may complicate the infection.

Comprehensive Treatment Approaches for Nail Fungus

Treating nail fungus often requires patience and persistence. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the infection, the type of fungus involved, and individual patient factors. Here are the primary treatment options available:

Topical Medications

• Antifungal nail polishes (e.g., ciclopirox)
• Antifungal creams and ointments
• Over-the-counter solutions containing undecylenic acid or tolnaftate

Oral Antifungal Medications

• Terbinafine
• Itraconazole
• Fluconazole

Advanced Therapies

• Laser treatment to target the fungus beneath the nail
• Photodynamic therapy
• Nail removal in severe cases

How long does it typically take to treat nail fungus successfully? Treatment duration can vary widely, from a few months to a year or more, depending on the severity of the infection and the chosen treatment method. Consistent application and patience are key to successful outcomes.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Modifications

Preventing nail fungus and avoiding recurrence involves a combination of good hygiene practices and lifestyle modifications. Here are some effective strategies to keep your nails healthy and fungus-free:

Proper Foot Care

• Wash feet daily with soap and water, drying thoroughly, especially between toes
• Trim nails straight across and keep them shorter than the tip of the toe
• Use separate nail clippers for infected nails and healthy nails
• Disinfect nail care tools regularly with rubbing alcohol

Footwear Considerations

• Wear breathable shoes made of materials like leather or canvas
• Alternate between different pairs of shoes to allow them to dry completely
• Use moisture-wicking socks and change them regularly, especially if feet tend to sweat
• Wear protective footwear in public areas like locker rooms and swimming pools

Nail Care Precautions

• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas
• Refrain from sharing nail care tools or footwear with others
• Limit the use of nail polish on infected nails, as it can trap moisture
• Consider using an antifungal spray or powder in shoes and on feet

Can diet impact the prevention and management of nail fungus? While not a direct treatment, maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support immune function, such as vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics, may help your body resist fungal infections more effectively.

Long-Term Management and Monitoring of Nail Fungus

Successfully treating nail fungus is just the first step in long-term nail health. Ongoing management and monitoring are crucial to prevent recurrence and catch any new infections early. Here’s how to maintain healthy nails after treatment:

Regular Self-Examination

• Inspect your nails at least once a month for any changes in color, texture, or shape
• Pay attention to the skin around your nails for signs of redness or swelling
• Use a mirror or ask for help to check hard-to-see areas like toenails

Maintenance Treatments

• Consider using over-the-counter antifungal products periodically as a preventive measure
• Apply tea tree oil or other natural antifungal remedies to nails and surrounding skin
• Keep nails trimmed and filed to prevent debris accumulation

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Continue practicing good foot hygiene even after the infection clears
• Be mindful of activities that increase exposure to fungi and take appropriate precautions
• Manage underlying health conditions that may increase susceptibility to fungal infections

How often should you follow up with a healthcare provider after treating nail fungus? It’s advisable to have a check-up every few months initially, then annually or as recommended by your doctor, to ensure the infection has fully resolved and to catch any recurrence early.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments for Nail Fungus

The field of nail fungus treatment is continuously evolving, with researchers exploring new and more effective ways to combat these persistent infections. Here’s a look at some promising developments and future directions in nail fungus treatment:

Novel Drug Delivery Systems

• Nanoparticle-based treatments for enhanced penetration through the nail plate
• Iontophoresis techniques to improve topical drug absorption
• Transungual drug delivery systems for sustained release of antifungal agents

Biological Therapies

• Antifungal peptides derived from natural sources
• Immunotherapy approaches to enhance the body’s natural defenses against fungal infections
• Probiotic treatments to promote beneficial microorganisms on the skin and nails

Advanced Physical Therapies

• Improved laser technologies with higher efficacy and fewer side effects
• Combination therapies integrating multiple treatment modalities
• Cold plasma technology for fungal eradication

What role might personalized medicine play in future nail fungus treatments? As our understanding of genetic factors and individual susceptibility to fungal infections grows, treatments may become more tailored to each patient’s unique biological profile, potentially improving efficacy and reducing treatment duration.

The fight against nail fungus continues to advance, offering hope for more effective, convenient, and personalized treatment options in the future. By staying informed about these developments and maintaining good nail care practices, individuals can look forward to healthier, fungus-free nails and improved overall foot health.

Pictures of What It Looks Like & Treatment Tips

Medically Reviewed by Debra Jaliman, MD on August 21, 2022

Toenail fungus is an infection that gets in through cracks in your nail or cuts in your skin. It can make your toenail change color or get thicker. It can also hurt. Because toes are often warm and damp, fungus grows well there. Different kinds of fungi and sometimes yeast affect different parts of the nail. Left untreated, an infection could spread to other toenails, skin, or even your fingernails.

Infected nails are usually thicker than normal and could be warped or oddly shaped. They can break easily. Nails with fungus might look yellow. Sometimes a white dot shows up on the nail and then gets bigger. When fungus builds up under your nail, it can loosen and even separate the nail from the bed. The fungus can also spread to the skin around your nail.

Men are more likely to get it than women. The older you are, the better your chances are, too. People who have diabetes, athlete’s foot, or a weak immune system, who smoke, or whose family members have it are also at a higher risk. If you spend a lot of time in the water or you’ve injured your toenail, your odds for getting toenail fungus go up.

Since toenail fungus can look like other conditions, including psoriasis, you’ll want to have your toenail checked by a doctor. You may need to see a specialist who cares for feet (a podiatrist) or skin (a dermatologist). They might scrape off some of the affected part and send it to a lab to figure out what’s causing the problem.

The way you treat toenail fungus depends on which fungus you have and how bad the infection is. Your doctor may try one thing or a combination:

• A topical cream that goes directly on the nail
• A topical nail lacquer
• An antifungal prescription pill
• A laser treatment that removes the damaged area of the nail or skin

In some cases, you might need to have the nail removed completely with surgery.

Use soap and water to wash your feet, and dry well, including between toes. Trim your toenails — straight across — to keep them shorter than the end of your toe. Make sure the tools you use are clean, too. Wash clippers and files with soap and water, then wipe with rubbing alcohol. You might be tempted to cover up discolored nails with polish, but don’t. Your nail bed can’t “breathe,” which keeps fungus from going away.

Be smart about your footwear. Choose socks that wick moisture away. Change them regularly. Make sure your shoes fit well. They should be made of something that lets air move through it, like canvas, mesh, or leather. Wear shower shoes in wet public places like locker rooms and swimming pools.

Take a good look at your nail beds and the skin around your toenails regularly, at least once a month. (You might need to use a mirror if it’s hard to see your toes.) Watch for changes in color and texture, as well as for cuts or damage. Does anything hurt? If your symptoms don’t improve or get worse, give your doctor a call.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:
1) Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source
2) Phototake
3) Blend Images / Getty
4) Thinkstock
5) iStock
6) Getty
7) Getty
8) WebMD

SOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology: “Nails. “

American Podiatric Medical Association: “Toenail Fungus,” “Pedicure Pointers.”

Baron, S. Medical Microbiology, 4th Edition. The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 1996.

CDC: “Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008.”

Flint, W. Medical Clinics of North America, March 2014.

© 2022 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. View privacy policy and trust info

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Onychomycosis (nail fungus) – causes, treatment, prevention

What is onychomycosis?

Onychomycosis is a disease of the nails, commonly known as nail fungus. Caused by pathogenic fungi

Onychomycosis can affect one or more nail plates on the hands and/or feet. However, the symptoms can be exactly the same.

IMPORTANT! Information from the article cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment! Only a doctor can prescribe the necessary examinations, establish a diagnosis and draw up a treatment plan for a consultation!

Causes and ways of infection with nail fungus

Fungi get on the skin and nails of all of us, however, they do not cause disease in everyone. The scales of the skin and nails of people with onychomycosis contain spores of fungi – the sources of the disease. Both in healthy people and in people infected with a fungus, scales that are not visible to the eye peel off and fall on various surfaces and objects – a bath, towels, washcloths, rugs, etc.

However, in order to develop onychomycosis, predisposing factors are needed. For example, a violation of the blood supply or innervation of the nail plates.

This situation often occurs when wearing uncomfortable or unsuitable shoes, with sports and domestic injuries of the nail.

The presence of certain chronic diseases (eg diabetes mellitus) can also contribute to the development of onychomycosis.

You can become infected with nail fungus in swimming pools, showers in gyms, baths and saunas – that is, in those places where many people stand or walk barefoot. In addition, infection with onychomycosis is possible when wearing impersonal shoes (for example, slippers at a party, bowling shoes, rental skates, etc. )

Advanced nail fungus

Treatment of nail fungus is best started at the first symptoms of the disease. But people rarely go to the dermatologist because of the first changes in the structure of the skin and nails. Running forms are easy to identify just by looking at your nails. A serious reason for contacting a dermatologist is the discovery of the following symptoms:

• deformed thickened or thinned nails;
• destruction, flaking, crumbling of the nail;
• discoloration of the nail to gray, yellow, white, brown, sometimes green or black

An advanced form of onychomycosis leads to a decrease in immunity and the development of mycotic eczema.

Treatment of onychomycosis (nail fungus)

In the initial stage of the disease, you can limit yourself to local treatment, using varnishes from nail fungus and solutions. But such measures will be effective only if less than a quarter of one nail plate is damaged.

If there is damage to several nails or damage to more than a quarter of one nail, then it will be much more difficult to cope with onychomycosis.

Onychomycosis is treated with systemic antifungals , which will take quite a long time – usually at least 3 months . At the same time, local preparations are used for treatment, which are applied directly to the nail.

Self-treatment does not always lead to a positive outcome, but it can do harm!

Treating shoes for fungus

In addition to treatment, it is important to treat all available shoes, including slippers, with an antifungal agent. For this purpose, you can use both special pharmacy sprays and products marked “with fungicidal action” sold in shoe stores.

It would also be useful to periodically use special dryers for shoes, preferably with ultraviolet light.

Prevention of onychomycosis

As you know, the disease is easier to prevent than to treat. Following simple rules will help to avoid nail fungus.

• Please wear footwear in public showers, baths and swimming pools.
• Do not use impersonal shoes

If you suspect that you have athlete’s foot, consult a doctor. The sooner you do this, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.

Nail fungus – Laser Dermatology Center

Nail fungus of hands and feet (med. onychomycosis) – an infectious disease caused by fungi that affects the nail plate. Unfortunately, this disease is easy to catch, it spreads quickly from one nail to another, creates not only a poor aesthetic appearance, but can also lead to health problems. The main causative agents of nail fungus are dermatophytes, yeasts and molds.

Not all nail changes are caused by a fungal infection, but it is estimated that about 60% of all nail changes are due to onychomycosis.

Certain risk factors have been identified that increase the risk of contracting nail fungus:
• Older age;
• Foot fungus;
• Psoriasis;
• Diabetes mellitus, vascular diseases;
• Disorders of the immune system;
• A family member has fungus;
• Visiting the swimming pool, sauna, sports club;
• Permanent nail injury;
• Moist, warm environments, such as closed shoes, rubber gloves;
• Increased sweating.

There are several major forms of nail fungus hands and feet:

The most common form of nail fungus is distal onychomycosis . In this case, the free edge of the nail plate is affected. In 85% of cases, the causative agent is the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. Initially, the color of one corner of the nail changes – it becomes white, yellow or brown. The infection gradually spreads to the entire plate of the nail. Subungual masses appear, the nail plate may separate from the nail bed (i.e., onycholysis may occur). This manifestation of infection is especially characteristic of the fungus of the big toes.

White superficial onychomycosis is usually caused by dermatophytes – Trichophyton mentagrophytes. This type of infection is characterized by pale white patches on the surface of the nail. Without treatment, the fungus can spread to the entire nail plate. The white areas of the nail are soft and easy to take for laboratory analysis.

Slightly less common proximal subungual onychomycosis – parts of the nail near the nail fold are affected, and the infection spreads further to the free edge of the nail. The main pathogens are the dermatophytes T. rubrum, the yeast fungus C. albicans and the fungus Aspergillus. This type of onychomycosis has been observed to be more common in people who have compromised immune systems (such as those who use immunosuppressants or those who are immunocompromised).

General dystrophic onychomycosis is a form of nail fungus in which there is damage to the entire nail plate. Most often it is a progressive stage of other forms of nail fungus. Generalized dystrophic onychomycosis is characterized by a thickened, brittle nail plate with an uneven surface, and a hyperkeratotic mass accumulates under the nail. However, it is not possible to determine with certainty whether nail fungus is the cause of these changes by looking at the appearance of the changed nails alone, since the changes can also be associated with other nail diseases, such as psoriasis. Therefore, you should contact a specialist.

Mixed onychomycosis is a combination of two or more of the listed diseases. The most common combination of white superficial onychomycosis and distal onychomycosis.

Everyone knows that the treatment of nail fungus and toenails is a complex and lengthy process that requires close cooperation between doctor and patient, as well as patience. This is because the fungal infection is very resistant to treatment. Usually, oral medications, ointments, surgical removal of the nail plates, or a combination of these methods are used to treat nail fungus. Without treatment, the disease can cause complications:

• Pain, especially when cutting nails, while walking and running;
• Bacterial infection such as erysipelas, cellulitis, osteomyelitis;
• Fungal infections of other parts of the body, such as feet, body or scalp.

In addition, if nail fungus is not treated, there is a risk of infecting other family members.