Fungal Nail Infections

A fungal nail infection occurs from the overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so this type of environment can cause them to naturally overpopulate. The same fungi that cause jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm can cause nail infections.

Fungi that are already present in or on your body can cause nail infections. If you have come in contact with someone else who has a fungal infection, it may have spread to you. Fungal infections affect toenails more commonly than fingernails because your toes are usually confined to your shoes, where they’re in a warm, moist environment.

If you get a manicure or pedicure at a nail salon, be sure to ask how the staff disinfects their tools and how often they do it. Tools, such as emery boards and nail clippers, can spread fungal infections from person-to-person if they’re not sanitized.

Visible Signs
Visible signs of a fungal nail infection include:

scaling under the nail, which is called subungual hyperkeratosis
white or yellow streaks on the nail, which is called lateral onychomycosis
a crumbling corner or tip of the nail, which is called distal onychomycosis
flaking white areas on the nail’s surface, which may include pits in the nail
the appearance of yellow spots at the bottom of the nail, which is called proximal onychomycosis
loss of the nail

Common Signs
Common signs of a fungal nail infection include:

a distorted nail that may lift off from the nail bed
an odor coming from the infected nail
a brittle or thickened nail

Prevention
Corns and calluses are easier to prevent than to treat. When it is usually not desirable to form a callus, minimizing rubbing and pressure will prevent callus formation. Footwear should be properly fitted, gloves may be worn, and protective pads, rings or skin dressings may be used. People with poor circulation or sensation should check their skin often for signs of rubbing and irritation so they can minimize any damage.

Treatment
Over-the-counter products aren’t usually recommended to treat nail infections because they don’t provide reliable results. Instead, your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication, such as:

Terbinafine (Lamisil)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Griseofulvin (Gris-Peg)

You may use other antifungal treatments, such as antifungal nail lacquer or topical solutions. These treatments are brushed onto the nail in the same way that you would apply nail polish. Depending on the type of fungus causing the infection, as well as the extent of the infection, you may have to use these medications for several months. Topical solutions are not generally effective in curing toenail fungal infections.

Treatment isn’t guaranteed to rid your body of the fungal infection completely. In almost half of all cases, the fungal nail infection will return. Complications from fungal infection are also possible.