Fungal nail infections are a common problem that can damage any nail, but most often, the toenails. Infection is due to fungi, such as candida (the fungus that causes thrush). However, dermatophyte fungus is the most common cause of the athlete’s foot.
What’s Fungal Nail Infection?
Fungal nail infection is a common disease that can leave you with brittle, discolored nails, usually on the toes.
Its formal name is onychomycosis, and it’s a lot like the foot of an athlete. Yet, instead of affecting skin at the bottom of your feet or between your fingers, it invades your nails.
Fungi are tiny organisms that can only be seen by a microscope. Several different forms can cause a nail infection. They’re living on your skin sometimes, and they don’t cause any trouble. But if you’ve got a lot in one area, you could get infected.
Don’t be embarrassed by yourself if you get toenail or fingernail fungus. It is more usual than you think.
Risk factors
Factors that can raise the risk of developing nail fungus include:
- Becoming older due to less blood flow, more years of exposure to fungi, and slower developing nails
- Sweating heavily
- A history of the athlete’s foot
- Walking barefoot in damp public spaces such as swimming pools, gyms, and shower rooms
- Having minor skin or nail damage or skin disease such as psoriasis
- Having Diabetes, circulation problems, or weak immune system
Who’s at risk for fungal infections?
There are many different causes of infections of fungal nails. Each cause has its treatment. Although all of the causes of fungal nail infection are preventable, some risk factors raise the risk of infection. You have a greater chance to get a fungal nail infection if you:
- Have diabetes
- Have a condition that causes poor circulation
- Are over 65 years of age
- Do you wear fake nails?
- Are swimming in the public swimming pool
- Have an Injury the nail
- Have an injury under the nail
- Do your toes and fingers get wet for long periods?
- Have a weakened immune system
- Wear closed-toe shoes, like boots or tennis shoes
Symptoms
You could have a nail fungus if one or more of your nails are:
- Thickened
- White to yellow-brown discoloration
- Brittle, crumbly, or ragged
- Distorted shape
- Dark color, caused by the dirt under the nail
- Smelling a bit foul
Nail fungus may affect fingernails, but it is more common in toenails.
What causes fungal nail infections?
Spread from fungal infection of the skin. For example, the athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the toes’ skin. This may spread to the toenails if you do not treat the inflammation of the skin early.
Infection with the fingernail can occur after an infection with the toenail has been established. If you scratch your itchy toes and toenail, the fungus can spread to a finger.
Fingernail infections are often more likely to develop if you wash your hands frequently. Constant washing can weaken the protective skin at the base of the nail. This might allow the fungus to enter.
Also, a recent weak nail is more likely to become infected.
You have an elevated risk of developing a fungal nail infection if you have different symptoms, for example:
- Diabetes
- Psoriasis
- Poor circulation
- Weak immune functions (for example, if you have AIDS or are on chemotherapy)
- Generally, poor health, such as high alcohol intake.
- Nail infections are more common in people living in hot or humid climates.
- Smoking often raises the risk of developing an infection of the nail.
There is no apparent reason in some situations. Fungal germs are common.
Treatments for fungal nail infections
For mild fungal nail infection, you can skip treatment. Because it is unlikely to cause any more complications, and you may find it is not worth treating.
Whether or not you decide to get treatment, you should also have proper foot hygiene. This way, you can avoid the infection from getting worse or spreading to others.
Speak to the GP or pharmacist if you are concerned about the infected nail’s presence or if it creates complications such as pain and irritation. They’re going to prescribe:
- Antifungal tablets. Tablets are taken once or twice a day for a few months.
- Antifungal nail paints. Special paints were added directly to the nail for several months.
- Nail softening kits. Use the paste to soften the nail’s infected parts.
A procedure to fully remove the nail may be recommended in extreme situations. Laser therapy, where a high-energy laser is used to kill the fungus, is also an alternative. But this is only possible on a private basis and can be expensive.
Home remedies
Topical nail fungus therapies may tend to have clear success in fungal infections of the nail. But often, they do not completely cure the infection. Other home remedies that have possibly promising clinical results on nail fungus include:
- VapoRub Vicks: People commonly use this to cure coughs. However, a study published in 2011 shows that it may be useful in treating nail fungus.
- Snakeroot extract: A 2008 research found that this naturally antifungal plant can be as effective as ciclopirox. Ciclopirox a prescription antifungal drug, which treats nail fungus.
- Oregano oil: Contains thymol, which is said to have antifungal properties. In therapies, people mix oregano oil with tea tree oil. The side effects can be potent and increase the risk of an allergic reaction or irritation.
- Ozonized oils: Numerous studies confirm the advantages of this form of oil in treating nail fungus. In one study, ozonized sunflower oil showed greater therapeutic benefits than the prescribed antifungal medication.
Some herbal drugs used to cure nail fungal infections include:
- Australian tea tree oil
- Vinegar
- Listerine
- Grapefruit seed extract
However, there is no clinical evidence to support the use of these items.
Prevention
Preventing diseases of the nail fungus includes hand and foot hygiene. Some recommendations are as follows:
- Keep the nails short, dry, and clean.
- Wearing breathing socks, usually synthetic
- Use of antifungal sprays or powders
- Wearing rubber gloves to prevent over-exposure to water
- To refrain from picking or biting nails.
- Wearing sneakers or sandals in public spaces and swimming pools;
- Ensure that your manicure or pedicure salon properly sterilizes the tools
- Use of fake nails and nail polish less often.
- Hand washing after touching infected nails
- Preventing the sharing of shoes and socks
The Bottom Line
If you think you have a fungal nail infection, contact your GP. He will also take a nail clipping sample for laboratory examination. If topical therapy doesn’t work, your doctor may recommend a tablet.
