Fungal Nails – Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Fungal Nails 
It refers to a common medical condition in which the hands or feet’ nails may get affected. Such nail infections usually start as a yellow or white spot right under the tip of your toenail or fingernail. It can affect more than one nail.   

Causes of Fungal infection in Nails 
These infections are caused by the overgrowth of fungi in or on the nail. Fungi thrive well in moist, warm environments, so, naturally, they overpopulate. The fungi that cause jock’s itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm can cause such infections. Coming in contact with someone who has an infection may also result in spreading the disease. 

Some of the most common risk factors associated with the development of these infections in the nails may include: 

• Diabetic patients are more prone to such infections. 
• Poor circulation as a result of a disease. 
• Over 65 years of age. 
• Use of artificial nails. 
• Use of public swimming pools. 
• Nail injury. 
• Skin injury around the nail. 
• Fingers and toes stay moist for an extended period. 
• Compromised or weakened immune system. 
• Excessive use of tennis shoes or boots. 

 

These infections are more common in men as compared to women. If you have a family member with this infection, you are more likely to develop one. 

Symptoms of Fungal Infection in Nails 
It may affect several nails, one entire nail, or part of a single nail. Below are some visible signs associated with these infections:  

• Subungual hyperkeratosis, which is scaling under the nail. 
• Lateral onychomycosis, white or yellow streaks on the nail. 
• Distal onychomycosis, crumbling corner, or tip of the nail. 
• Flaking of the white areas on the nail’s surface may also include pits in the nail. 
• Proximal onychomycosis, the appearance of yellow spots at the bottom of the nail. 
• Complete nail damage. 
• Deformed nail that might lift off from the nail bed. 
• A foul odor originating from the infected nail. 
• A thickened or brittle nail. 

 

Treatment of Fungal Infection in Nails 
Over-the-counter ointments and creams are often used for treatment. However, the symptoms seem to subside; the infection often returns once the fungi are favorable. Other treatment modalities include:  

Medicated nail polish – the doctor may also prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox. It is applied to the affected nail and around it on the skin one day. You may need to use this type of nail polish for up to a year.  

Medicated nail cream – the doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream. It is rubbed thoroughly on the infected nail after soaking the nail.  

Surgery for Fungal Nail Infection 
In some cases, the doctor might suggest removal of the nail temporarily so that antifungal drugs can be applied directly to the infection under the nail. Some conditions in nails don’t respond to medicines. The specialist might suggest a permanent nail removal if there is a severe infection causing chronic pain.  

Call us today to schedule an appointment with our expert orthopedic surgeons for best-suited fungal nails treatment options.