Nail Diseases
Your toenails and fingernails protect the tissues of your toes and fingers. They are made up of layers of a hardened protein called keratin, which is also in your hair and skin. The health of your nails can be a clue to your overall health. Healthy nails are usually smooth and consistent in color. Specific types of nail discoloration and changes in growth rate can be signs of lung, heart, kidney, and liver diseases, as well as diabetes and anemia. White spots and vertical ridges are harmless.
Nail problems that sometimes require treatment include
- Bacterial and fungal infections
- Ingrown nails
- Tumors
- Warts
Keeping your nails clean, dry, and trimmed can help you avoid some problems. Do not remove the cuticle, which can cause infection.
Fungal Nail Infection
Fungal nail infection occurs when a fungus grows in and around your fingernail or toenail.
Causes of Fungal Nail Infection
Fungi can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.
Common fungal infections include:
- Athlete's foot
- Jock itch
- Ringworm on the skin of the body or head
Fungal nail infections are most often seen in adults. They often follow fungal infection of the feet. Infections occur more often in toenails than in fingernails.
People who often go to public swimming pools, gyms, or shower rooms, and people who sweat a lot often have these infections. The fungi that cause them live in warm, moist areas.
You are at higher risk of getting a fungal nail infection if you:
- Get manicures or pedicures with tools that have been used on other people
- Have minor skin or nail injuries
- Have deformed nail or nail disease
- Have moist skin for a long time
- Have immune system problems
- Wear closed-in footwear
Symptoms of Fungal Nail Infection
Symptoms include nail changes on one or more nails (usually toenails) such as:
- Brittleness
- Change in nail shape
- Crumbling of the outside edges of the nail
- Debris trapped under the nail
- Loosening or lifting up of the nail
- Loss of luster and shine
- Thickening of the nail
- White or yellow streaks on the side of the nail
Exams and Tests for Fungal Nail Infection
Your health care provider will look at your nails to determine if you have a fungal infection.
The diagnosis can be confirmed by looking at scrapings from the nail under a microscope. This can help determine the type of fungus. Samples can also be sent to a lab for a culture. (Results may take up to 3 weeks.)
Treatment for Fungal Nail Infection
Over-the-counter creams and ointments generally do not help treat this condition.
Prescription antifungal medicines that you take by mouth may help clear the fungus.
- You will need to take the medicine for about 2 to 3 months for toenails; a shorter time for fingernails
- Fluconazole griseofulvin, terbinafine, and itraconazole are used to treat this condition.
- Your health care provider will do lab tests to check for liver damage while you are taking these medicines.
Laser treatments may be able to get rid of the fungus in the nails.
In some cases, you may need to have the nail removed.
Outlook / Prognosis for Fungal Nail Infection
The fungal nail infection is cured by the growth of new, non-infected nails. Nails grow slowly. Even if treatment is successful, it may take up to a year for a new clear nail to grow.
Fungal nail infections may be hard to treat. Medicines clear up fungus in about half of patients.
Even when treatment works the fungus may return.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if:
- You experience persistent fungal nail infections
- Your fingers become painful, red, or drain pus
Prevention of Fungal Nail Infection
Good general health and hygiene help prevent fungal infections.
- Do not share tools used for manicures and pedicures.
- Keep your skin clean and dry.
- Take proper care of your nails.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly after contact with any fungal infection.
Alternative Names for Nail Diseases
Nails - fungal infection; Onychomycosis; Infection - fungal - nails; Tinea unguium