Fungal Nail Infections
Introduction
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Fungal Nail Infections
A fungal nail infection – also known as onychomycosis – is a common condition that typically affects the toenails and can also develop on the fingernails. It is generally not serious but can take a few months to treat.
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What Is a Fungal Nail Infection?
Fungal nail infections are common. They are characterised by discoloured, brittle nails. The infection usually invades the toenails, spreading tiny organisms called fungi. When a lot of fungi build up in one area, an infection can occur. Sometimes, fungal nail infections can affect the fingernails.
The condition can affect several nails, and eventually cause the nail to crumble. Mild fungal nail infections don’t always require treatment, but if your nails are hurting or have thickened, treatment can help to relieve symptoms.
There are several types of fungal nail infection, all with their own characteristics. These include:
- Distal subungual onychomycosis
- Proximal subungual onychomycosis
- White superficial onychomycosis
- Candida onychomycosis
What Causes Fungal Nail Infections?
Fungal nail infections are caused by various types of fungi, as well as molds and yeast. They are more common in older people because the nail can dry out and become brittle as it ages, with the ensuing cracks allowing fungi to penetrate. A toenail fungal infection can also be caused by athlete’s foot, and it is understood that a weakened immune system and poor blood circulation to the feet could also contribute to fungal nail infections.
Recognized risk factors of fungal nail infections include:
- Being over the age of 65
- Having poor circulation
- Wearing non-breathable shoes
- Having a weakened immune system
- Having underlying health conditions such as diabetes
- Injuring your nail
- Having had surgery on your nail
- Having athlete’s foot
- Walking barefoot through areas in which fungus tends to spread, such as changing rooms and swimming pools
Symptoms of Fungal Nail Infections
Fungal nail infection symptoms vary according to the type of infection. Symptoms, which typically begin mild and can increase with severity, can include:
- A yellow or white spot under the nail. This is an early sign of some types of fungal nail infection (including distal subungual onychomycosis, proximal subungual onychomycosis and white superficial onychomycosis). The spot will grow bigger and can turn the whole nail discolored
- The nail curling upwards or downwards
- The nail loosening from the nail bed
- Thickening of the nail, making it hard to cut
- The nail growing out of shape
- Brittleness of the nail
- Crumbling of the nail
- A bad smell which is caused by the fungi
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