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What is nail fungus?
Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is a condition that occurs when a
microscopic fungus enters either a fingernail or toenail. Fungal infections
occur in toenails more often than in fingernails. Nail fungus has cosmetic
concerns as well as potential health concerns. For people who have diabetes or a
weakened immune system, nail fungus can present serious risks. Unfortunately,
nail fungus is especially common in people with diabetes or circulation
problems. Anyone can get nail fungus, but infections are more common in people
over the age of 60.
What causes nail fungus?
Usually, nail fungus occurs when fungus enters the nail through a small
trauma (cut or break) in the nail. Nail fungus is not caused by poor hygiene.
Nail fungus can be spread from person to person. If you notice an infected nail,
doctors warn against picking at it or even trimming it, as both of these
activities can cause the fungus to spread. It may be hard to determine exactly
where or how a fungal infection is obtained. However, a warm, wet place (i.e., a
locker room) is a good place for a fungus to grow.
What are the symptoms of nail fungus?
A nail fungus infection can make your nails thick and discolored. Uncommonly,
you may feel pain in your toes or fingertips.
How is nail fungus diagnosed?
Your doctor may be able to tell if you have a nail fungus infection by
looking carefully at your nails. He or she may scrape some tissue from your nail
and send it to a lab in order to determine for certain what kind of infection
you have.
How is nail fungus treated?
Treatment may include topical creams or oral medications (antifungal drugs).
Topical antifungal agents are most effective when used to treat milder cases.
Rarely, surgery may be required. Removal of the infected nail can be performed
to permit direct application of a topical antifungal.
Toenail infections are more difficult to treat than fingernail infections
because the toenail grows more slowly. In addition, a damp, warm environment of
a shoe or boot can encourage fungal growth.
Can nail fungus be prevented?
Some minimum prevention can be accomplished by keeping the inside of your
shoe dry, changing your socks and shoes frequently, and using an absorbent or
antifungal powder. Wearing 100% cotton socks, shoes with a wide toe area, and
shoes that don’t press your toes together also can be helpful. You should
avoid walking barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms.
What are ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails can occur when the corner or side of the nail grows into the
flesh of the toe. In many cases, ingrown nails occur in the big toe. The end
result of this common condition is pain, redness and swelling. Infection can
occur in some cases.
What causes ingrown toenails?
Some common causes of ingrown toenail include cutting the nails too short or
not straight across, injury to the toenail, and wearing shoes that crowd the
toenails.
What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?
Common symptoms include pain, redness and swelling. Infection can occur in
some cases.
How can ingrown toenails be treated?
In mild cases, ingrown toenails may be treated with 15-20-minute soak in warm
water. Dry cotton can be placed under the corner of the nail. Talk to your
doctor if you are experiencing increasing pain, swelling and drainage of the
area. Minor surgery can be performed to remove the part of the nail that is
poking into the skin.
How can ingrown toenails be prevented?
You can prevent ingrown toenails by:
- Wearing shoes that fit properly.
- Keeping your toenails at a moderate
length and trimming them straight across.
- Wearing protective footwear.
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