Also known as onychomycosis, fungal infections of the nails are often mild and typically don’t require treatment. However, more serious bouts of onychomycosis may require home care, medication, or surgery, which can relieve bothersome symptoms and restore the look of the affected nails.
Onychomycosis usually affects toenails, but the condition may also be found in fingernails. A fungal nail infection can often be identified by the following symptoms:
With more serious infections, the nail may actually separate from the skin.
Fungal infections of the nail are most often caused by a fungus known as dermatophytes, but they can also result from bacteria and yeast. In some cases, the infection is acquired from an area harbouring fungus, such as wet floors or shoes.
Certain individuals have a greater chance of experiencing fungal infections of the nails, including:
People with diabetes must be particularly careful about fungal infections. Along with having a greater risk of experiencing this medical issue, diabetes also inhibits wound healing, which means seemingly minor wounds on the toes and feet can lead to major issues.
When treatment is needed for fungal nail infections, doctors often recommend over the counter or prescription antifungal medication. This medication can be taken orally or applied to the affected area. Topical treatments include creams and medicated nail polish. Surgery may be recommended if the infection is considered severe. In this case, the infected nail is removed, and medication is applied directly to the nail bed.
When it comes to preventative measures, the following steps can limit your risk of onychomycosis:
If you have a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, talk with your doctor about effective foot care methods to avoid the more serious complications of fungal nail infections.