One common nail illness is nail fungus. It starts under the nail or toenail tip as a white or yellow-brown patch. The nail may become thicker, disintegrate at the edge, and change colour as the fungal infection spreads deeper. Multiple nails may be impacted by nail fungus.
You might not need treatment if your ailment is minor and is not causing you any discomfort. Self-care techniques and medicines may be helpful if your nail fungus is uncomfortable and causing thicker nails. But nail fungus frequently returns, even when treatment is effective.
Onychomycosis is another name for nail fungus (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis). Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is the term used to describe the fungal infection that appears between your toes and the skin of your feet.
Ailments
A nail or nails that are: can be signs of nail fungus.
- Solidified
- Blotchy
- Ragged, crumbly, or brittle
- Distorted
- Not part of the nail bed
- Aromatic
While it can infect fingernails as well, nail fungus is more common in toenails.
When to visit a physician
If self-care measures don’t work and the nail becomes more discoloured, thicker, or malformed, you might wish to visit a doctor. Discuss the following with your healthcare practitioner as well:
- Diabetes and suspecting the growth of nail fungus
- Bleeding near the fingernails
- Pain or swelling around the nails
- Having trouble walking
- Make an appointment.
Causes
Numerous fungal species (fungi) are the cause of nail fungus. The most prevalent kind is known as dermatophyte. Nail infections can also be caused by moulds, bacteria, and yeast. Bacterial infections typically cause green or black staining.
Both a fungal infection of the nail and a fungal infection of the foot (athlete’s foot) have the potential to spread. Additionally, you may contract the infection by coming into contact with areas where fungi can flourish, including the tile floor at a fitness centre or inside of damp, dark shoes.
Risk elements
The following variables may make you more susceptible to nail fungus:
- Older years
- Donning footwear that causes excessive perspiration on the feet
- Having previously experienced athlete’s foot
- Going barefoot in wet public spaces including showers, gyms, and swimming pools
- Having a small cut on your skin or nails
- Possessing a nail-damaging skin condition, like psoriasis
- Having impaired immunity, diabetes, or issues with blood flow
Difficulties
Severe nail fungus can be excruciating and possibly irreversibly harm your nails. Additionally, if you have a weakened immune system from diabetes, medicine, or other illnesses, it could result in additional dangerous infections that extend beyond your feet.
Avoidance
The following behaviours can aid in preventing athlete’s foot, which can result in nail fungus, as well as reinfections and nail fungus:
- Maintain dry and clean nails. Wash your feet and hands frequently. After handling a nail that is infected, wash your hands. After thoroughly drying, moisturise your nails and use an antifungal foot powder. To strengthen cuticles and nails, think about using a nail hardener.
- Maintain your nail trim. Trim the nails straight across, use a file to flatten the edges, and file down any thick spots. Once you’ve used your nail clippers, disinfect them. Allowing your nails to grow long gives the fungus more areas to spread.
- If possible, switch up your socks during the day or use absorbent ones.
- Select shoes with breathable materials.
- Old shoes should be thrown away or treated with antifungal powders or disinfectants.
- In the locker rooms and around the pools, wear shoes.
- Select a nail shop where every client is served with sterile manicure instruments. or sanitize the equipment you use for at-home manicures.
- Give up fake nails and nail paint.
- Apply an antifungal medication to treat athlete’s foot.
