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 might be hard to determine exactly where or how a fungal infection is obtained. However, a warm, wet place (such as 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 might feel pain in your toes or fingertips.
How is nail fungus diagnosed?
Your doctor might be able to tell if you have a nail fungus infection by looking carefully at your nails. He or she might 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 might include topical creams or oral medicines (antifungal drugs). Topical antifungal agents are most effective when used to treat milder cases. Rarely, surgery might 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 percent 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 might 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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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 3/7/2005
