Nail Fungus: What It Is, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Nail fungus is a common type of infection often encountered in daily life. It can affect both fingernails and toenails. The primary cause of nail fungus is usually poor hygiene of the hands and feet. On the other hand, wearing tight shoes can also contribute to the development of nail fungus. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other nails. When faced with a nail fungus issue, it is essential to seek treatment from a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

What is Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus, known in medical literature as onychomycosis, is an infection caused by dermatophytes and mold fungi that settle on the nails or nail beds. This type of fungus typically enters through cracks in the nails or cuts between the nail and skin. Fungus thrives in moist, warm, and airless environments, which is why it often occurs in wet public spaces that are not adequately cleaned or when tight, non-breathable shoes are worn for extended periods.

Nail fungal infections are more commonly seen in individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses, such as AIDS, HIV, diabetes, or those undergoing cancer treatments. Additionally, older adults are more likely to experience nail fungus compared to younger individuals.

Symptoms of Nail Fungus

The symptoms of nail fungus can be listed as follows:

White, yellow, brown, or black spots or streaks may appear on the infected nail.
The nail may thicken or change shape.
The nail becomes brittle and can break easily.
Rough or pitted structures may be observed on the nail surface.
The nail may fail to grow properly.
The nail plate may separate from the nail bed.
Pain may be felt in the infected nail or finger.

If these symptoms are present, it could be a nail fungus infection. In this case, it is essential to visit a healthcare facility promptly to prevent the infection from spreading to other nails and to receive proper treatment from a specialist.

What Causes Nail Fungus?

There are various causes of nail fungus infections. The primary factors include a weakened immune system, inadequate blood circulation in the hands or feet, and poor hygiene, especially in communal spaces.

In cases of weakened immunity or illness, the fungus often enters through the tissues around the nail and spreads. Additionally, as people age, nails lose elasticity and become more prone to breakage. With reduced blood flow due to age or illness, the likelihood of fungal infections increases in older adults compared to younger individuals. Furthermore, wearing tight, non-breathable shoes or sweaty feet creates a suitable environment for fungus to thrive.

Another primary cause of nail fungus is poor hygiene. Often, fungal infections occur when manicure and pedicure tools in shared spaces are not properly sterilized. In addition, shared wet or damp items like slippers, towels, and other personal items in areas such as pools, locker rooms, and communal bathrooms may not be properly sanitized. If a person has a fungal infection, it can easily spread to others using the same items. If a fungal infection is present in one nail and left untreated, it can spread to others. Therefore, prompt treatment is necessary when a nail fungus infection occurs.

How Is Nail Fungus Diagnosed?

If nail fungus is suspected, a dermatology specialist at a healthcare facility should be consulted for diagnosis. The dermatologist will first conduct a physical examination, evaluating changes in color, shape, thickening, brittleness, pain, or tenderness in the nail. If necessary, a sample of the nail may be taken and sent to the laboratory for a detailed microbiological examination. The diagnosis of nail fungus is confirmed based on the results of the physical examination and microbiological analysis.

Treatment Methods for Nail Fungus

Nail fungus infections can cause physical, social, and psychological problems, which is why treatment should begin as soon as possible. Nail fungus treatment typically takes a long time. There are several types of treatments for nail fungus, and the most suitable one for the individual will be determined by the specialist.

The first type of treatment involves topical applications, such as creams and ointments, applied directly to the nail. This method is generally effective in cases where the nail fungus is mild or not very advanced. However, in more advanced cases, where the nail has thickened, topical creams or ointments may not fully reach underneath the nail. In addition to creams and ointments, nail lacquer may also be recommended for treatment. Nail lacquer is often more effective than creams and ointments in topical treatments. Topical treatments tend to take longer than other treatment types, so they are typically combined with antifungal medications prescribed by the doctor, using both oral (taken by mouth) and topical treatments together. Research has shown that this combined treatment approach can lead to more effective healing.

Another treatment method involves the use of laser light, photodynamic therapy, and ultraviolet (UV) light. In this method, the laser is applied directly to the infected nail or tissue. To ensure the procedure is tolerable and does not cause pain or damage, the laser's intensity is adjusted according to the patient’s tolerance. The frequency of the laser treatment is determined by the severity of the fungal infection. Therefore, this process may vary from person to person. Laser treatment for nail fungus can lead to faster healing compared to medication and topical treatments. Given the potential side effects of medications, laser treatment is often preferred by patients.

After treatment, items such as slippers, shoes, and towels used by a person with nail fungus should either be thoroughly sterilized or not reused. If these items are not properly sanitized, there is a risk of reinfection.

Ways to Prevent Nail Fungus

To prevent nail fungus, it is crucial to strengthen the immune system to protect against infections. Maintaining proper hygiene, one of the primary causes of nail fungus, can help protect individuals from fungal infections. Therefore, it is essential to keep hands and feet dry, prevent excessive sweating, and protect nails from breakage. Ensuring that manicure and pedicure tools are sterilized or using a personal set can reduce the risk. In communal spaces, it is important to use personal items such as slippers and towels.

Additionally, regular washing of hands and feet, daily changing of socks, and alternating between shoes are important steps to prevent nail fungus. Using personal nail clippers and maintaining regular nail hygiene is also necessary. For feet that remain in shoes for extended periods, choosing breathable, well-fitting shoes is another important measure against fungal infections.

Nail fungus is one of the most common infections in society. When symptoms of nail fungus are noticed, it is essential to visit a healthcare facility to receive the most appropriate treatment. Various precautions should be taken to prevent fungal infections, and personal items should be carefully maintained and cleaned.

Last Updated Date: 06 July 2023

Publication Date: 06 July 2023

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