Nail Fungal Infections

What does nail fungus look like?

A fungal nail may become:

• Yellow, white, brown or otherwise discolored
• Thickened
• Brittle or crumbly
• Misshapen
• Separated from the nail bed
• Surrounded by debris
• Difficult or painful to trim
• Uncomfortable inside shoes

Some patients notice odor, tenderness or pressure.

Athlete’s foot may occur at the same time and can repeatedly spread fungus back to the nails.

What increases the risk of nail fungus?

Risk factors may include:

• Increasing age
• Athlete’s foot
• Sweaty feet
• Walking barefoot in communal areas
• Nail injury
• Tight footwear
• Poor circulation
• Diabetes
• A weakened immune system
• Sharing nail tools
• Receiving nail care with improperly disinfected instruments

Anyone can develop a fungal nail infection.

How is nail fungus diagnosed?

Several conditions can make a nail thick, discolored or brittle, including psoriasis, trauma, eczema and age-related changes.

For this reason, testing is often recommended before oral antifungal medication is prescribed.

Your provider may collect:

• A nail clipping
• Debris from beneath the nail
• A scraping from the nail surface

The sample can be examined or sent to a laboratory to determine whether fungus is present.

How is nail fungus treated?

Treatment depends on the number of affected nails, severity, overall health and test results.

Options may include:

• Prescription oral antifungal medication
• Prescription antifungal nail solution or lacquer
• Thinning or trimming the nail
• Removal of part or all of a severely damaged nail
• Treatment of accompanying athlete’s foot
• A combination of approaches

Oral medication is generally more effective for extensive toenail infection but may require blood testing and a review of other medications and health conditions.

Topical nail treatments require consistent use for many months.

When will the nail look normal?

Even after the fungus has been eliminated, the damaged portion must grow out. Fingernails may take months to replace themselves, and toenails can take a year or longer.

Recurrence is possible, especially when athlete’s foot or repeated environmental exposure continues.

How can I reduce recurrence?

Keep nails short and dry, change socks regularly and allow shoes to dry completely. Wear footwear in locker rooms, pools and communal showers.

Do not share nail clippers or shoes. Clean nail tools after each use and treat athlete’s foot promptly.

Schedule a nail-fungus consultation

Nail discoloration does not always indicate fungus. The Dermatology Clinic can test the nail, confirm the cause and recommend treatment based on the severity and your overall health. Contact us today to get scheduled.