Nail fungus infection is a common issue that initiates with yellow or white spots under the tip of the toenail or fingernail. When the infection goes deeper, the nail fungus can grow and cause the nails to crumble, thicken, or discolour.

Nail fungus is also referred to as Onychomycosis. When the fungus spreads to the area between the skin and your toes, it is known as Athlete’s foot.

For mild conditions, you can take basic care of your feet to cure the infection. However, if the fungus is severe, it can cause pain and irritation. Understanding more about nail fungus and infection can help you take better care of your nails and feet.

Here is everything you need to know about nail fungus.

Causes of Nail Fungus

Nail fungus infections occur because of different fungal organisms. It can develop in individuals at any age but is more common in older people. When the nail starts aging, it becomes dry and brittle. This results in the formation of cracks that allow the fungal organism to enter and spread.

These microscopic fungi don’t require sunlight to thrive and can easily survive in the cracks of the nails. The most common cause of nail fungus is due to dermatophyte (trichophyton rubrum), a type of fungus. Aside from fungi, moulds and yeast can also cause nail infections, including:

· Trichophyton soudanense

· Trichophyton tonsurans

· Microsporum gypseum

· Trichophyton violaceum

· Epidermophyton floccosum

· Trichophyton interdigitale

The moulds that cause nail fungus include:

· Aspergillus

· Scopulariopsis

· Neoscytalidium

The pathogens that result in nail fungus enter the skin of the feet through small separations and tiny cracks between the nail bed and the nails. The fungus grows when the nail gives it a moist and warm environment. The fungus can easily spread to other nails if not treated and if proper precautions aren’t followed.

Other causes of nail fungus include a weakened immune system and lack of blood circulation in the feet.

Signs and Symptoms of Nail Fungus

The common signs of nail fungus include your nails looking:

· Yellowish or darker coloured

· Dull

· Distorted

· Crumbly

· Brittle

· Thickened

In some cases, the following signs might also occur:

· Onycholysis – nails separating from the nail bed

· Proximal Onychomycosis – yellow spots on the nails

· Lateral Onychomycosis – white or yellow streaking

· Hyperkeratosis – scaling under nails

Nail fungus might also cause pain in the fingertips or toes and might also emit a foul odour. In rare cases, it might cause skin lesions that might appear as itchiness or rashes in areas that aren’t affected by fungus.

Treatment for Nail Fungus

Treatment of nail fungus depends on the type and cause of the fungus. It might be a long process if the infection is severe. It could be treated with oral medications, ointments, and alternative therapies, like PACT therapy.

There are some over-the-counter medications available for nail fungus but they haven’t proven to be much effective.

Risk Factors of Nail fungus

Here are some of the factors that could increase the risk of nail fungus:

· Having a weak immune system, circulation issues, and being diabetic.

· Having minor nail or skin injury or condition like psoriasis.

· Walking in damp common areas barefooted, like shower rooms, gyms, and swimming pools.

· Having Athlete’s foot history

· Heavy sweating

Nail Fungus Prevention

To protect yourself from nail fungus and even athlete’s foot and reinfections, there are a few things you can do, including:

· Washing feet and hands regularly

· Washing hands immediately after touching an infected nail

· Keeping nails moisturized after washing

· Trimming nails and smoothing the edges using a file, ensuring to file down any thickened area

· Disinfecting nail clippers after every use

· Wearing socks that are sweat-absorbing or changing socks frequently in a day

· Wearing shoes that are made with breathable materials

· Discarding old shoes or thoroughly disinfecting them

· Wearing footwear in locker rooms and pool areas

· Choosing nail salons that use sterilized tools

· Giving up artificial nails and nail polish

It is essential that you follow these prevention tips particularly if you are at risk of developing nail fungus.

Taking care of your nails and following prevention tips is integral in avoiding nail fungus. If you notice any of the signs and symptoms, it is essential to get the right treatment immediately. The treatment might take a longer time to completely cure the infection.

While nail fungus can be irritating or unpleasant, most nail infections can successfully be cured without any complications with the right treatment. Therefore, it is essential to consult a professional to get the nail infection checked and immediately start proper treatment to cure the infection.