A fingernail or toenail infection that is caused by a fungus is called
onychomycosis (say: "on-ee-koh-my-ko-sis"). Toenails are more likely to become infected than fingernails.
This infection can make your nails thick and discolored. Your nails may also be
brittle or change their shape. You may even have pain in your toes or fingertips.
Who gets fungal nail
infections?
Anyone can get a fungal nail infection. These infections are more common in
adults older than 60 years of age. They are especially common in people with diabetes or circulation problems. Children rarely get fungal nail
infections.
Why did I get a fungal
nail infection?
It may be hard to know where or how you got a fungal nail infection. A warm and
wet place provides the perfect conditions for a fungus to grow. If you often wear heavy work boots that make your feet warm and sweaty, a
fungus can grow around your toenails. If you often walk barefoot in locker rooms, you can pick up a fungus from the warm, wet floors.
People whose hands are often wet (for example, dishwashers in restaurants and
professional house cleaners) are more likely to get fungal fingernail infections.
Sometimes several people in a family will get fungal infections in their nails at
the same time. This can happen because their immune systems aren't able to fight off the infection very well or because the infection is being passed
when they use the same towels.
How do I find out if I
have a fungal nail infection?
If you think you have a fungal infection in your fingernails or toenails, see
your doctor. By looking carefully at your nails, your doctor might be able to tell if you have an infection.
How is a fungal nail infection
treated?
Several medicines can treat a fungal nail infection. Some of these medicines are
not safe for people who have liver problems or a history of congestive heart failure. Be sure to let your provider know if you have one of these
conditions. Your provider will decide which medicine is right for you.
You might only need to take the medicine for 6 weeks. You might need to take it
for 6 months, or longer. It depends on where the infection is and the severity of the infection.
Topical treatments, or creams and polish that you apply to the top of your nail,
also may be available for mild infections.
Because of the high price of some of these medications your provider
may consider other treatments like toenail removal in severe infections.
What can I do to take care
of my nails?
-
Keep your nails cut short and file down any thick areas.
-
Don't use the same nail trimmer or file on healthy nails and infected nails. If
you have your nails professionally manicured, you should bring your own nail files and trimmers from home.
-
Wear waterproof gloves for wet work (like washing dishes or floors). To protect
your fingers, wear 100 percent cotton gloves for dry work.
-
Wear 100 percent cotton socks. Change your socks when they are damp from sweat
or if your feet get wet. Put on clean, dry socks every day. You can put over-the-counter anti-fungal foot powder inside your socks to help keep your
feet dry.
-
Wear shoes with good support and a wide toe area. Don't wear pointed shoes that
press your toes together.
-
Avoid walking barefoot in public areas such as locker rooms.
Information Source: FamilyDoctor.org
