Fungal nail infection is an infection of the nails by a fungus.
Alternative NamesNails - fungal infection; Onychomycosis; Infection - fungal - nails; Tinea unguium
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe body normally hosts a variety of bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others may multiply rapidly and form infections. Fungi can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.
Fungal infections include mold-like fungi that cause:
Fungal infections also include yeast-like fungi such as candida. Candida yeast infections include:
Fungal nail infections are most often seen in adults. They often follow fungal infection of the feet. Toenails are affected more often than fingernails.
People who frequent public Swimming Pools, gyms, or shower rooms -- and people who perspire a great deal -- commonly have mold-like infections. The fungi that cause them thrive in warm, moist areas.
The following increase the risk of a fungal infection:
Your doctor will suspect a fungal infection based on the appearance of the nails.
The diagnosis can be confirmed by scraping the nail for a culture, or a microscopic examination to identify the type of fungus.
TreatmentOver-the-counter creams and ointments generally do not help treat this condition.
Prescription antifungal medicines taken by mouth may help clear the fungus in about 50% of patients. However, such medicines can cause side effects or may interfere with other medications. Some of the oral medications used to treat fungal infections of the nail can harm the liver.
In some cases, the health care provider may remove the nail. Nails grow slowly. Even if treatment is successful, a new, clearer nail may take up to a year to grow in.
Expectations (prognosis)The fungal nail infection is cured by the growth of new, non-infected nails.
Fungal nail infections may be difficult to treat. Even with successful treatment, it is common for the fungus to return.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if:
Good general health and hygiene help prevent fungal infections.
Fungal nail infection is an infection of the nails by a fungus.
Alternative NamesNails - fungal infection; Onychomycosis; Infection - fungal - nails; Tinea unguium
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe body normally hosts a variety of bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others may multiply quickly and form infections. Fungi can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.
Fungal infections include mold-like fungi that cause:
Fungal nail infections are most often seen in adults. They often follow fungal infection of the feet. Toenails are affected more often than fingernails.
People who often go to public swimming pools, gyms, or shower rooms, and people who sweat a great deal, often have mold-like infections. The fungi that cause them thrive in warm, moist areas.
The following increase the risk of a fungal infection:
Your doctor will suspect a fungal infection based on the appearance of the nails.
The diagnosis can be confirmed by scraping the nail and:
Over-the-counter creams and ointments generally do not help treat this condition.
Prescription antifungal medicines taken by mouth may help clear the fungus.
In some cases, the health care provider may remove the nail. Nails grow slowly. Even if treatment is successful, a new, clearer nail may take up to a year to grow in.
Expectations (prognosis)The fungal nail infection is cured by the growth of new, non-infected nails.
Fungal nail infections may be difficult to treat. Medicines clear up fungus in about 50% of patients.
Even with successful treatment, it is common for the fungus to return.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if:
Good general health and hygiene help prevent fungal infections.
Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier: pp 491-523.
Hay RJ. Dermatophytosis and other superficial mycoses. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier;2009:chap 267.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 10/04/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
paronychia
fungal infection , nail appears thick and chalky
latin derived medical prefix for "nail" as in fingernail or toenail; e.g. onychomycosis, fungal infection of the nail
No, they only go away if treated.
tinea unguium (infection of the nails)Tinea unguium is the latin name for a fungal infection of the nail. It can be caused by the dermatophytes:TrichophytonEpidermophytonMicrosporum
You can sue a nail salon for getting a severe infection that is fungal or otherwise. You can sue them if they don't disinfect their instruments.
Your nails turn crumble, and drop off and turn orangy yellow!
You can can buy it at this website (see link below). It is said that Deggurcide is the fastest fungal nail infection killer.
earn extra cash by selling your sandals.
The majority of skin, nail, or scalp fungal ailments need treatment. Your physician will be able to correctly identify what type of fungal infection you have and thereby prescribe the optimal therapeutic cream/ointment.
Onychomycosis is the medical term for a fungal infection of a fingernail or toenail. It can cause the nail to become discolored, thickened, and brittle. Treatment may involve antifungal medications.
A fungal infection could cause those symptoms.