Fungal Nail Infection
Overview of Fungal Nail Infection
Fungal nail infections are a common problem in adults. They are more frequent in toenails than fingernails. Treatment is readily available to counter the infection.
Signs and Symptoms of Fungal Nail Infection
Fungal infections are skin diseases caused by a fungus. A million species of fungi are present in the environment.
Fungal nail infections (Fungus ka infection / فنگس کے انفیکشن) also known as onychomycosis are among the common infections that affect toenails or fingernails.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
“Fungal nail infections are common infections of the fingernails or toenails that can cause the nail to become discoloured, thick, and more likely to crack and break. Infections are more common in toenails than fingernails.”
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Types of Fungal Nail Infection
Indications of nail fungus in one or more nails are confirmed if nails are:
- Thickened and hard to touch
- Smelling slightly foul
- Brittle, crumbly, or ragged
- Distorted
- Debris build-up under nails
- Whitish to yellow-brown discolouration
Causes of Fungal Nail Infection
Fungal nail infection has four major types depending upon the species:
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Distal Subungual Onychomycosis (DSO)
The most common type of fungal nail infection. Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrumis the main fungus that causes this infection as well as an athlete’s foot.
-
White Superficial Onychomycosis (WSO)
This is the second most common type of infection. It is caused by dermatophyte Trichophyton mentagrophytes and also by non-dermatophyte molds.
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Candida Onychomycosis
It is more common in fingernails than toenails. Yeast infection is rare in the nails. The yeast Candida albicans causes this infection.
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Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis (PSO)
This infection is more common in people infected with HIV. This is also caused by Trichophyton rubrumis fungus.
Risk Factors of Fungal Nail Infection
Since it is a common infection, it can affect people of all ages. Fungus is already present on the surface of the skin. It just needs a suitable environment to mature in and cause the infection.
Since fungus is present on the skin surface as well, it just needs a tiny chance or opening to cause an infection.
The following conditions make the nails perceptive to getting a fungal infection:
- Nail injury
- Nail surgery
- Diabetes
- A weakened immune system
- Blood circulation problems
- History of Athlete’s foot (ringworm on the foot)
- Walking barefoot in damp communal areas, such as swimming pools, gyms, and shower rooms
- Sweating heavily
- Moist fingers or toes for an extended time
These infections are more common in men than in women. Fungal infections affect toenails more commonly than fingernails because toes are confined in shoes for most of the day.
Since it is a common infection, it can affect people of all ages. Fungus is already present on the surface of the skin. It just needs a suitable environment to mature in and cause the infection.
Since fungus is present on the skin surface as well, it just needs a tiny chance or opening to cause an infection.
The following conditions make the nails perceptive to getting a fungal infection:
- Nail injury
- Nail surgery
- Diabetes
- A weakened immune system
- Blood circulation problems
- History of Athlete’s foot (ringworm on the foot)
- Walking barefoot in damp communal areas, such as swimming pools, gyms, and shower rooms
- Sweating heavily
- Moist fingers or toes for an extended time
These infections are more common in men than in women. Fungal infections affect toenails more commonly than fingernails because toes are confined in shoes for most of the day.
Prevention
Following are the major risk factors regarding fungus nail infection:
- Age; being old doubles a person’s chance of developing this condition
- Sweating heavily; provides the right environment for the fungus to grow
- Previous history of athlete’s foot; an infection can recur.
- Walking or running barefoot; especially in damp communal areas such as gyms, shower rooms and swimming pools.
- Psoriasis; a minor skin condition or a nail injury that is left untreated
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes
Health Complications of Fungal Nail Infection
Severe and untreated cases can cause permanent nail damage. It can also lead to the development of other infectious diseases. These infectious diseases do not only affect your nails but can also spread to other body parts such as feet and legs. This condition becomes more apparent if a person is suffering from any chronic disease such as diabetes and is taking medications for the treatment.
These medications can suppress the normal working of the immune system. Diabetic patients should be more careful of these conditions. Because due to the reduced blood circulation they are at a greater risk. Severe cases can also result in amputation.
Diagnosis
A few lifestyle changes can be made to avoid the risk of infection:
- Drying feet and hands well after showering.
- Avoiding walking barefoot in public places.
- Washing hands immediately after touching infected nails.
- Getting manicures and pedicures from respectable salons.
Clipping fingernails and toenails short and keeping them clean.
Treatment of Fungal Nail Infection | When to Consult a Doctor
If any of the above-mentioned symptoms appear and are persistent, immediately see a doctor.
- A physical examination of the nails is done.
- A diagnosis is given based on the examination instead of lab tests.
- A scraping of the nail is taken and looked under a microscope.
- If the examination is unclear, debris under the nail is sent to the lab to identify the fungal specimen.
Doctors to treat Fungal Nail Infection
Dr. Asif Rauf
Hair Transplant Surgeon, Aesthetic Medicine Specialist, Cosmetologist | MBBS
Cosmolux ( The Hair & Skin Clinic )Rs 2000
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Highly Recommended
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Dr farukh is a kind man he listen whatever i said and then he diagnosed me the treatment of my issue
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I am very satisfied with the overall doctor's experience.
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Speciality for Fungal Nail Infection
Hospitals to Treat Fungal Nail Infection in Pakistan
- Dermatologist Hospitals in Abbottabad
- Dermatologist Hospitals in Bahawalpur
- Dermatologist Hospitals in Faisalabad
- Dermatologist Hospitals in Gujranwala
- Dermatologist Hospitals in Hyderabad
- Dermatologist Hospitals in Islamabad
- Dermatologist Hospitals in Karachi
- Dermatologist Hospitals in Lahore
- Dermatologist Hospitals in Multan
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