Fungal nail infection
1. What is it ?
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail plate, nail bed, or both.
2. Causes
Most cases of onychomycosis are caused by dermatophytes (a type of fungus). The fungus can be acquired through contact with an infected person or through contact with a surface where the fungus is present, such as a bathroom floor.
Risk factors:
- Older age
- Wearing shoes that make your feet sweat heavily
- Having had athlete's foot in the past
- Walking barefoot in damp public areas, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms
- Having a minor skin or nail injury
- Having a skin condition that affects the nails, such as psoriasis
- Having diabetes, blood flow problems or a weakened immune system
3. Signs and Symptoms
- Thickened nails
- Discolored nail plate
- Crumbly debris under the nail plate
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed
- Misshapen nail
- Malodorous
4. Treatment
- Mechanical debridement of the affected nails to reduce its thickness, to allow penetration of topical agents
- Use topical antifungal treatment as directed for a minimum of 6 months
- Maintain personal hygiene
- Laser treatment
- Oral antifungals may be required if the diagnosis of fungal infection is confirmed with fungal pathology testing
