How to Treat and Prevent a Fingernail Infection?

It’s one of the most common dermatological conditions, with 7.8% of the Australian population suffering in the last 12 months1. The infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your nail. As it spreads, the nail may discolour, thicken and develop crumbling edges. If left untreated, nail infections are highly contagious, and generally don’t resolve themselves without treatment.

What Is Nail Fungus?

Onychomycosis better known as nail fungus, is a fungal infection of the nail plate.
In 80% of cases, nail fungus occurs in the toenails.2 This is due to the environment inside your shoes – a
dark, warm moist environment where fungi can thrive. Nail infections can often occur due to increased use
of communal change rooms in gyms and pools.

Fingernail and toenail fungal infections occur when the nail bed is invaded by various types of fungi. Fungal
infections of the nails, also referred to as onychomycosis, account for almost half of the common nail
disorders. Lack of treatment can worsen the condition and make it difficult to treat. Fungal nail infections can
also be highly contagious. Listed below are some causes, symptoms and treatment for fungal toenail and
fingernail infections.

Causes for Fungal Nail Infections:

Fungal fingernail and toenail infections are caused due to fungi that don’t require sunlight to survive. A group
of fungi referred to as dermatophytes causes nail fungal infections. These fungal infections can be caused
due to some yeasts and molds.

Although Trichophyton rubrum is the most common dermatophyte which causes fungal nail infections,
Trichophyton violaceum, Trichophyton interdigitale, Microsporum gypseum, Epidermophyton floccosum,
Trichophyton soudanense and Trichophyton tonsurans may also cause infections. Common molds that
cause infections include Aspergillus, Neoscytalidium and Scopulariopsis.

Pathogens which cause nail infections enter the skin through small cuts between the nail and the nail bed.
They grow when the nail provides a warm and moist environment.

Symptoms of Fungal Nail Infections:

Discoloration: Discoloration of the nails is the most common symptom of fungal nail infections. The nail turns
yellow, brown or purple in color. The fungus lodges itself on the tip of the nail and then works its way to the
root.

Flaky Nails: Brittle, flaky and chipped nails are also a sign of fungal infections of the nails.
Patches on the Nail: Back or white patches start to appear on the infected nails. Sometimes it becomes
difficult to identify whether the white color on the nail is a fungal infection or an indication of the nail not
being attached to the skin.

Thickened Nails: If a nail becomes thick and causes discomfort while cutting, it is a symptom of fungal nail
infections. Thick nails become tender and cause pain. They become thicker due to the layers of fungi which
grow under the nail.

Itchiness: Fungal infections of the nails cause an itching sensation under the nails. The itching sensation
causes a lot of discomfort because it is difficult to reach under the nail.

Distorted Nails: Due to fungus under the nails, the nails lose their shape. The distortion of the nails could
also be caused because the nails are detached from the nail bed.

Bumps under the Nails: In cases of fungal nail infections, you may notice small bumps under the nails, which might be filled with pus. Pus is also an indication of fungal infections.