Fungal Nail Infection
Fungal Nail Infection
- mycotic nails
A fungal nail infection is a condition in which a fungus or yeast infects the nails, more often the toenails than the fingernails.
What is going on in the body?
A fungal nail infection is usually caused by a fungus called Trichophyton.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
Fungal skin infections, such as
athlete's foot, often lead to fungal nail infections. It is most common in adolescent and adult males and is rare in women and children under age 12. The fungus that causes the infection lives in warm, moist environments such as showers and locker rooms.
A person is more likely to develop a fungal infection if he or she:
- fails to dry the feet well after swimming or bathing
- has sweaty feet
- walks barefoot in locker rooms and showers
- wears tight shoes and socks
What can be done to prevent the infection?
It is difficult to prevent a fungal nail infection, but these steps can help:
- Wear a shower shoe or sandal in public places instead of going barefoot.
- Use an antifungal powder, such as miconazole, in socks and shoes.
- Keep socks clean.
- Wash socks each time with an antifungal solution, such as clotrimazole (i.e., Lotrimin, Mycelex), if you are susceptible to the fungus.
- Keep feet clean and dry.
- Go barefoot at home, whenever possible.
- Avoid use of nail polish and polish remover.
- Cut toenails straight but not too short.
How is the infection diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a fungal nail infection begins with a medical history and physical exam. The healthcare professional may cut a small portion of the nail plate. It is sent to a lab so the organism can be identified.
Long Term Effects
What are the long-term effects of the infection?
Fungus can cause the nail plate to come loose from the skin. This enables water or sweat to get under the nail. Bacteria can build up and cause skin breakdown. This can lead to a secondary bacterial infection which can spread to the connective tissue under the skin, a condition called cellulitis. Rarely, sepsis, or infection of the bloodstream, can occur.
What are the risks to others?
Fungi may be transmitted to others who share bathing facilities or footwear.
What are the treatments for the infection?
Treatment of a fungal nail infection includes the following:
- trimming and thinning the nail plate
- applying topical imidazole medications such as clotrimazole (i.e., Lotrimin, Mycelex), miconazole (i.e., Monistat), butoconazole, tioconazole, econazole (i.e., Spectazole), ketoconazole (i.e., Nizoral), sulconazole (i.e., Exelderm), oxiconazole (i.e., Oxistat), terbinafine (i.e., Lamisil).
- applying topical unsaturated fatty acid derivatives such as propionic acid, undecylenic acid, haloprogin (i.e., Halotex), tolnaftate (i.e., Tinactin).
- applying topical ciclopirox (i.e., Penlac).
- taking an oral antifungal medicine, such as fluconazole (i.e., Diflucan), itraconazole (i.e., Sporanox), terbinafine (i.e., Lamisil)
- removing the nail temporarily and treating the area underneath with an antifungal ointment
In general, oral medications result in a much higher rate of treatment success.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Antifungal ointments may cause an
allergic reaction. Oral antifungal medications may cause stomach upset or allergic reaction.
What happens after treatment for the infection?
Antifungal medications are expensive and require monitoring by the healthcare professional for the duration of the treatment. Once the medicine is stopped, it may take several months before the nail plate is cleared of the fungus. The fungus often returns. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare professional.