Causes and Symptoms of Nail Fungus

Onychomycosis – nail fungus – is diagnosed by clipping the affected nail and testing for fungal culture. Onychomycosis causes nails to become thickened and discolored. In the case of fingernails, it can have adverse psychological, social problems. Onychomycosis appears to be only a cosmetic concern; however, without treatment the toenails can become so thick that they press against the inside of the shoes, causing pressure, irritation, and pain. Fingernail infection may cause psychological, social, or employment-related problems.

Nail fungus is most commonly caused by shoes, and it often develops first in the big or little toe of the foot. Shoes cause the problems when they’re too tightly fitting. Adults who wear athletic shoes for instance, often wear these shoes for hours each day. The shoes are closed in, dark, and become quite moist from the feet sweating in them.

A damp environment combined with rubbing the shoes on the toes is most often how nail fungus develops. The shoes rub against the toes and create tiny scratches and abrasions which allow the fungus organism to get beneath the skin and nails. The fungus then starts feeding on the proteins the nails are made up of, and since it’s in the perfect environment with plenty of food, it begins to thrive, grow, and multiply.
Topical antifungal treatment (Penlac®) consists of a nail lacquer that is applied daily to affected nails. This medication does not have any contraindications but it may irritate surrounding skin in rare cases.

Kids and adults alike can also develop nail fungus by running around barefoot in public areas such as gyms, swimming pools and locker rooms. Running barefoot in general could make a person more susceptible to the fungus growth, because your feet are more at risk for scratches and other injuries when they’re not protected by shoes. Using public facilities such as gyms and showers though, can cause you to catch the fungus from another person who is infected.

People who are sick or have diseases which compromise the body’s immune system will also be more prone to developing nail fungus problems. Diabetes for instance, and HIV are examples of diseases which can weaken the immune system. There are also a variety of prescription drugs which supress the body’s immune system, and these can put you more at risk for developing fungal related problems too.

Nail fungus symptoms can develop in different ways, but one of the most common ones you’ll see is when the nails become discolored. They may turn black, yellow, brown or purple for instance, and sometimes they can look like you have a bruise on your nail. Some types of nail fungus will start as dark streaks in your nails too, and sometimes all that will happen is the nails start getting very thick.

Because nails grow very slowly, it typically takes 6 months to a year for the nail to regain a healthy, clear, thin appearance. However, onychomycosis is an ongoing fungal infection and patients with the condition should seek treatment. Onychomycosis is difficult to treat because nails grow slowly and receive very little blood supply. Recently there have been advances in treatment options, including oral and topical medications; however, these medications affect the liver. Oral antifungal medications usually are administered over a 3 month period. Before prescribing a medication, physicians should order a blood test to make sure the liver is functioning properly.

Resources: Zeta Clear | War Against Toe Nail Fungus