ONYCHOMYCOSIS

Overview and Facts

Onychomycosis is commonly known as fungal nail infection. It is a condition in which there is an overgrowth of fungi in areas of the toenail and or fingernail. Onychomycosis begins as a white or yellowish spot under the tip of the nail. It will cause deeper discoloration and thickening of the nail as it gets more serious. It may affect one or several nails. 

Onychomycosis can happen at any age, but it is more likely to affect people who are over the age of 65. People who have diabetes, a weakened immune system, have poor blood circulation, and people who have nail injury or skin injury around the nail are more likely to develop the infection. The constant wearing of closed-toe shoes while having moist fingers or toes for a long time also increases the risk of disease.

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

The typical kinds of Fungal Nail Infection are:

  • Distal subungual infection: It is the most common type in both toenails and fingernails. It causes the edge of the nail to appear jagged with whitish or yellowish streaks.
  • White superficial infection: It commonly affects the toenails attacking the top layers of it. It produces white spots on the nail that will gradually spread and cover the entire nail. The nail becomes soft and susceptible to breaking.
  • Proximal subungual infection: It is uncommon but can affect both fingernails and toenails. It produces yellow spots at the base of the nails. It results in minor nail injuries.
  • Candida infection: It is an infection caused by candida yeasts. It causes the inflammation of the nail fold. The nail hardens and thickens. If progressive, the nail may partially or fully fall-off the nail bed.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of Onychomycosis can occur to one or several nails simultaneously. Signs and symptoms of Onychomycosis are:

  • Thickening of nails
  • Whitish or yellow-brown patches of discoloration on the nail bed
  • Nail becoming brittle and rough
  • Deformed nail
  • Nail odor
  • Inflamed skin around nails

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing Onychomycosis is usually based on the appearance of the nail. The doctor will examine the appearance and will confirm the condition using laboratory testing. The doctor will use a nail clipping to take debris off of your infected nail. The sample will be directed to a laboratory for microscopy and culture. 

The doctor will have to identify the responsible organism, be it fungus, or yeast. Identifying the cause of the nail infection is vital before commencing on any treatment.

TREATMENT

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the type of organism responsible for it. The doctor may prescribe the following medications:

  • Antifungal drugs: It can be taken orally or be applied (cream) to the nail. It helps replace the infected nail with a healthy one. 
  • Medicated nail polish: Antifungal nail polish is used to coat the infected nail and the surrounding skin daily. The treatment lasts for about a year. 
  • Surgery: The doctor may opt to temporarily remove the nail or suggest permanent nail removal depending on the severity.

 

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