If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

OVERVIEW

What is a nail fungal infection?

A nail infection is caused by a fungus. This infection can happen in toenails and fingernails. It is more common in toenails. A fungal infection of the nail is also called onychomycosis.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of a fungal nail infection?

Symptoms affect the nail and can include nails that are:

• Discolored (usually white or yellow)
• Brittle
• Crumbly, or have rough, jagged edges
• Thick
• Separated from the nail bed
• Curled up or down, or are distorted in shape

 The infection can cause pain if it is severe. Some people with fungal nail infections have athlete’s foot. This is a similar condition that affects the skin around the toes.

Fungal infections can also lead to ingrown toenails as well.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

The infection is usually caused by exposure to a fungus. The fungus grows in wet, dark conditions. The fungus grows when your feet are in warm, sweaty environment (socks, work boots). It enters your nail through a crack in the nail.

 Nail fungal infections happen at any age. They are more common in adults older than 60 years of age. They are especially common in people who have diabetes or circulation problems. Men are more likely than women to get fungal nail infections.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How is nail fungal infection diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will look at your nails and ask you questions. They might clip a sample of your nail and send the sample to a lab to see if you have an infection. There could be other causes for your symptoms and your healthcare provider can help reveal what those are.

PREVENTION

Can a nail fungal infection be prevented or avoided?

Avoid situations that expose you to a fungus. This includes walking barefoot in locker rooms and having wet hands and feet often. This might be a problem for people who work in restaurants or house cleaning. People in a family can get nail fungal infections at the same time. This happens when their immune systems aren’t able to fight off the infection. Or it could be the infection is spread when using the same towels. It is important to routinely clean your shower, tub, and bathroom to lower risk of fungal infection.

TREATMENT

Several medicines can treat a fungal nail infection. Oral antifungal medicines help a new nail grow. You might need to take the antifungal medicine for 6 to 12 weeks. It depends on how severe the infection is. Some of these oral antifungal medicines are not safe for people who have liver problems or a history of congestive heart failure. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you have one of these conditions. Your healthcare provider will decide which medicine is right for you.

Apply topical treatments (creams and polishes) to the top of your nail.  Topical medicines alone usually do not cure fungal nail infections.

In severe cases, a healthcare provider might remove the nail completely. It can take several months to a year for the infection to go away.

Living with a nail fungal infection

If you have a nail fungal infection, some things can help:

• Keep your nails cut short and file down any thick areas.
• Don’t use the same nail trimmer or file on healthy nails and infected nails. If you have your nails professionally manicured, you should bring your own nail files and trimmers from home.
• Wear waterproof gloves for wet work (such as washing dishes or floors). To protect your fingers, wear 100% cotton gloves for dry work.
• Wear socks made of wicking material, which pull moisture away from the skin. Change your socks when they are damp from sweat or if your feet get wet. Put on clean, dry socks every day. You can put over-the-counter antifungal foot powder inside your socks to help keep your feet dry.
• Wear shoes with good support and a wide toe area. Don’t wear pointed shoes that press your toes together.
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms.