Difference between revisions of "Know if You Have Nail Fungus"

Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a common condition that can affect either the finger — or toenails, though it is more likely to infect toenails.<ref name="rf1">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/definition/con-20019319</ref> It often begins as a white or yellow spot under your nail(s) and can cause serious damage to the nail(s) or other infections if left untreated.<ref name="rf1" /> By identifying the signs and symptoms and treating the condition, you can not only know if you have nail fungus, but also get rid of this potentially unsightly condition.

#Learn the causes. Nail fungus is most often caused by a dermatophyte fungus, but the infection can also stem from yeasts and molds on your nail.<ref name="rf1" /> The fungi, yeasts, or molds that cause nail fungus can infect you and thrive under the following conditions:

#*Warm, moist environments that can include swimming pools, showers, and even your shoes.<ref name="rf1" />

#Be aware of your risk factors.  Although any person can get nail fungus, certain factors can make you more prone to developing it.<ref name="rf2">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/risk-factors/con-20019319</ref> Your risk may be at a higher risk because of:<ref name="rf2" />

#Recognize the symptoms. Nail infections exhibit some typical symptoms that can help you quickly know if you have the condition. Nails infected with fungi, yeast, or molds may be:<ref name="rf3">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/symptoms/con-20019319</ref>

#Observe changes to your nail. Pay close attention to your nails to notice if any changes occur to them over time. This can help you more easily know if you have nail fungus and get timely treatment.<ref name="rf4">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/symptoms/con-20019319 </ref>

#*Notice white and yellow patches or streaks under and on the sides of the nail, which is one of the first signs you may notice.<ref name="rf5">https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001330.htm</ref>

#*Look for changes to the texture of your nail such as brittleness, thickening, or loss of lustre.<ref name="rf5" />

#Notice pain. More advanced cases of nail fungus may cause pain and possibly inflammation to your nails and surrounding tissues.<ref name="rf1" /> Thickened nails may accompany pain, making it easier to know if you have a nail fungus as opposed to an ingrown toenail or another condition.<ref name="rf1" /> You may experience pain while walking or wearing shoes if you have an infected toenail.

#Detect odor. Dead or dying tissues build up under your nail(s) or nail separation can cause your nails to give off an odor.<ref name="rf6">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/causes/con-20019319</ref> Detecting any unusual odor may help you figure out if you have nail fungus and get proper treatment.<ref name="rf3" />

#*Smell for a particularly foul odor that may resemble something dead or decaying.<ref name="rf7">http://www.pdrhealth.com/diseases/nail-fungus/symptoms</ref>

#See your doctor. If you are exhibiting symptoms of nail fungus and aren’t sure of the cause or self-help measures aren’t working for suspected nail fungus, schedule an appointment with your doctor.<ref name="rf4" /> Your doctor can examine your toes and possibly run tests to confirm the type of infection you have, which can help her formulate the best treatment for you.<ref name="rf3" />

#*Let your doctor examine your nails, which may be the only type of test she needs to confirm nail fungus.<ref name="rf8">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20019319</ref>  

#*Your doctor may scrape some debris from under your nail and send it for further testing to determine what is causing your infection.<ref name="rf8" />

#*Be aware that some conditions like psoriasis can present like fungal infections of the nail.<ref name="rf8" />

#Take oral antifungal medications. Often topical therapies can't fully eradicate fungus and you will need an oral antifungal medication to get rid of the infection. These drugs, including terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox) can help a new, infection-free nail grow, replacing the areas with nail fungus.<ref name="rf9">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/treatment/con-20019319 </ref>

#*Take this treatment for six to 12 weeks. Be aware that it may take four months or longer to kill the infection.<ref name="rf10">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/treatment/con-20019319</ref>

#*Understand you may have side effects including skin rash and liver damage. Speak to your doctor about other medical conditions before taking oral antifungals.<ref name="rf10" />

#Trim and thin your nails. Cutting your nails and thinning them out can help relieve pain and pressure on your nails and nail beds.<ref name="rf11">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20019319</ref> This can also help any treatment more easily penetrate and heal the infection.<ref name="rf11" />

#*Soften nails before trimming or thinning them. You can do this by applying urea cream to the affected nails and covering it with a bandage and then washing off the product in the morning. Use this procedure until the nails soften.<ref name="rf11" />

#*Protect the area around your nail with petroleum jelly.<ref name="rf11" />

#Apply Vicks VapoRub. Some studies have found that rubbing Vicks VapoRub on nail fungus may help treat it.<ref name="rf11" /> Apply a thin layer of the product every day to help kill nail fungus.<ref name="rf11" />

#*Use a cotton swab to apply the VapoRub to your nail.<ref name="rf11" />

#Try herbal remedies. There is some evidence that alternative herbal remedies may help treat nail fungal infections.<ref name="rf12">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/alternative-medicine/con-20019319</ref> Two herbal remedies that may kill nail fungus and keep it at bay are:<ref name="rf12" />

#*Tea tree oil. Apply twice a day until the fungus disappears.<ref name="rf12" />

#Use creams and ointments. If you notice white or yellow markings or patches on your nails, apply an over-the-counter or prescription nail cream or ointment. For more severe cases, have your doctor prescribe a medicated cream.<ref name="rf10" /> This may help nip the infection in the bud before it spreads or gets more serious.<ref name="rf12" />

#*File off the surface of the nail, soak the affected area in water and dry it before applying the treatment.<ref name="rf11" />

#Paint your nails with medicated polish. Your doctor may suggest applying a medicated polish to your affected nails.<ref name="rf11" /> This can help kill the infection and prevent fungus from spreading.<ref name="rf11" /> This must be done consistently for months to have any effect.

#*Apply ciclopirox (Penlac) to your nails once a day for a week and then remove and repeat the polish.<ref name="rf11" />

#*It make take a year of this type of treatment to control the fungus.<ref name="rf11" />

#Consider other procedures.  Severe fungal infections may require more invasive treatments. Speak to your doctor about other procedures such as nail removal or laser therapies to help kill your nail fungus.<ref name="rf10" />

#*Your doctor may want to remove your nail if the fungus is particularly severe. In this case, a new nail may grow back within a year.<ref name="rf10" />

#*Some studies have shown that laser and light-based therapies can help treat nail fungus, either alone or in conjunction with other medication.<ref name="rf10" /> Be aware that these therapies may not be covered by insurance and are expensive.<ref name="rf10" />

#Prevent nail fungus. You can help prevent the spread or re-infection by nail fungus if you take prophylactic steps to minimize risk of the condition. Adopting the following habits can help minimize your risk for nail fungus:<ref name="rf13">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/prevention/con-20019319</ref>