What Causes Nail Fungus?

Usually, nail fungus occurs when fungus enters the nail through a small trauma (cut or break) in the nail. Nail fungus is not caused by poor hygiene. Nail fungus can be spread from person to person. It may be hard to determine exactly where or how a fungal infection is gotten. However, a warm, wet place (for example, a locker room) is a good place for a fungus to grow.

What Are the Symptoms of Nail Fungus?

A nail fungus infection can make your nails thick and discolored. Uncommonly, you may feel pain in your toes or fingertips.

How Is Nail Fungus Diagnosed?

Your doctor may be able to tell if you have a nail fungus infection by looking carefully at your nails. He or she may scrape some tissue from under your nail and look at it under a microscope or send it to a lab in order to determine for certain what kind of infection you have.

How Is Nail Fungus Treated?

Treatment for a nail fungus may include topical creams or oral medications(antifungal drugs), but topical antifungal drugs likely won't cure the infection. Rarely, surgery may be required. Removal of the infected nail can be performed to permit direct application of a topical antifungal. Oral drugs, such as terbinfine, can cure about 50% of nail fungus infections.

Toenail infections are more difficult to treat than fingernail infections because the toenail grows more slowly. In addition, a damp, warm environment of a shoe or boot can encourage fungal growth.

How Can I Prevent Getting Nail Fungus?

To prevent getting a nail fungus infection:

• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms
• Keep the inside of your shoes dry and change your socks frequently (100% cotton socks are recommended)
• Wear proper fitting shoes (shoes with a wide toe area and ones that don't press your toes)
• Use absorbent or antifungal powder