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  1. Onychomycosis
    OnychomycosisFungal infection of the nail
    Risk factorsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentsDoctors
    MSN Health
     

  2. Nail fungus - Overview

    Verified Expert
    Also known as: onychomycosis, tinea unguium
    A fungal infection that occurs in the edge of the nail.
    How common is condition?
    Very common (More than 3 million cases per year in US)
    Is condition treatable?
    Treatable by a medical professional
    Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging?
    Rarely requires lab test or imaging
    Time taken for recovery
    Can last several months
    How is condition transmitted?
    Transmitted through indirect contact and direct contact
    Condition Highlight
    More common in males
    See more

    Causes

    Verified Expert

    • Nail Fungus is caused by dermatophyte fungus and in some cases mold and yeast can also be responsible.
    • The risk factors include:
    • Aging
    • History of athlete's foot
    • Psoriasis
    • Diabetes
    • Sweating too much

    See more

    Symptoms

    Verified Expert
    Contact your provider if experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms.

    One or more of the following symptoms can be observed:

    • Thickened or brittle nail
    • Scaling under the nails
    • White or yellow streaks on the nail
    • Flaking white areas on the nail’s surface
    • Appearance of yellow spots at the bottom of the nail
    • Distorted nail

    See more
    Why is fungus more common in toenails than fingernails?
    Since fungus thrives in dark, warm places, your toenails are more likely to be affected than your fingernails. Your toes also have less blood flow than your fingers, which makes it harder for your body to pick up on and prevent an infection.
    webmd.com

    Treatment

    Verified Expert

    Oral antifungal medication is used most often. Antifungal nail lacquer or topical solution may also be effective. Depending on the type and extent of infection, medication course will vary.

    Medication

    Oral antifungals: Antifungal medicines work by either killing the fungal cells or by preventing the growth and reproduction of fungal cells.

    Terbinafine . Itraconazole . Fluconazole

    See more
    nail fungus_en
    Microsoft Start Health

    Diagnosis

    Verified Expert
    One or more of these tests may be recommended by your medical provider.
    Diagnosis involves physical exam and testing.

    Common tests & procedures

    Physical examination: This is done to look for symptoms.

    Microscopic examination: The doctor scrapes a portion of the infected area for microscopic examination. Specific test may also be ordered to confirm the infection.

    See more
    Source: Focus Medica. For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice. | Disclaimer: Opinions are from external health professionals and should not be considered as Microsoft's opinion or a substitute for professional help. Consult a health professional for medical advice.
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    Table of Contents
    Overview
    Causes
    Symptoms
    Why is fungus more common in toenails than fingernails?
    Treatment
    Health guide
    Diagnosis
     
  1. Onychomycosis
    • According to 2 sources
    A fungal nail infection is a common condition that can leave you with brittle, discolored nails, usually on your toes. Its formal name is onychomycosis, and it’s a lot like athlete’s foot. But instead of affecting the skin on the bottom of your feet or between your toes, it invades your nails.

    Fungal Nail Infections: Sym…

    webmd.com
    Onychomycosis is the term for fungal nail infections. It can be caused by ringworm or by infection with other types of fungi such as yeasts. Onychomycosis can affect the fingernails or toenails, but onychomycosis of the toenails is more common.

    Clinical Overview of Ringwor…

    cdc.gov
  2. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...

    Nail fungus - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

  3. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...

    Nail fungus - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

  4. Healthline
    https://www.healthline.com/health/funga…

    Fungal Nail Infection: Overview, Causes & Treatments

    Jul 16, 2024 · Learn about fungal nail infections, which are caused by fungi that enter through small cracks in the nail or skin. Find out how to prevent, …

    • Estimated Reading Time: 6 mins
    • Healthline
      https://www.healthline.com/.../stages-of-…

      The Stages of Nail Fungus: Symptoms, Risk Factors, …

      Feb 16, 2024 · Learn how to recognize the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for toenail fungus, a common infection that can affect your nails. Find out how to prevent it from worsening and when to see a doctor.

    • Verywell Health
      https://www.verywellhealth.com/toenail-f…

      Toenail Fungus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

      Jun 4, 2024 · Learn how to identify and treat toenail fungus, a common and unsightly infection that affects 10% of the population. Find out about the causes, symptoms, treatment options, complications, and prevention tips for …

    • People also ask
      Can fungi cause nail infections?
      Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so this type of environment can cause them to naturally overpopulate. The same fungi that cause jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm can cause nail infections. Fungi that are already present in or on your body can cause nail infections.

      Fungal Nail Infection: Overview, Causes & Treatments - Healthline

      healthline.com
      Is fungal nails caused by a germ?

      Dr. Anukriti Pant

      Doctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1.5 years of exp

      Fungal nail infections are caused by different types of fungi that live in the environment. Small cracks in the nail or the surrounding skin allow these germs to enter the nail and cause an infection.
      Q&A: Nail Fungus
      bing.com
      Why is fungus more common in toenails than fingernails?
      Since fungus thrives in dark, warm places, your toenails are more likely to be affected than your fingernails. Your toes also have less blood flow than your fingers, which makes it harder for your body to pick up on and prevent an infection.

      Fungal Nail Infections: Symptoms Causes, Treatment, and Prevention - …

      webmd.com
      What are the symptoms of a toenail fungal infection?
      Toenail fungal infections are common and can be difficult to treat. You may be prone to them if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Symptoms may include thickening, discoloration (white or yellow), crumbling, lifting, and spreading to the skin around the nail.

      Types of Toenail Fungus: Pictures, Symptoms, Treatment - Verywell Heal…

      verywellhealth.com
      How do you cure fingernail fungus?

      Dr. Robert H. Shmerling

      M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of exp

      Fungal nail infections do not always require treatment because they are rarely a threat to health. And fingernail fungus is not always curable. However, it may contribute to brittle nails and may be distressing due to its appearance. Treatment options include: • Non-prescription topical medicines • Prescription topical medicines (such as efinaconazole, tavaborole or ciclopirox) • Prescriptions oral medicines (such as itraconazole) • Surgery to remove the nail temporarily (to allow topical treatment to work better) or permanently Many physicians do not recommend prescription medications for nail fungus due to the risk of side effects and because recurrent infection is common. It may take many months to know if these treatments are working.
      Q&A: Fingernail Health
      bing.com
      What is the current practice for treating nail fungus of toenails?

      Dr. Himanshu J. Vats

      Doctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1.5 years of exp

      Azole drugs are often the first choice. These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. Taken daily for 6 to 12 weeks.
      Q&A: Nail Fungus
      bing.com
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    • Verywell Health
      https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-o…

      Types of Toenail Fungus: Pictures, Symptoms, …

      Oct 18, 2024 · Learn about the different types of toenail fungus, how to recognize them, and how to treat them. Find out who is more likely to get toenail fungus and how to prevent it.

    • Cleveland Clinic
      https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11303-toenail-fungus

      Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis/Tinea Unguium): Symptoms

    • Columbus Podiatry & Surgery
      https://www.columbusfoot.com/toenail-fungus

      Toenail Fungus Treatment | Podiatrist, Foot Doctor Columbus, OH …

    • NHS
      https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fungal-na…

      Fungal nail infection - NHS

      Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatments of fungal nail infections, which can affect your toenails or fingernails. Find out when to see a pharmacist, a GP or a podiatrist for fungal nail problems.

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