Nail fungus - Symptoms and causes (2024)

FAQs

What is the main cause of nail fungus? ›

You're more likely to get a fungal nail infection if you: don't keep your feet clean and dry. wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty. walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, like communal showers, locker rooms and gyms.

Other Conditions That Look Like Toenail Fungus

Other conditions that can resemble a toenail fungus are: Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition affecting the skin and nails. It causes white, yellow, or brown discoloration, pitting, crumbling, blood under the nail, and the nail separating from the toe.8.

Additionally, biotin deficiency can increase the risk of fungal nail infections and subsequent nail plate discoloration. Changes in nail shape and surface.

People with toenail fungus are at a higher risk of developing other fungal infections—including those that affect the heart. Toenail fungus can sneak up on you—especially if you're immunocompromised or have preexisting health conditions.

If you want to get rid of a toenail fungus quickly, you will likely need to see a doctor for prescription medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan). Natural remedies may be able to relieve your symptoms, but there isn't certainty that they will work, and even if they do, it will likely take longer.

If you have crusty, cracked, crumbling, or discolored nails, it's likely more than just a cosmetic problem. Nail fungus and nail psoriasis are two common causes of such nail changes. And they look pretty similar, which makes it hard to tell them apart.

Topical treatment with Vicks VapoRub: The combination of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, the three main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, is believed to stop the growth of certain fungi. Follow the same application process as for tea tree oil. Numerous readers swear by this.

Older age. Wearing shoes that make your feet sweat heavily. Having had athlete's foot in the past. Walking barefoot in damp public areas, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms.

Studies show that taking antifungal pills and applying medicine to your nails can be more effective than using either treatment alone. Nail removal: If you have a severe infection or other treatments just don't work, your dermatologist may recommend removing the nail(s) to get rid of the infection.

Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection. It can be a symptom of nail psoriasis. If a person does not have psoriasis or other symptoms of nail psoriasis, then onychomycosis may be due to another cause, such as an injury to the nail, weakened immune system, diabetes, or venous insufficiency.

What should you avoid if you have nail fungus? ›

Don't go barefoot in public places. Use a spray or powder that fights fungus on your feet and in your shoes. Don't pick at the skin around your nails. Don't use nail polish or fake nails on your nails.

Then a friend suggested rubbing a capsule of vitamin E oil on my affected nails daily, and it worked!” she wrote. “Of course, it has taken awhile for the nails to grow out, but soon they looked normal again.”

If you let a nail fungus infection go for too long, several problems emerge. The infected nail can become misshapen and increasingly separated from your nail bed. Itching and pain are unpleasant side effects; if they're too severe, you can have trouble wearing shoes or walking.

What causes nail fungus? Tiny, microscopic organisms called fungi (the plural of fungus) cause a fungal nail infection. Many people pick up the fungi when they have skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection such as athlete's foot or ringworm on their hands.

These fungi use the keratin in your nails to grow and multiply and make onychomycosis highly contagious. They thrive in warm, moist environments, and are frequently transferred to your feet when you're exposed to sweat or go places, like gym locker rooms, saunas, or public showers.

What causes nail fungus? Tiny, microscopic organisms called fungi (the plural of fungus) cause a fungal nail infection. Many people pick up the fungi when they have skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection such as athlete's foot or ringworm on their hands.

You can try OTC antifungal creams, gels, and nail polishes or home remedies like Vicks VapoRub or tea tree oil. Be sure to trim and thin your nails while you do this. Give it a few months to see improvement. Depending on how bad your fungus is, you may still need to see a doctor.

A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.