Fungal infections can affect any part of the body. Fungi are normally present in and on the body alongside various bacteria. But when a fungus begins to overgrow, you can get an infection.
Onychomycosis, also called tinea unguium, is a fungal infection that affects either the fingernails or toenails. Fungal infections normally develop over time, so any immediate difference in the way your nail looks or feels may be too subtle to notice at first.
Fungi that are already present in or on your body can cause nail infections Dallas, Tx. If you have come in contact with someone else who has a fungal infection, you may have contracted it as well. Fungal infections affect toenails more commonly than fingernails, likely because your toes are usually confined to shoes, where they’re in a warm, moist environment.
Common Kinds of Nail Fungus
Distal subungual infection
Distal subungual infections are the most common type of fungal nail infection and can develop in both fingernails and toenails. When infected, the outer edge of the nail has a jagged appearance with white and/or yellow streaks across the nail.
The infection invades the nail bed and underside of the nail.
White superficial infection
White superficial infections usually affect toenails Dallas, Tx. A certain type of fungus attacks the top layers of the nail and creates well-defined white spots on the nail.
Eventually these white patches cover the entire nail, which becomes rough, soft, and prone to crumbling. Spots on nail may become pitted and flaky.
Proximal subungual infection
Proximal subungual infections are uncommon but can affect both fingernails and toenails. Yellow spots appear at the base of the nail as the infection spreads upward.
This infection can commonly occur in people with compromised immune systems. It can also result from minor injury to the nail.
Treatment for Toenail fungus Dallas, Tx.
Fungal nail infections can be difficult to treat. Talk with your doctor if self-care strategies and over-the-counter (non-prescription) products haven’t helped.
Treatment depends on the severity of your condition and the type of fungus causing it. It can take months to see results. And even if your nail condition improves, repeat infections are common.
Medications.
Doctor may prescribe antifungal drugs that you take orally or apply to the nail. In some situations, it helps to combine oral and topical antifungal therapies Dallas, Tx.
Oral antifungal drugs.
These drugs are often the first choice because they clear the infection more quickly than do topical drugs. Options include terbinafine Lamisil and itraconazole Sporanox. These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part.
Oral antifungal drugs may cause side effects ranging from skin rash to liver damage. You may need occasional blood tests to check on how you’re doing with these types of drugs. The FDA has approved the following systemic works throughout the body medicines to treat nail fungus:
· Fluconazole
· Griseofulvin
· Itraconazole
· Terbinafine
Medicated nail polish.
Doctor may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). You paint it on your infected nails and surrounding skin once a day. After seven days, you wipe the piled-on layers clean with alcohol and begin fresh applications. You may need to use this type of nail polish daily for almost a year.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following medicines that you apply to the nail to treat nail fungus:
- Amorolfine
- Ciclopirox
- Efinaconazole
- Tavaborole
Side effects from these medicines are generally mild. Possible side effects include redness and swelling, an ingrown toenail, and stinging or burning when you apply the medicine. In clinical trials, none of these side effects caused patients to stop using the treatment.
Medicated nail cream.
Doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream, which you rub into your infected nails after soaking. These creams may work better if you first thin the nails. This helps the medication get through the hard nail surface to the underlying fungus.
To thin nails, you apply a nonprescription lotion containing urea. Or your doctor may thin the surface of the nail (debride) with a file or other tool.
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. Your dermatologist will use one of the following techniques to remove the nail:
- Nonsurgical nail removal (a chemical is applied to the nail)
- Surgical nail removal
Your dermatologist can perform both types of nail removal in a medical office or a clinic. With either procedure, the nail can grow back. If the infection fails to clear, however, your dermatologist can treat the nail so that it cannot grow back.
Tips to Prevent Fungal ToeNail Infections
Making a few simple lifestyle changes can help prevent a fungal infection of the nails. Taking good care of your nails by keeping them well trimmed and clean is a good way to prevent infections.
Also avoid injuring the skin around your nails. If you’re going to have damp or wet hands for an extended amount of time, you may want to wear rubber gloves.
Other ways to prevent fungal infections of the nails include:
· washing your hands after touching infected nails
· drying your feet well after showering, especially between your toes
· getting manicures or pedicures from trustworthy salons
· avoiding being barefoot in public places
· reducing your use of artificial nails and nail polish
