Learn About Fungal Nail Infection

What is the definition of Fungal Nail Infection?

Fungal nail infection is a fungus growing in and around your fingernail or toenail.

What are the alternative names for Fungal Nail Infection?

Nails - fungal infection; Onychomycosis; Tinea unguium

What are the causes of Fungal Nail Infection?

Fungi can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.

Common fungal infections include:

  • Athlete's foot
  • Jock itch
  • Ringworm on the skin of the body or head

Fungal nail infections often start after a fungal infection on the feet. They occur more often in toenails than in fingernails. They are most often seen in adults as they age.

You are at higher risk of getting a fungal nail infection if you have any of the following:

  • Diabetes
  • Peripheral vascular disease
  • Peripheral neuropathies
  • Minor skin or nail injuries
  • Deformed nail or nail disease
  • Moist skin for a long time
  • Immune system problems
  • Family history
  • Wear footwear that does not allow air to reach your feet
What are the symptoms of Fungal Nail Infection?

Symptoms include nail changes on one or more nails (usually toenails), such as:

  • Brittleness
  • Change in nail shape
  • Crumbling of the outside edges of the nail
  • Debris trapped under the nail
  • Loosening or lifting of the nail
  • Loss of luster and shine on the nail surface
  • Thickening of the nail
  • White or yellow streaks on the side of the nail
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What are the current treatments for Fungal Nail Infection?

Over-the-counter creams and ointments usually do not help treat this condition.

Prescription antifungal medicines that you take by mouth may help clear the fungus.

  • You will need to take the medicine for about 2 to 3 months for toenails; a shorter time for fingernails.
  • Your provider will do lab tests to check for liver damage while you are taking these medicines.

Laser treatments may sometimes get rid of the fungus in the nails. This is less effective than medicines.

In some cases, you may need to have the nail removed.

Who are the top Fungal Nail Infection Local Doctors?
Podiatric Medicine
Podiatric Medicine
238 Chestnut St, 
St Marys, PA 
 17.8 mi

David Sanderson is a Podiatric Medicine provider in St Marys, Pennsylvania. Dr. Sanderson and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Fungal Nail Infection. His top areas of expertise are Fungal Nail Infection, Plantar Fasciitis, Ledderhose Disease, and Fibromatosis.

Podiatric Medicine
Podiatric Medicine

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital

1001 E 2nd St, 
Coudersport, PA 
 22.3 mi

John Dresser is a Podiatric Medicine provider in Coudersport, Pennsylvania. Dr. Dresser has been practicing medicine for over 9 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Fungal Nail Infection. His top areas of expertise are Fungal Nail Infection, Tendinitis, Ledderhose Disease, and Fibromatosis.

 
 
 
 
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Podiatric Medicine | Podiatric Surgery
Podiatric Medicine | Podiatric Surgery
1755 Us Route 6 W, 
Roulette, PA 
 20.4 mi

Michael Tarbox is a Podiatric Medicine specialist and a Podiatric Surgeon in Roulette, Pennsylvania. Dr. Tarbox and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Fungal Nail Infection. His top areas of expertise are Hammer Toe, Tendinitis, Bunions, and Ledderhose Disease.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Fungal Nail Infection?

The fungal nail infection is cured by the growth of new, non-infected nails. Nails grow slowly. Even if treatment is successful, it may take up to a year for a new clear nail to grow.

Fungal nail infections may be hard to treat. Medicines clear up fungus in about one half of the people who try them.

Even when treatment works, the fungus may return.

When should I contact a medical professional for Fungal Nail Infection?

Contact your provider if:

  • You have fungal nail infections that do not go away
  • Your fingers become painful, red, or drain pus
How do I prevent Fungal Nail Infection?

Good general health and hygiene help prevent fungal infections.

  • DO NOT share tools used for manicures and pedicures.
  • Keep your skin clean and dry.
  • Take proper care of your nails.
  • Wash and dry your hands thoroughly after touching any kind of fungal infection.
What are the latest Fungal Nail Infection Clinical Trials?
MULTICENTRIC, RANDOMIZED, EVALUATOR BLINDED CLINICAL INVESTIGATION for the EVALUATION of EFFICACY and SAFETY of TWO PRODUCTS for the TREATMENT of ONYCHOMYCOSIS

Summary: The efficacy and safety of ENRICHED (X92001591) will be evaluated in a multicentric, randomized, evaluator blinded clinical investigation in 88 patients.

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An Evaluation of the Effect of the Erchonia® LunulaLaser™ for the Treatment of Toenail Onychomycosis

Summary: The purpose of this clinical study is to demonstrate the efficacy of the Erchonia LunulaLaser™, for the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail.

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: November 18, 2022
Published By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Dinulos JGH. Nail diseases. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 25.

Holguin T, Osmani S, Mishra K. Fungal infections of the skin. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2022. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:1058-1062.

Tosti A, Iorizzo M. Tinea unguium. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Coulson IH, Murrell DF, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 243.