The ABC of fungal infection on your toe nail, how to get rid of it, and when to see a doctor
Fungal infection nail is a very common type of infection that affects your toenails. In some cases, it can start developing between your toes and turn into athlete’s foot. If you are suffering from a fungal infection in your toenail or simply want to know more about the topic, this article will come in handy.
Below you can learn all about fungal infection nails, including its causes, treatments, and when to see a doctor for specialized treatment.
What Is A Fungal Infection Nail?
A fungal infection nail, often known as onychomycosis, is a condition that makes your toenails develop white or yellow spots beneath it, and as it goes deeper, it can cause the entire nail to change its color and thickness at the edge. Fungal infections can affect several nails at a time, and when the fungus starts infecting the areas between your toes, as well as the skin of your feet, it becomes athlete’s foot.
You may not need treatment if your fungal infection nail bed is minor and does not bother you. Self-care and medications may help if your nail fungus is uncomfortable and has thickened your nails. However, even if treatment is successful, nail fungus frequently returns.
Possible Causes Of Getting A Fungal Infection Nail Bed
Various fungal species cause fungal nail infections (fungi). Dermatophyte, a form of fungus, is the most common cause. Infections of the nails can also be caused by yeast and molds.
People of any age can acquire a fungus nail infection, but it is more common among the elderly. The nail might become brittle and dry as it gets older. Fungi can infiltrate through the breaks in the nails as a result of this. Other factors, such as poor foot circulation and a weaker immune system, may also play a role.
Athlete’s foot (foot fungus) can cause toenail fungal infections, which can spread from one nail to the next. However, contracting an infection from someone else is uncommon.
Is Toenail Fungus Contagious?
Many forms of toenail fungi are highly infectious. Through direct contact, an infected person can spread the fungus to others. Toenail fungus can also be contracted by contacting an infected surface.
Because nail fungi prefer warm, wet, and dark environments, many people contract toenail fungus when wandering about the perimeters of swimming pools, using a public locker room or shower, or going barefoot in public.
Although toenail fungus seldom spreads beyond the toe, some dermatophyte fungi can easily spread to the skin. Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a dermatophyte fungus.
How To Treat Fungal Infection Nail At Home
If you’re looking to get rid of a fungal infection nail, take a look at the following information.
If the appearance of your nail bothers you or it is painful, talk to a pharmacist. They may recommend one of two options: an antifungal nail cream, which can take up to a year to treat the infection and does not always work; or an antifungal nail powder, which can take up to a year to cure the infection and does not always work. or a nail-softening lotion, which is normally applied for two weeks to soften the nail and allow the infected portion to be scraped away. When you see a healthy nail growing back at the base, you’ll know the infection is gone.
Here are some excellent over-the-counter medications for an effective fungal infection nail bed treatment:
- OTC Lotrimin AF. This cream is mostly used for athlete’s foot, which is essentially a more severe toenail infection and spread. It is a great medication you can get in any drugstore that doesn’t require a prescription. In around 3-4 weeks you can see your nails improve their condition.
- Scholl Fungal Nail Treatment. A 2 in 1 solution that treats and prevents fungal infections effectively. The first kit contains an improved liquid formulation to fight infection at the source (based on observational data), while the second contains disposable files to assist prevent infection spread.
When To See A Doctor For A Toenail Infection
If over-the-counter medication hasn’t worked, schedule an appointment with a physician. Your doctor will check your nails and may take some nail clippings or scrape material from beneath your nail to send to a lab to determine the type of fungus that is causing the infection.
Other illnesses, such as psoriasis, might look like a fungal nail infection. Infections of the nails can also be caused by microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria. Knowing what caused your infection can help you choose the best treatment option.
Treatment for fungal nail infections varies depending on the degree of the infection and the type of fungus that is causing it. The time it takes to see effects can be months, which is why addressing the problem with a doctor and specific medication is advised if your toenail fungus infection keeps appearing or bothering you.
