What is a fungal nail infection?

A fungal nail infection is a condition that causes the nail to thicken or change color, turning white, yellow, or brown. This condition is caused by a type of germ known as a “fungus.”

Fungal infections are more common in toenails than in fingernails, and typically begin on the big toe, but can affect one or more nails. People with toenail infections may also have a condition called “athlete’s foot,” which is a fungal infection of the skin on the foot. This is because certain types of fungi can cause both of these problems.

Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, so people who swim or whose feet sweat excessively may be at higher risk of developing a fungal nail infection.

Symptoms of fungal nail infections

A fungal infection of the nail can cause it to:

• Change color, turning white, yellow, or brown

• Thicken, change shape, or lift up

• Break off easily

• Cause pain

Fungal nail infections are generally not serious and do not lead to long-term problems. However, in some people, such as those with diabetes or weakened immune systems, the infection can increase the risk of other infections.

Fungal nail treatments

The treatment for a fungal nail infection depends on the severity of the infection and how much it bothers you. If the infection is mild or doesn’t bother you much, you might choose not to treat it. However, an untreated nail infection probably won’t go away, but it probably won’t cause any long-term problems either.

When people need or choose to have treatment, it usually involves “antifungal” medicines that you get with a prescription from your doctor. These medicines are taken by mouth or put on the nail.

Treatment with pills usually lasts a few months. Some people who take these medicines need to have blood tests. That’s because these medicines can affect the liver.

If you don’t want to or can’t take antifungal pills, your doctor will talk with you about other treatment options. These might include using an antifungal medicine on the nail or having surgery to remove your nail.

Before starting any of these treatments, you should know that:

• It can take many months for your nail to look normal again.

• There is a chance that the treatment won’t work. The infection might not get better, or it might come back. If either of these things happen, your doctor can try another treatment or send you to a specialist.

Fungal nail prevention

Here are some tips to reduce the risk of getting a nail infection:

• Keep your feet clean and dry.

• Avoid sharing nail tools, such as clippers and scissors.

• Wear flip-flops or other footwear in a gym shower or locker room.

What is paronychia?

Paronychia is a skin infection that occurs around the fingernails or toenails. You are more susceptible to this infection if you:

• Push down or trim the skin at the base of the nail (called the “cuticle”).

• Bite your nails.

• Suck your thumb or finger.

• Have a job that requires you to keep your hands in water for extended periods of time.

Symptoms of paronychia

Symptoms of paronychia include:

• A painful and swollen area around the nail.

• Pus-filled blisters near the nail.

Paronychia treatment

Your dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. In the case of a pus-filled blister, your doctor may give you a shot to numb your finger or toe and then use a needle or sharp tool to open and drain the blister. Afterward, you will need to soak your finger or toe and take antibiotics. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications, such as steroids or anti-fungal medicines.