Recognizing and Treating Nail and Toenail Fungal Infections

Signs and remedies for nail and toenail fungal infections

Nail fungus is a common issue, especially among men. It often begins as a white or yellow spot at the edge of a fingernail or toenail. As the infection progresses, the nail may become discolored, thickened, and fragile, eventually crumbling at the edges.

In mild cases, treatment might not be necessary if there's no pain or discomfort. However, when symptoms worsen, thickened or painful nails may require medical intervention. Notably, fungal infections can reoccur even after successful treatment.

Common symptoms include nails turning yellow-brown, becoming brittle, misshapen, and emitting an unpleasant odor due to debris buildup underneath. Fungal organisms like yeasts and molds can cause these infections, which are more prevalent in older adults and often linked to athlete’s foot, spreading between nails.

For mild infections, over-the-counter treatments like antifungal creams and polishes can be effective. More severe cases might require oral medications such as terbinafine or itraconazole, which help eliminate the fungus and promote healthy nail regrowth over 6 to 12 weeks. Nail lacquers like ciclopirox (Penlac) are also used, applied daily for up to a year.

In some cases, removing infected parts or entire nails surgically is necessary, especially when other methods fail. Prevention strategies include maintaining proper hygiene, wearing breathable footwear, changing socks regularly, avoiding prolonged use of closed shoes, and disinfecting shoes with antifungal powders. Protect your feet in public places, choose clean salons, and limit frequent use of artificial nails to prevent infections. Regular inspection of nails helps catch issues early.